Whether tankless water heaters are worth the cost depends on your current and future needs. These models have a long payback period, as they're projected to last 20 years yet your energy savings will take about 20 years to equal the initial investment. Therefore, the value of these models depends on how useful they are to you and whether they'll appeal to future homebuyers. You can improve the return on your investment by choosing the right model for your consumption needs.
Tankless hot water heaters are better than conventional models in several ways. They conserve water by heating as they go and can lower home energy costs. They also last longer and require less maintenance because they’re not storing water, which can corrode the tank material and cause leaks.
These units won’t work if there’s a power outage. Keep in mind that even gas models require electricity to control their spark igniter.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal safety and efficiency. Don’t set your unit to a temperature greater than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
An average shower demands 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute, putting a 20-minute shower at 50 to 60 gallons of water use. These water heaters produce about 4 to 8 gallons of hot water per minute.
With a little care and maintenance, a tankless water heater should last around 20 years. To keep it working at its peak, have the tank inspected or tuned up annually and get any minor issues repaired as soon as they appear by calling a local tankless water heater repair service.