Licensed Plumber LICENSE #CO88900054
Call For a Licensed Plumber: (317) 859-9999

Is your water heater on its last legs? If your unit has been in place for more than 12-15 years, you may be almost ready for a new one. And as you think about getting a new water heater, there are a few basic decisions you’ll need to make. One of the most fundamental decisions is whether to spring for a tankless water heater.

Basically, there are two options when it comes to hot water heaters. The traditional tank type heats many gallons of water and then holds them in supply, ready for use whenever you need it. Tankless units heat your water on demand; true to their name, they don’t have a supply tank.

So which option makes the most sense for you and your family? When thinking about getting a tankless unit versus a more conventional one, there are a number of pros and cons to consider.

Adjustable water heater
Adjustable water heater

The Pros of Getting a Tankless Water Heater

Let’s start with the positives. What are some of the primary reasons to consider getting a tankless water heater? Some of the advantages include:

  • A tankless water heater will be more energy efficient: Tankless water heaters work entirely on demand. What this means is that your unit will only heat water when you run the shower or turn on the faucet. By contrast, a tank unit requires ongoing heating throughout the day. The upshot: A tankless water heater can help you save a lot of money on your utility bill.
  • Tankless water heaters last much longer: In fact, the average lifespan of a tankless water heater is twice that of a conventional unit. A heater with a tank may cease working within 12 or 15 years. The tankless unit will hold up much better for much longer.
  • A tankless water heater requires less space:Because they don’t need a massive storage tank, tankless water heaters use up much less space in your home, basement, or garage.
  • When you go tankless, you have unlimited hot water whenever you need it:With an on-demand unit, you’ll have as much hot water as you need within seconds.
  • A tankless hot water heater will allow you to run multiple showers or appliances at once:Looking to have a shower, run the dishwasher, and do a load of laundry at the same time? No problem. Tankless water heaters will allow you to do all of this and more without worrying about the hot water running out.

These are just a few of the of the advantages of tankless water heaters.

Water Heater
Water Heater

The Cons of Getting a Tankless Water Heater

Now that we’ve covered the advantages, let’s focus on some of the drawbacks. Here are a few important disadvantages of tankless water heaters.

  • They tend to be more expensive:Generally speaking, water heaters without a tank will cost you more money on the front end. Indeed, if you’re looking for a new hot water heater on a tight budget, this may not be the option for you. However, we would note that tankless water heaters can save you money over the long haul, both because of the energy savings and because of their longer shelf life.
  • Sometimes, installation is a little more complicated: Depending on your home plumbing setup and how much retrofitting is required, installing tankless water heaters can sometimes take longer and require more work. This can vary from one home to the next.
  • Tankless water heaters don’t work as well for larger homes: How many bathrooms do you have? And how many people live with you? If your home has three bathrooms or fewer, tankless water heaters work wonders. For really large homes, however, you may run into energy output problems. For really big homes with many bathrooms, multiple tankless water heaters may be required.

These are just a few disadvantages to keep in mind as you think about heaters tankless and otherwise.

Gas Boiler
worker set up central gas heating boiler at home

Making the Right Decision About Your Hot Water Heater

To recap, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a tankless water heater? And, what are some of the factors you should consider as you shop for a new unit?

  • A conventional hot water heater will last 20 years at the most. Water heaters without tanks will last considerably longer.
  • In terms of energy consumption and hot water per minute, water heaters without tanks are much more efficient.
  • However, it’s not right to say that a tankless hot water unit will never run out of water. In larger homes with many bathrooms, there can be some issues or limitations.
  • Most water heaters without tanks run on gas. Electric models are available, but they are a lot pricier.
  • Because they help you save space and make more efficient use of water, tankless models are better bets overall. However, these units may not be viable options for everyone.

As you consider the different kinds of hot water units that are available, we invite you to contact Carter’s My Plumber. We’ll evaluate your water heating needs and show you some units that we can recommend. Our plumbing experts have ample experience consulting on water heating needs, and we can also provide fast and affordable water heater installation.

Reach out to Carter’s My Plumber with any additional water heater questions or needs.

Kelson Carter

Article reviewed by:

Kelson Carter, aka, The Prince of Plumbing

Kelson is a 3rd generation Plumbing Contractor. His family business is located in Greenwood, Indiana, and provides Residential Plumbing Service to the Indianapolis Metro market.

Kelson grew up watching his grandfather and father do plumbing. After graduating high school, Kelson went to Trade School and became a Licensed Master Plumber and Licensed Plumbing Contractor. He is also Certified in Backflow Prevention. He currently owns and operates Carter's My Plumber with his parents.


Instagram

Schedule Your Appointment Now

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
Take the time to read this review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

"Thank you for being you. We can't find that in the world much."

We are so grateful for our loyal customers & our team that makes everybody feel like  a part of the family! 317-859-9999
Mr. Max reporting for duty! Let's get the weekend rolling! 

Happy Golden Friday! 🌟
Did you know we have appointments on Saturdays? Unlike our competitors, we've got technicians working on the weekends to make sure we can fit your schedule. 

We recognize life is busy and sometimes the weekends are the ONLY times to get things done. Call us to get a limited weekend spot! 317-859-9999 πŸ‘‘
Eat your veggies & support your local plumber! 

317-859-9999 πŸ₯¬
Sometimes it takes a team to get a job done right & we've got the best one! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for Larry, Alex, and Jarred. Get our crew in your home to tackle any plumbing problem, big or small. 317-859-9999
END OF SUMMER MAINTENANCE DEAL! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Check out this limited offer. *** Plumbing maintenance really does save you money & time in the long run. Those pieces of equipment that keep your life running smooth need annual attention to maintain themselves! 

Have our team out to inspect your water softener, water heater, and sump pump before the cold weather hits and you're really in trouble. 

Call 317-859-9999 and mention this post for the deal!
Did you know your appliances use more energy during the summer months? Leading to additional wear and tear on your plumbing appliances? 

Check the lines leading to your washing machine, refrigerator, and dishwasher to ensure there are no leaks. Cracks & leaks expand in colder weather so getting ahead of the game is the KEY! 

317-859-9999 πŸ’¦
END OF SUMMER MAINTENANCE!!! 🌟🌟

Next up, inspecting sewer lines. With warm weather and rain comes GROWTH. Most growth, we love to see, but some growth can be detrimental. Tree and plant roots have potential to invade your sewer lines and cause a true headache for your family. 

If you notice obvious wet areas in your yard where sewer lines are below, call US to get ahead. Save yourself the time and the money. 317-859-9999 πŸ‘‘πŸ’ͺ
We hate it say it, but the end of summer & colder weather is near. That means it's time to start our end of summer maintenance lists. With the use of outdoor hoses to wash cares, water plants, fill pools, etc. there is the inevitable wear and tear. 

Check those outdoor hoses for water leakage before the fall/winter and make any repairs or replacements as necessary. Call us if you need some help! 317-859-9999 πŸŒŸπŸ› πŸ‘‘
It's Friday, sun is shining, trucks are clean, & we've got the best team of technicians taking care of our loyal customers today. We are counting our blessings!!!

What are you grateful for going into the weekend? πŸŒŸπŸ’¦
Free estimates, Reasonably priced, & Courteous! 

Call us @ 317-859-9999 and get your headaches resolved! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
No time for funny business....

CALL CARTERS! 317-859-9999 πŸ’ͺπŸ’¦
Paul, one of our senior technicians, is celebrating his 1 Year Work Anniversary with Carter's My Plumber! πŸ’ͺ

Paul is hard working, experienced in his trade, shows pride in his work, and really hones in on the details required for fine craftsmanship. πŸ› 

If Paul's your technician this week, give him a BIG congrats!! Call our office to book with a plumber who you can trust! 317-859-9999
WE'RE EXPANDING THE TEAM! πŸ‘‘πŸ’¦

Carter's My Plumber has open positions for licensed & apprentice plumbers. Join a group of like-minded professionals who truly value YOU and your hard work. Let's chat!

Visit us online at www.cartersmyplumber.com or call our office at 317-859-9999 to get some additional information. πŸ› 
It's Friday & we've got some food for thought. 

When you're booking with a company, make sure they stand by their warranties on the weekends because THINGS HAPPEN. At Carters, we stand by our work. That means we're here for you when things go wrong, EVEN when its not convenient. 

Book with a company that won't leave you hanging. πŸ‘‘

317-859-9999