What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

Will low water pressure affect tankless water heater?





Low water pressure.

Deposits inside the heat exchanger can cause the outlets from the tankless system to become clogged. If you notice low water pressure coming from your hot water faucets, these clogs might be the reason.

Can you increase water pressure with a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters work by restricting flow until the water reaches the preset temperature, so if the flow is too low from your tankless heater, you may increase it by lowering the temperature setting, says BEC Green.

How much flow does a tankless water heater need?

Example: If you’re taking a shower (100% flow and 110˚F hot water) and simultaneously use two faucets (100% flow and 110˚F hot water), you will need at least 5 GPM tankless water heater.
What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need? (For Family Of 2,3,4,5,6)

Fixture Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
Faucet (kitchen, bathroom) 1.0 – 2.0 GPM
Dishwasher 1.5 – 2.0 GPM
Washing Machine 2.0 – 2.5 GPM

What are pros and cons of tankless water heaters?





Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It? 10 Pros and Cons

  • Pro #1: Instant Hot Water. …
  • Con #1: Inconsistent Temperatures. …
  • Pro #2: Longer Lifespan. …
  • Con #2: Higher Initial Cost. …
  • Pro #3: Lower Month-to-Month Costs. …
  • Con #3: Limited Hot Water Supply. …
  • Pro #4: Space Savings. …
  • Con #4: Additional Equipment is Often Necessary.

What is the lifespan of a tankless water heater?

20 years

Most tankless water heaters will last for up to 20 years or more, which is a long lifespan in comparison to tank water heaters, which last around 10–15 years. Tankless water heaters use new technology that helps them to stay functional and operational for much longer than some of the alternatives out there.

Do tankless water heaters wear out?

A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years before it needs to be replaced. Regardless of what type of water heater is installed, over time, it will corrode with age, and it’s essential to monitor it for any of the below issues, especially if it’s in the second half of its lifespan.

Do tankless water heaters leak water?



Architects and engineers understand that when a tankless water heater reaches the end of its life it will likely leak, just like a tank. Even though the leak is substantially less than a tank, containing the water and conveying it safely away can save thousands of dollars in property damage.

Do tankless water heaters need a pressure relief valve?

Pressure-relief valves are an essential component of tankless water heaters. The valves allow you to manually release air from the heating chamber when filling the chamber with water for the first time, or during periodic maintenance.

What is better tankless or tank water heater?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?



A family of 4 should look for a tankless water heater that can produce 7 gallons of hot water per minute. Most families use about 6.5 GPM during peak times. To determine the tankless water heater size, you’ll need to know how many appliances your family will use simultaneously.

Is a tankless water heater good for a large family?

From a comfort standpoint, a tankless model can ensure hot showers for the whole family, enough warm water for dishes and laundry and a restful soak in a warm bath after a long day at work.

How many gallons of hot water does a shower use?

A shower uses approximately 10 gallons of hot water per shower. A dishwasher uses 6 gallons during every use, while hand washing uses 4 gallons per wash, and shaving uses 1 to 2 gallons per shave.

How long does it take to install a tankless water heater?

between one to three hours



Additional time is required to install new power and water lines and air vents. Afterward, the tankless unit must also be mounted and connected. Tankless to Tankless Installation: This generally takes between one to three hours.

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed.

Is a tankless water heater worth the cost?

Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency.

Are tankless water heaters safe?

Aside from the concern about carbon monoxide, a tankless water heater is a very safe piece of equipment. Because there is no tank which can overheat or experience a massive spike in pressure, a tankless system doesn’t have the danger of bursting or exploding.

Can tankless water heaters cause carbon monoxide?



Tankless gas water heaters release carbon monoxide gas as part of the combustion process. This is normal. Depending on if you have an indoor or outdoor model determines how your tankless water heater is vented. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when an indoor tankless water heater is not venting correctly.

Which type of water heater is safest?

Each of these water heater tanks may run on one or more types of fuel sources: Electricity: Water heaters powered by electricity are considered safer and generally more efficient than most other fuel sources.