For those looking to upgrade their water heater, electric tankless water heaters may seem like a promising option. But with all the advantages and convenience they offer, there are still some drawbacks that should be considered before making any purchase.
In this article, we’ll explore the downside of an electric tankless water heater – from cold water performance and energy costs to maintenance considerations and power outages. So if you’re considering investing in an electric tankless water heater, read on to learn more about its potential drawbacks.
Overview of Electric Tankless Water Heater
Electric tankless water heaters are highly energy efficient and offer an unlimited supply of hot water on demand. However, there are several potential drawbacks to consider before investing in one of these units. Cold water performance may be a concern since electric tankless heaters take longer than traditional water heaters to produce hot water.
Additionally, their flow rates tend to be lower than other systems, so if you have a washing machine or a water softener hooked up, it could affect your overall performance. Another consideration is the upfront cost – electric tankless units can be more expensive than traditional hot water heaters and may require professional installation by a certified plumber.
Finally, electric tankless units can’t store any reserve of hot water like traditional storage tanks, so if you experience frequent power outages, your supply of hot water will also be affected.
The Downside of an Electric Tankless Water Heater
The electric tankless water heater is a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency and enjoy an unlimited hot water supply. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before investing in one of these units. Cold water performance may be slower than traditional systems as electric tankless heaters take longer to produce hot water and have lower flow rates.
Additionally, upfront costs can be higher due to the cost of the unit itself and professional installation by a certified plumber. Finally, since electric tankless models don’t store any reserve of hot water, frequent power outages will leave you without hot water until electricity is restored.
Despite these potential drawbacks, electric tankless models are still an excellent choice for homeowners looking for unlimited hot water on demand with significant energy savings over time. Just make sure you do your research and weigh all the pros and cons before making any purchase decision.
Cold Water Performance
When it comes to hot water performance, electric tankless models may not be the best choice. Cold water performance can be significantly slower than traditional systems as electric tankless heaters take longer to produce hot water and have lower flow rates.
This means that you may have to wait a few minutes before the desired temperature is reached and even then, the amount of hot water available may not be enough for certain tasks such as running a washing machine or filling a bathtub.
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient solution with fast hot water delivery, consider investing in a traditional water heater or demand water heater instead. These units offer larger gallons of water per minute and are also more energy efficient than electric tankless heaters, earning them both Energy Star ratings.
Energy Costs
Electric tankless water heaters may be attractive because of their energy-efficient design, but the upfront costs of purchasing and installing one can be daunting. Additionally, electric models aren’t as powerful as other types of water heaters, so you’ll have to pay more for your electricity bill each month as the heater works overtime to keep up with demand.
If you’re looking for an efficient solution that won’t break the bank in terms of energy costs, consider investing in a traditional water heater or demand water heater instead. These units offer larger gallons of water per minute and are Energy Star rated, meaning they use less energy than electric tankless heaters while still providing enough hot water for everyday needs.
Plus, professional installation is often included in the cost so you don’t need to worry about finding a qualified plumber or paying extra.
Flow Rates and Gallons Per Minute
Electric tankless water heaters are often touted as an energy-efficient solution, but they don’t always provide the same flow rate and gallons per minute as other types of water heaters. Traditional water heaters offer larger gallons per minute, meaning that you can get enough hot water for your daily needs without having to pay significantly more on your electricity bill each month.
Plus, many traditional models come with professional installation included in the cost, saving you from having to find a qualified plumber or paying extra for their services. If you’re looking for an efficient way to get all the hot water you need without spending too much money, consider investing in a traditional water heater or demand water heater instead.
Installation Costs
When it comes to installation costs, electric tankless water heaters tend to be more expensive than traditional hot water heaters. If you are considering installing an electric tankless unit, you may want to factor in the cost of professional installation as well. This can add up quickly, especially if your home requires a more complex system with multiple electric coils and energy-saving features.
Additionally, many traditional hot water heaters come with professional installation included in the cost, so you don’t have to worry about finding a qualified plumber or paying extra for their services. For those looking for an efficient way to get all the hot water they need without breaking the bank, investing in a traditional hot water heater or demand water heater is often the best choice.
Gas Lines and Ventilation Requirements
Gas tankless water heaters have many advantages over traditional hot water heaters, but they also come with some additional requirements. One of the most significant is that a gas line must be installed in order to power the unit. This can add to the cost of installation, as running a new gas line from the meter or street to the house may require professional help.
Due to their vent-free design, electric models need to be installed in an area with proper ventilation in order to prevent hazardous gases from building up in your home. These extra steps mean that it’s important to plan ahead when installing a tankless water heater and factor in any additional costs related to gas lines and ventilation requirements.
Ultimately, for those who want energy-efficient and reliable access to hot water on demand, investing in a tankless water heater is often worth the effort and expense.
Maintenance Considerations
When considering the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, maintenance considerations must not be overlooked. Tankless units require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly and efficiently.
Annual inspections from a professional plumber are recommended in order to check for any buildup of calcium or other minerals in the water softener or electric coils, which can reduce the flow rate of hot water.
The installation of a tankless unit requires specialized knowledge, so it’s important to plan ahead and factor in any additional costs associated with hiring a professional plumber to install your new tankless system.
While upfront costs may be higher than those associated with traditional water heaters, investing in a tankless system could help you save money on energy bills over time due to their high-efficiency ratings. And with regular maintenance and inspections from an experienced professional, you’ll have long-lasting access to hot water on demand for all your needs—from washing machines to showers—without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Power Outage
When it comes to having hot water on demand, electric tankless water heaters are the way to go. They’re energy efficient and can save you money in the long run. Unfortunately, an electric tankless water heater does have one major downside: if the power goes out, so does your hot water. This is a serious issue for anyone living in an area prone to outages or brownouts.
If you’re relying on a tankless system for hot water and the power suddenly goes out, all of your plans are ruined. You won’t be able to shower, do laundry, or take care of any other tasks that require hot water.
With a traditional tank-style hot water heater, at least you would still have access to heated water stored in the tank until power was restored.
So while electric tankless systems offer lots of advantages in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings, it’s important to consider their downsides before making a purchase decision – especially if you live somewhere with spotty electricity service.
No Hot Water During a Power Outage
Electric tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular for their energy efficiency and space-saving features. However, one downside of an electric tankless water heater is that it won’t provide hot water in the event of a power outage. This means you’ll have no hot water for your shower, dishes, or laundry when the electricity goes out. In comparison, traditional water heaters with storage tanks can still provide hot water without electricity since the stored water remains hot for several days after a power outage.
Another issue to consider is that electric models require larger wattage draw than gas-powered units. This means they’re more expensive to operate, especially if you rely on them year-round as your main source of hot water. If you opt for a professional installation, it may cost more than installing a traditional storage tank-style heater due to the complexity of wiring and other components required for an electric model.
Overall, electric tankless heaters offer a number of advantages such as energy savings and space-saving features but there are some downsides to consider such as having no hot water during a power outage and higher upfront costs. It’s important to weigh all of these factors when deciding which type of unit is right for your home or business.
Maintenance
Even though tankless water heaters are incredibly efficient, they require more maintenance than traditional hot water heaters. Without regular maintenance, minerals, and sediment from hard water can build up in the system, leading to reduced flow rates and ineffective heating of water. To keep your electric tankless water heater running efficiently, you should clean the filter every month by unscrewing it and rinsing it under running water.
You will need to have a professional come out once a year to flush out the system and descale it – this is not optional if you want your tankless unit to work as intended. However, with proper maintenance and upkeep, an electric tankless water heater will provide your home with an endless supply of hot water on demand while also saving energy costs in the long run.
Difficult to Achieve Desired Temperature
Tankless water heaters are a great way to save energy and money, but they come with one major downside—difficulty to achieve the desired temperature. Unlike traditional water heaters that can reach temperatures between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit, tankless models only reach up to 105-110 degrees.
Those with a tankless unit will find a lukewarm gap between pouring ice-cold water and steaming hot water from the mix tape! While this isn’t usually an issue for most people, those who enjoy cooler showers may find it difficult to achieve their desired temperature with an electric tankless heater.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure your tankless unit is delivering the right temperature. Installing an electric coil in the unit can help boost its heating power and make it easier to reach your desired temperature range. Additionally, installing a demand water heater or a professional plumber can help ensure you’re getting the most out of your tankless system.
Finally, investing in energy-efficient appliances like washing machines and water softeners can help reduce your electricity bill while still providing hot water when needed. With these tips in mind, you should have no problem getting the right temperature with your electric tankless heater!
Conclusion
Investing in an electric tankless water heater is a great way to save energy and money, but it does have one major downside—difficulty to achieve desired temperatures. Fortunately, there are solutions you can use to get the most out of your system.
Installing an electric coil into the unit, utilizing demand water heaters or professional plumbers, and investing in energy-efficient appliances can all help make sure you’re reaching the desired temperature range without sacrificing energy savings.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy hot water on demand while still saving money on your electricity bill!
