The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters for Colorado Residents

Colorado residents face unique challenges when it comes to selecting water heating systems due to the state's climatic conditions. One option that often comes under consideration is the tankless water heater. But how do you ascertain if this is the right choice for you? Let's explore the key pros and cons of installing a tankless water heater in your Colorado home.

Pro: Energy Efficiency

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand or instant water heaters, use energy only when you turn on the tap. This starkly contrasts traditional units that keep a tank of water hot continuously. Resultantly, tankless systems can yield energy savings of 24%-34%, according to the Department of Energy.

Pro: Unlimited Hot Water

One substantial advantage of tankless water heaters is the promise of unlimited hot water. They heat water on demand, so you don't need to fret about the hot water running out halfway through a shower or a laundry load. This can be a game-changer for large families or households with high hot water consumption.

Pro: Space Saving

Another plus of the tankless water heater is its compact design. Traditional tanks take up considerable space, while a wall-mounted tankless unit is much smaller, providing homeowners with more flexibility regarding installation location.

Con: Initial Investment

While tankless water heaters offer several advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks. Significantly, the upfront cost of these units is more substantial than traditional heaters. Likewise, the installation cost can be higher, especially if retrofitting is required. However, over time, the energy savings can offset these initial costs.

Con: Potential for Inadequate Output in Larger Homes

Another potential downside to consider is inadequate hot water output in larger homes. If multiple hot water appliances are in use at once — such as washing machines, dishwashers, and showers — a single tankless heater may struggle to meet demand. In these cases, installing multiple units for different areas of the house might be mitigated.

Con: Cold Climate Impact

While a tankless water heater is suitable for many Colorado homes, the colder climate in the winter months can affect the unit's performance. Extremely cold incoming water needs more energy to heat up, putting a strain on the unit. However, this can be remedied by ensuring the unit is adequately sized to handle Colorado’s winter temperatures.

Pro and Con: Maintenance

While tankless heaters require less space and can potentially last longer than traditional tank water heaters, the unit should be descaled annually or more frequently in hard water areas. Descaling involves using a special solution to remove lime scale, ensuring the unit operates efficiently.

In conclusion, a tankless water heater offers Colorado homeowners many benefits including energy savings, unlimited hot water, and space efficiency. However, it's essential to consider the initial investment, potential output limitations, the effect of a cold climate, and maintenance when making your decision.

At Kemble Brothers Plumbing, we pride ourselves on more than 21 years of reliable service and expert craftsmanship. We can help you navigate these decisions, ensuring you choose a water heater solution aligned to your needs. If you're considering a tankless water heater for your Colorado home, contact us today. Our team of experienced professionals will provide guidance tailored to your unique needs and situation, providing you with the highest standard of service. Trust our experience and commitment to quality—contact us today for all your plumbing needs.