Debunking Tankless Water Heater Myths

People argue a lot about tankless water heaters. While many homeowners like their compact size and lower energy bills, others avoid them because of outdated or incorrect information. Persistent misconceptions continue to cloud people’s judgment. 

Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co., a trusted provider of water heater installation in Kirtland, OH, is here to debunk the most common tankless water heater myths. We’ll help you understand what these innovative systems can really do for your home. 

They’re Expensive To Install 

The idea that tankless water heaters cost too much to install doesn't tell the whole story. Sure, you'll pay a higher installation cost upfront, but these units last twice as long as traditional, tank-style water heaters.  

Additionally, they only heat water when you need it instead of constantly keeping the tank hot. When you add up the energy savings over time and consider the longer lifespan, installing a tankless system often costs about the same as traditional water heaters. 

They Aren’t Durable 

People often assume tankless water heaters won't last long, but that's barely accurate. These units hold up better than traditional tank heaters because they don't have to work around the clock to keep a big tank of water hot.  

Traditional tanks take a beating from constant use, which can lead to worn-out parts and dangerous leaks. By heating water only when needed, tankless systems dodge these problems and typically last much longer. 

They Have Delays 

The idea that tankless water heaters act slower than traditional ones is among the widespread tankless water heater myths that need busting. The truth is, they can actually get hot water to you as fast or faster than old-school tank heaters.  

The confusion comes from people thinking "instant hot water" means immediate. Sure, the water still needs a few seconds to flow through the pipes and heat up, but that's true for any water heater. The real difference is that tankless units fire up and heat your water right when you need it to give you an endless supply. 

They Heat Water to an Unsafe Temperature 

Like regular water heaters, tankless units come with thermostats you can adjust to get the exact temperature you want. Just because they're compact doesn't mean they skip safety features. You have full control to keep the water at a comfortable, safe temperature. 

They Cost Plenty To Operate 

Many homeowners mistakenly think tankless water heaters are costly to run, but the opposite is true. These units can actually cut energy bills by around 20% since they only heat water when needed, unlike traditional tanks that waste energy by keeping water hot 24/7.  

While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings from lower utility bills and reduced energy waste make tankless heaters a smart investment for most homes. 

They Supply Insufficient Hot Water or Can’t Handle Multiple Tasks at Once 

Many people wrongly think tankless water heaters can't handle multiple hot water needs at once. But that's not true at all! Since these heaters warm up water instantly as it flows through them, you can run several things at the same time — like taking a shower while the dishwasher's going. 

Tankless water heaters can offer substantial hot water capacity with the right system and installation. There's no waiting around for a tank to refill or reheat. As long as you keep the hot water running, these systems keep heating it right away.  

It's actually pretty impressive how these compact units can keep up with a whole house's needs. 

They Require Extensive Maintenance 

The truth about tankless water heater maintenance is that they need less upkeep than traditional tanks. While some people believe in common tankless water heater myths, such as them being high maintenance with hard-to-find parts, that's just not true. You don't even need yearly service unless you have really hard water.  

These systems are smart enough to tell you when they need attention, and they naturally prevent mineral buildup by not storing water. Want to know the bottom line? These low-maintenance appliances mostly take care of themselves. 

They Require Natural Gas 

Tankless water heaters don't have to run on natural gas at all. While gas models are pretty common, you have other great options. Some run on propane and work just as well as their gas counterparts, though you don't see them as often.  

In fact, there are electric versions, too, which offer real energy savings because they use up to 20% less power than regular electric water heaters with tanks. 

Tankless Water Heating Technology Is Risky 

The idea that tankless water heating technology is risky or uncertain is totally off-base. They've actually been keeping homes warm since the 1950s, starting in Europe and Asia. These systems are everywhere now — in homes, offices, and big factories across the world.  

When you think about it, they're safer than tank-style heaters since there's no chance of a tank bursting or flooding your house. With over 70 years of reliable service worldwide, tankless heaters have more than proven themselves. 

They Don’t Work Well With Well Water 

People often think tankless water heaters don't work with well water, but that's not true. While scale buildup happens with hard water regardless of its source, studies haven't found any real difference between city water and well water performance.  

The key factor stems from the water's mineral content, which varies by location — whether you're on city or well water really doesn't matter. 

Count on Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. for Tankless Water Heater Services  

Don't let tankless water heater myths hold you back from upgrading your hot water system. Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. specializes in tankless water heater repairs, installations, and replacement throughout northeast Ohio.  

Our team has worked on tankless water heaters for decades. We'll help you pick the right high-quality model for your home and make sure it's installed correctly. If anything goes wrong, we'll fix it — no questions asked.  

Are you ready to experience on-demand hot water and improved energy efficiency? Contact Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. today to schedule your free estimate for tankless water heater services.