The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

 

Is Going Tankless Right for You?

If you’ve ever waited for your shower to warm up or found yourself with no hot water halfway through, you’ve probably thought about upgrading your water heater. For many Central Illinois homeowners, the tankless water heater promises endless hot water and improved energy efficiency. But before making the switch, it’s important to know both the benefits and the potential drawbacks.

At Dries Plumbing, we believe an informed homeowner is a confident homeowner. So, here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of going tankless.

 

How a Tankless Water Heater Works?

Traditional water heater models store hot water in a tank. A tankless water heater (also known as an on-demand water heater) differs because it heats water only when you need it. When you turn on a faucet or shower, cold water passes through a heating element – either gas or electric – instantly delivering hot water to your tap.

Some systems include a circulating pump to help maintain a steady water temperature throughout your plumbing lines. This feature shortens the time between turning on the tap and getting hot water. Especially helpful in larger homes.

For those focused on energy savings, the U.S. Department of Energy notes that tankless water heaters can be almost 34% more efficient than traditional systems. That’s if your household uses less than 41 gallons of hot water daily.

 

The Pros of Going Tankless

• Endless Hot Water

Say goodbye to running out of hot water during long showers or back-to-back laundry loads. A tankless water heater provides continuous hot water as long as it’s running, perfect for families or anyone who values comfort and convenience.

• Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Because it only heats water on demand, a tankless system avoids the standby energy loss common with traditional tanks. Over time, this can reduce utility bills and your home’s carbon footprint. Homeowners looking to maximize performance can choose ENERGY STAR-certified tankless water heaters for the best efficiency.

• Space-Saving Design

Tankless water heaters are compact and wall-mounted, freeing up space in utility rooms or basements. For Central Illinois homes with limited mechanical room space, this can be an advantage.

• Longer Lifespan

With proper maintenance, tankless systems often last 20 years or more, compared to 10-12 years for a standard tank.

 

The Cons (and Considerations) of Tankless Water Heaters

• High Upfront Cost

Installation is more complicated than a simple swap. A typical tankless installation in Central Illinois can cost between $3,500 and $4,500. What drives that cost? Most of the expense comes from labor and repiping rather than the unit itself.

Installing a tankless system takes at least six hours when everything goes smoothly. Your plumber needs to reroute water lines and upgrade gas lines to handle higher flow rates. There’s also the potential relocation of the unit to a better position. Homes with mechanical rooms in the center of the basement face particular challenges. There may be no good route for venting or gas lines. These installation complexities explain why tankless systems cost significantly more than dropping in a replacement tank.

• Required Maintenance

To keep your system running well, contact professional plumbers and schedule annual maintenance. Hard water in Central Illinois can lead to scale buildup, which restricts flow through the heat exchanger, much like plaque building up in blood vessels. When mineral deposits accumulate, water doesn’t get as hot as it should. And your system ends up working harder to deliver the same results.

Annual maintenance with a cleaning agent and service kit prevents this buildup and extends your system’s lifespan. Without this care, especially in homes without water softeners, you’ll face declining performance and potentially costly repairs. Expect to budget $180-$350 annually for professional maintenance.

• The “Instant Hot Water” Misconception

A common complaint we hear is that homeowners expect instant hot water at every tap. Here’s what actually happens: When you turn on a faucet, the water already in your pipes, which has cooled, needs to flush out before the newly heated water arrives. This delay is common to any water-heating system, but it catches tankless buyers off guard because they expected “instant” results from their “on-demand” system.

A circulating pump addresses this issue by keeping hot water moving through your plumbing lines, significantly reducing wait times. This addition brings the tankless experience much closer to truly instant hot water, but it adds to your initial investment.

• Sensitive Components

Tankless systems include electronic parts such as flame sensors and flow sensors. While reliable, these components require periodic inspection and may need to be replaced over time, especially in areas with hard water or electrical surges.

• Wrong Fit

We actively discourage some homeowners from choosing tankless. If you’re not committed to annual maintenance, you’re wasting money on a premium system that will underperform. Seasonal residents who use their homes only part of the year often can’t justify the investment.

Homes without water softeners face accelerated mineral buildup, making maintenance even more critical and potentially more frequent. Budget-conscious buyers who balk at the annual service costs should stick with traditional tanks. Skipping maintenance voids warranties and leads to early system failure.

 

Which Is Better? Tankless vs. Tank Water Heater

When comparing tankless vs tank water heaters, it really depends on your household’s needs and budget.

• Tankless systems are ideal for energy-conscious homeowners who value efficiency, longevity, and endless amounts of hot water.
• Traditional tanks are less expensive upfront and easier to install, making them a better fit for smaller homes or short-term rental properties.

At Dries Plumbing, we help you evaluate your home’s plumbing layout, water quality, and family usage to determine the best option for you and your family.

 

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Your Central Illinois Home?

Tankless water heaters aren’t one-size-fits-all. But for many Central Illinois families, they can be a smart investment in comfort and efficiency. The key is to weigh the initial cost against long-term savings. And choose a professional installer who understands our region’s water quality and system requirements.

At Dries Plumbing, our licensed technicians specialize in both tankless and traditional water heater installations. We’ll help you decide which option makes the most sense for your home. And ensure your new system runs efficiently for years to come.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Dries Plumbing today to schedule a consultation or request a quote. We proudly serve homeowners across Central Illinois with expert service and honest pricing.