Are you considering buying a tankless water heater but unsure if going to Home Depot is the best option? Before you run to your nearest Home Depot store or hop online to express ship a tankless water heater, we think it is important for you to know the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a tankless water heater from a store rather than from a plumbing company or contractor. After all, tankless water heaters are an investment and you want to make sure that every penny counts.
We here at Monkey Wrench are experts in all things tankless water heaters and we want to help you with your decision just like we have helped thousands before you. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a tankless water heater from stores like Home Depot so that you can ultimately make the best decision for yourself and your home.
Benefits of Buying a Tankless Water Heater from Home Depot
There is one key benefit of purchasing a tankless water heater from Home Depot: the initial price.
If you purchase a tankless water heater from Home Depot you will only be paying for the tankless water heater itself, thus making it more cost-effective. The installation and add-ons like an expansion tank, water filtration, and recirculation pump, are not included.
When buying a tankless water heater from a plumbing company or through a contractor, they will also include the price of installation in the overall cost of the tankless water heater. The prices vary depending on your plumber, the brand of the tankless water heater, and several other things. Check out this article to learn more about the different factors that affect the price of a tankless water heater.
Drawbacks of Buying a Tankless Water Heater from Home Depot
Features & Quality
The water heaters available on the shelf at your nearest Home Depot are consumer-grade quality, not professional grade. So what does that mean for you?
The consumer-grade water heaters sold at Home Depot are generally built to lower specifications, with fewer features. Plus, when buying a tankless water heater from Home Depot, you are now limited to a narrower selection of tankless water heater brands in their inventory. Some of the brands that Home Depot carries are Rinnai and Rheem.
Additionally, retail water heaters often do not include a number of add-ons (such as water filtration, expansion tanks, and recirculation pumps) with a tankless water heater purchase. These different add-ons make all the difference when it comes to the durability and longevity of the system. Also, when you do buy a tankless water heater from Home Depot, you are faced with two options: install the tankless yourself OR hire an outside plumbing company to install the tankless water heater for you. While both seem like viable options, if you do decide to install the tankless water heater yourself, you could risk installing your system incorrectly, which would lead to early breakdowns or a lack of hot water with your brand-new tankless water heater.
If you go with the “hiring an outside plumbing company” option, you run the risk of spending more money to have your tankless water heater installed properly. Check out this article here to learn more about the different ways you can tell that your tankless water heater has not been installed properly.
Lack of Knowledge
When it comes to tankless water heaters, knowledge is power. But due to their lack of plumbing experience, retail employees cannot always give proper guidance as you buy a new tankless water heater. Not every employee knows how to size a unit properly for your household and may not be able to provide further guidance about a particular system than the info available on the product display.
Retail employees are not able to advise you on the installation process, which makes a difference in what tankless water heater you buy. Each home has so many factors that help determine the best water heater, and if you don't have someone knowledgeable about the product, you could end up buying something that doesn't work for your home.
Check out this article here to learn more about how Monkey Wrench performs tankless water heater installations so that you have a better idea of what to expect when it comes to having a tankless water heater installed in your home.
Warranty
The warranty is a critical part of a tankless water heater purchase, and when buying from home improvement stores, your warranty will take a hit. While a water heater sold at a Home Depot may advertise a six-year warranty, it says on the box it is a one-year in-home warranty. This means the manufacturer only covers breakage within one year. Also, if you install your tankless yourself and it goes wrong, manufacturers may not cover any warranties due to installation.
You should consider purchasing an extended warranty for your tankless water heater if you decide to buy a tankless water heater from a store or online, just in case there are any hiccups with your unit after a year.
Sales Only, No Service
When buying a tankless water heater from a retailer, you should expect the help to end after the sale is done. Not because they do not care but because, realistically, they do not have the training or technical knowledge on every item in their store. They can provide you with some knowledge, but they may not be able to cater exactly to your specific needs like when you call a certified technician.
The Choice Is Now Yours
Buying a tankless water heater will be more cost-effective in the initial price, but if you factor in the extra costs of installation, add-ons, and warranty, is this the right move for you? Only you can make that decision. Tankless water heaters are an investment, and if properly installed and cared for, they can last decades.
Read the article below to learn more about which size of tankless water is right for your home, as there is more to finding the right tankless water heater for you than just where you buy it; size does matter. Also, check out the article beneath the tankless size to gain a better understanding of how tankless water heaters are priced and what affects their pricing.
Three Steps to Determine Which Size Water Heater is Right for You
How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?
We here at Monkey Wrench are dedicated to giving you all the information you need on tankless water heaters so that you can make the best decision for you and your home. If you live in the Los Angeles area and are interested in purchasing a tankless water heater, hit the “Book” button below. Or if you have any other questions regarding your tankless water heater needs, feel free to call us at 310-853-8690, and one of our call center representatives would be happy to help you.
