Blog » Are Tankless Water Heaters More Reliable? (Making the Right Choice)
Are Tankless Water Heaters More Reliable?
(Making the Right Choice)
Is it time for you to consider installing a new hot water system?
Choosing the right hot water system for your home is a crucial decision that impacts both your comfort and your energy bills. For a long time, storage tank water heaters have been a fan favourite in Queensland homes, however, in recent years, the tankless system has started to gain traction. Each of these water heaters come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks, making it difficult to determine the best fit for your home. So, let's break it down.
Tankless Water Heaters: The Pros and Cons
A tankless system, more commonly referred to as an on-demand or instantaneous water hot water system, heats water in real-time. Meaning, once the tap is turned on, the cold water is filtered through the unit and heated as required. This eliminates the need to store hot water at predetermined temperature. The tankless heater approach ensures you are only paying for the energy required to heat the water you actually use, without incurring the costs associated with keeping a reservoir of hot water. In saying that, these systems still come with their own list of downfalls.
Pros:
Energy Efficiency: Instant hot water systems are highly energy-efficient as they eliminate any standby heat loss, which is common in storage.
Space-Saving: Tankless hot water systems are a compact unit that can be mounted on walls or installed in tight spaces. They free up valuable floor space, making them an ideal system for smaller homes or apartments.
Continuous Hot Water: Tankless heaters can provide an endless supply of hot water due to their on-demand heating feature. As long as there is fuel or power, you won't run out of hot water during showers or other household activities.
Cons:
Upfront Cost: Possibly the most off putting drawback for these tankless systems is their initial upfront cost, especially when compared to their storage counterparts. The installation process for these water heaters can also be more complex, potentially requiring upgrades to gas lines or electrical systems.
Limited Flow Rate: A single tankless unit may struggle to simultaneously provide adequate hot water to multiple fixtures. Homes with a high hot water demand may require more than one unit to keep up.
Cold-Water Bursts: Some tankless systems also experience a burst of cold water before the hot water starts to flow. This is especially common when the unit is placed further away from the required fixtures.
Storage Tank Water Heaters: The Pros and Cons
Despite being less energy efficient than their counterparts, storage hot water systems are still the most popular choice in Queensland homes.
Pros:
Lower Initial Cost: Traditional storage tank water heaters are typically more affordable to purchase and install, making them a budget-friendly option for many households.
Simple Installation: The installation process for storage tank water heaters is relatively straightforward, and most homes are already equipped for them.
Reliable Performance: Storage tank water heaters can effectively handle high demand, providing hot water to multiple fixtures simultaneously without compromising on water pressure.
Cons:
Standby Heat Loss: Storage hot water systems are constantly heating and reheating the water in the tank, resulting in standby heat loss when the water is not in use. This can increase energy bills over time.
Limited Hot Water Supply: The tank has a set amount of hot water available at any given time. Once the hot water is depleted, you need to wait for the tank to reheat the water, which may not be ideal for larger households. However this comes down to choosing the right sized system for your home.
Space Requirements: Storage tank water heaters are larger and require more space for installation. They may not be suitable for homes with limited space or those seeking a more compact design.
Which is Better?
The answer to whether a tankless water heater or a storage tank water heater is better depends on your specific circumstances. If you prioritise energy efficiency, space-saving, and endless hot water, a tankless water heater might be the better choice despite the higher initial cost. On the other hand, if you are on a budget and require a reliable, straightforward solution, a storage hot water system could be the more suitable option.
In any case it is important to consider factors such as your household size, hot water usage patterns, available space, budget, and long-term energy savings when making your final decision. Ultimately, the "better" choice will be one that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and overall household needs.
It's always a good idea to consult with a professional plumber to determine the best fit for your home. Our hot water specialists will be able to create a tailored solution for your household, ensuring you are getting the most out of your hot water system. So, if you're considering a new water heater, call us today on 1800 443 996.
Tom Buckley
May 02, 2024
Ben came out to look at our leaking shower and did a very thorough job detecting the leak.
He also cleared out our very stinky drains and got that fully resolved
Great job!!!!
Paige
May 01, 2024
Andrew demonstrated exceptional communication skills throughout our entire experience. He ensured that we comprehended the necessary tasks, breaking down complex concepts into easily understandable terms. His openness and honesty were exemplary. Andrew and his team at Jet Set Plumbing promptly scheduled and completed the job the next day. The quality of Andrew and Shaun's work exceeded expectations, displaying thoroughness and adherence to high standards. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Andrew and the Jet Set Plumbing team for their understanding and excellent service.
Kelli-Ann Falso
May 01, 2024
Joe is fantastic! He arrived to install my dishwasher and while chatting about some drainage issues he immediately investigated and arranged to have a total drainage clean… thank goodness he did otherwise we would have been in BiG trouble!!! Thankyou for your troubleshooting skills Joe! 5 STAR service!
Mark Kehl
May 01, 2024
Windon was working with Matt on cutting out a new channel to add another outlet for rain to escape from our box gutter. The pipe work applied was like it was always there from the initial build.
Windon came out for another job to fix an underground pipe. The work was done quickly and the areas left as they were. We now have 25 years service available on the work so how good is that. Well done!
Also, we asked Windon to check what two Slabset outlets were for. They didn't have anything to do with plumbing but he checked for us anyway and sent an SMS straight away to let me know that were for termite points around the house. Nice, thank you.
Matt was out again to help with a leak that wasn't able to be detected before and has done a marvellous job in replacing worn roofing screws and finding poor building work and patched that up to stop potential leaks. Thanks again!
I highly recommend Jetset Plumbing and will use again.
Hannah Cash
Apr 29, 2024
Had a great experience with Owen and the team at Jetset Plumbing! Our hot water heater blew in the morning and they were able to come out that day and replace it. Owen tested the heater and found a fault, then called the company and a replacement part was delivered and installed within 40 minutes!
Couldn’t be happier with the service and workmanship - thanks Owen and team!
Emma Jackson
Apr 29, 2024
Absolutely awesome company to work with. Ben and Nathan were efficient and very helpful throughout the whole process. The job was neat after and will be assisting with other tasks around my house in the future. Definitely recommend. Thanks guys!
Fabienne Mackay
Apr 27, 2024
Great service, job really well done. The company is very responsive and communicated really well with us. Definitively recommend.