What is the Downside of an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
Electric tankless water heaters offer many advantages, but they also have some potential drawbacks․ Before you decide whether an electric tankless water heater is right for you, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides․
1․ High Installation Cost
Electric tankless water heaters typically cost more to install than traditional tank water heaters․ This is because they require a dedicated electrical circuit and often need to be installed by a qualified electrician․ The cost of installation can vary depending on the size of the unit, the complexity of the installation, and the local labor rates․
In addition to the cost of the unit itself, you may also need to pay for permits, inspections, and other fees․ If you are considering an electric tankless water heater, it is important to factor in the cost of installation when making your decision․
Here are some tips for saving money on the installation of an electric tankless water heater⁚
- Get multiple quotes from different contractors․
- Choose a contractor who is experienced in installing electric tankless water heaters․
- Ask about discounts or promotions․
- Consider doing some of the work yourself, such as running the electrical wire․
By following these tips, you can help to reduce the cost of installing an electric tankless water heater․
2․ Limited Flow Rate
Electric tankless water heaters have a limited flow rate, which means that they can only provide a certain amount of hot water per minute․ This can be a problem if you have a large household or if you use a lot of hot water at the same time․ For example, if you are taking a shower and someone else is running the dishwasher, you may not have enough hot water for both․
The flow rate of an electric tankless water heater is determined by the size of the unit and the temperature of the incoming water․ Larger units can provide a higher flow rate, but they also cost more to purchase and install․ If you are unsure whether an electric tankless water heater will provide enough hot water for your needs, it is important to consult with a qualified plumber․
Here are some tips for increasing the flow rate of an electric tankless water heater⁚
- Increase the size of the unit․
- Increase the temperature of the incoming water․
- Install a recirculation pump․
By following these tips, you can help to increase the flow rate of an electric tankless water heater and ensure that you have enough hot water for your needs․
3․ Can’t Handle Multiple Hot Water Demands Simultaneously
Electric tankless water heaters are not well-suited for homes with high hot water demands․ If you have a large family or if you use a lot of hot water at the same time, an electric tankless water heater may not be able to keep up․ For example, if you are taking a shower and someone else is running the dishwasher, you may experience a drop in water pressure or even cold water․
The reason for this is that electric tankless water heaters heat water on demand․ This means that there is no reserve of hot water stored in a tank․ When you turn on a hot water faucet, the water heater must start heating the water from scratch․ If you are using a lot of hot water at the same time, the water heater may not be able to keep up with the demand․
If you are considering an electric tankless water heater, it is important to assess your hot water needs carefully․ If you have a large family or if you use a lot of hot water at the same time, an electric tankless water heater may not be the best option for you․
Here are some tips for reducing hot water demand⁚
- Take shorter showers․
- Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth or shaving․
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets․
- Use a dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes․
By following these tips, you can help to reduce hot water demand and make an electric tankless water heater more feasible for your home․
4․ Potential for Cold Water Sandwiches
Cold water sandwiches occur when cold water is mixed with hot water in the pipes․ This can happen when the water heater is not able to keep up with demand, or when the hot water pipes are not properly insulated․
Cold water sandwiches can be a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous․ If you experience cold water sandwiches, it is important to have your water heater checked by a qualified technician․
Here are some tips for preventing cold water sandwiches⁚
- Make sure that your water heater is properly sized for your home․
- Insulate your hot water pipes․
- Reduce your hot water demand by following the tips in the previous section․
If you are experiencing cold water sandwiches, and you have already taken the steps to prevent them, it is important to have your water heater checked by a qualified technician․ There may be a problem with the water heater that needs to be repaired․
Cold water sandwiches are a potential downside of electric tankless water heaters․ However, by following the tips in this section, you can help to prevent them from occurring․
5․ Requires a Dedicated Electrical Circuit
Electric tankless water heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit․ This means that the circuit must be used exclusively for the water heater, and it cannot be shared with any other appliances․ The circuit must also be properly sized to handle the electrical load of the water heater․
Installing a dedicated electrical circuit can be expensive, especially if your home’s electrical system is not already up to code․ However, it is important to have a dedicated circuit for your electric tankless water heater to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently․
Here are some tips for installing a dedicated electrical circuit for your electric tankless water heater⁚
- Hire a qualified electrician to install the circuit․
- Make sure that the circuit is properly sized for the electrical load of the water heater․
- Use a circuit breaker that is rated for the amperage of the circuit․
- Install the circuit in a location that is easily accessible․
Having a dedicated electrical circuit for your electric tankless water heater is essential for ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently․ By following the tips in this section, you can help to ensure that your water heater is properly installed and that it will provide you with years of trouble-free service․