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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, advantages of tankless water heaters include saving energy and money, continuous hot water, more closet space, and reduced anxiety about potential water damage. By only heating water when necessary, Energy Star estimates a household may save $100 on annual gas bills.
On the Other: Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have more upfront costs for the product and installation and may not be as energy-efficient as they may seem, according to Consumer Reports. Also, calcium buildup may accumulate on tankless units, requiring more maintenance than their stored water counterparts. Hot water also may not be delivered as instantaneously as promised, testers at Consumer Reports found.
Bottom Line
Consumer Reports does not currently recommend switching to a tankless heater due to the increased cost and estimates that it takes 22 years to break even on the investment. Homeowners will need to weigh the advantages of space economy and energy efficiency over required costs.
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