For several years, I debated the merits of converting from a traditional tank water heater to a tankless alternative. While a tankless model costs more to purchase and install, it offers a lot of unique advantages. One of the biggest benefits is better energy efficiency. With a conventional tank, the same water is constantly reheated, resulting in standby energy losses. Tankless models only heat water when a tap is activated. I’ve researched and read that a tankless water heater can save anywhere from 25 to 35% on energy bills. Plus, a tankless water heater provides an endless source of hot water. Because it heats water as needed, there is no worry over running out of hot water. There is no long wait for the water to heat up to the perfect temperature. No matter how many showers my family takes or how many household tasks use hot water, there is plenty. I like the space-savings of a tankless model. A traditional tank is bulky and occupies a great deal of floorspace in the basement. A tankless option is about the size of a small suitcase and can be mounted on the wall. It looks nicer and frees up valuable storage space. I can also expect a longer lifespan. Most tanks last between ten and fifteen years, while a tankless model can provide around twenty-plus years with proper maintenance. Parts are more easily replaced, which helps to lengthen service life and improve the value of the investment. Modern tankless water heaters feature multiple safety features. They are designed with sensors to prevent overheating. Because there is no tank to potentially leak or burst, there is no risk over a ruptured tank flooding the basement and causing damage.
