What Are The Disadvantages Of A Tankless Water Heater?

When it’s time to upgrade the hot water system of your home, understanding the needs and requirements of your household will help you to make a wise decision. When considering the many options available, the selection can often be overwhelming. However, the first and biggest question is often whether to install a tankless water heater or an electric storage heater to deliver your hot water.

While the ever-popular tankless water heaters can offer you an array of benefits, there are a few disadvantages you should be aware of. Cost and efficiency are the biggest factors to consider when installing a system that best suits your needs, which is why we have compiled the disadvantages of a tankless water heater and how an electric storage system may be the best option for you and your household.
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Cost

When it comes to cost, tankless water heaters are generally more than electric storage alternative, meaning they are a bigger investment. While they do provide you with an endless supply of hot water from a gas source, the outright cost of this system can often outweigh this benefit. If you were considering a tankless system to reduce the cost of power in your home, there are cheaper alternatives that are worth considering.

Electric storage heaters can provide you with a more budget-friendly method of hot water delivery. With solar options also available, you can reduce your power bills right down to a fraction of the cost, making them fierce competition for tankless water heater options.

Inconsistent Temperature

Few things are more frustrating than standing around waiting for your shower water to heat up, which is, unfortunately, one of the key disadvantages of a tankless water heater. Failing to keep a ready supply of hot water, tankless systems waste precious time and water while they heat and flush the water in your pipes. Sometimes referred to as a ‘cold water sandwich,’ tankless water heaters often surge hot and cold water, this is a kick on delay from the system heating the water, while it is common, it can be hard to get used to if you’re unfamiliar!

Alternatively, electric storage heating systems have a reserve of hot water ready for immediate use, this is particularly convenient if you have a household that needs a quick shower in the morning or hot water on demand for your washing. Electric storage water heaters will provide you and your family with consistent hot water on demand while ensuring an even and regulated temperature.

No Hot Water During A Power Outage

Why don’t I have hot water? Waking up in the morning and realising there has been a power cut is the worst way to start your day. Unfortunately one of the disadvantages of a tankless water heater is that they rely on an electric control panel, so regardless of whether the system is powered by gas or electricity, your hot will still cease to operate in the event of a power outage.

This is where a water storage system comes into play, while they do rely on electricity to heat the water, they retain a full supply in their tank, which remains hot even after the system loses power. A great solution for those who have experienced power outages and want to avoid the risk of a cold shower!

Final Thoughts

So, whether you’re looking at installing a tankless water heater, or exploring the benefits of an electric storage option, we would advise you to talk to the professionals. With expertise in all forms of hot water delivery, Hot Water Solutions can steer you in the right direction. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote or comprehensive advice for all of your hot water needs.
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