Should You Install a Tankless Water Heater?

The consumption of hot water is an important proportion of domestic energy consumption in the UK. On average, a UK home with two occupants consumes around 4kWh per day or approximately 80 litres of hot water at 55°C.

Given the energy crisis the entire world is experiencing, it makes utter sense to find ways to reduce hot water usage. One way to do this is to install a tankless water heater.

However, to ensure that the right decision is made, it is vital to study the advantages and disadvantages of going tankless to see if it makes sense to your household financially and ecologically.

Installation and Equipment Cost

One of the most important questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge is how much does it cost to install tankless water heaters?

Know that the installation costs will vary depending on several factors such as brand and source of fuel. Usually, the price of a tankless water heater will be between £150-£1,600. The average cost of installation is estimated at £450.

When deciding on a water heater, your choice will depend on your needs including the amount of hot water you require and personal preferences.

The source of fuel to power up these heaters also plays a role in your final decision. For example, electric water heaters have the advantage that they are easily available and in addition, are environmentally friendly. Gas is another option that would suit your requirements. Tankless water heaters that use gas are practical solutions in colder locations.

They are also safe. If you can find oil to fire your tankless water heater, you will be looking at a source of fuel that is efficient at heating water quickly.

However, it is not readily available and is costlier to purchase than gas or electricity-fed equipment. Those in a sunnier and warmer climate can also choose solar tankless water heaters.

The upfront cost of installing solar tankless water heaters may be high but will pay off in the long run.

Efficiency and Value

Tankless water heaters use less energy overall because they generate hot water instantly using high-powered gas burners or electricity.

Unlike standard tanks, they do not heat and reheat water continuously. Reports indicate that tankless water heaters are 24-34% more energy-efficient compared to conventional water heaters.

While you may have instant hot water with a tankless system without the inconvenience of large storage tanks, temperatures may not be consistent because the system cannot send enough hot water to multiple outlets at the same time.

Thus, if you’re a family relying on a tankless water heater for your hot water and several taps are opened simultaneously, there is a variation in temperatures. In effect, there is a limited supply of hot water, unlike traditional tanks that can provide 60-80 litres of hot water in one go.

Consequently, the system may be ideal for smaller homes or families which have a modest demand for hot water. The units are efficient in eliminating standby heat loss and will provide instant hot water for 1-3 people to shower and wash dishes. On the other hand, it’s also possible to install demand water heaters at each hot water outlet for greater energy savings.

The decision to install tankless water heaters depends on several factors. Installation costs and efficiency are key elements that you must study when opting for such a solution.