What is the cost advantage of tankless water heaters?

Question

I'm looking at installing tankless water heaters in a 12 unit apartment building. What are the advantages and disadvatages?

Answer 1

Just make sure you check them out thoroughly! A simple swap is not what you are looking at. Check the manufacturer's recommendations completely, and have a plumber who is very knowledgeable with this type heater look over the project, before you make a decision. Normal water heaters use about 40,000 btu's, and these type use between 300,000-500,000 btu's, so the gas pipes won't supply the required amount of gas. Also the flue pipe has to be triple wall stainless steel, and this could cost more than the heater itself. The water pipes feeding the heater must be sized properly, or too much water supply, and the water won't be able to heat, before it passes through the heater. These are all for gas heaters, and there are similar problems, with electric models. Just check it out first, then make a decision. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

The advantage is you get all the hot water you want. It never runs out. And you can do laundry, do dishes ,and take a shower all at once without running out . Your shower will stay the same temperature all the time. Also it's a lot more efficient than having a hot water tank full of hot water all the time and storing it and heating it all the time even when you are sleeping. The initial installation will be more costly but the long run savings will win out. So I would say go for it.