While most homes have standard water heaters, which store gallons of hot water and maintain a gradual temperature, there is another kind of storage tank – the tankless water heater – that heats water directly and on demand as it flows through your pipes.
Tankless water heaters provide many advantages; however, it may not be the right fit for every home or scenario. Here are some helpful tips for you to find out if upgrading to a tankless water heater is the best thing for you:
TANKLESS WATER HEATER BENEFITS
Energy efficiency is one of the primary advantages of tankless water heaters over the conventional models. Simply by comparing the Energy Guide stickers of the two types when browsing at retail, or if you search the information for Energy Star certified models, you can immediately tell their distinction in terms of energy consumption.
Different models of tankless water heaters possess their own energy-saving options, however, all of them does not store water in order to save energy. Traditional water heaters store water that is constantly cooling, requiring constant re-heating. Tankless water heater, on the other hand, uses almost no energy when hot water is not being used. You should notice a huge distinction in your monthly utility bills through the said energy savings.
Additional benefits of tankless water heaters are:
- Compact size: Having about the size of a briefcase, tankless heaters can expand the range of installation spot, freeing up more space.
- Longer lifespan: Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
- Home value: If you plan on selling your house, the energy savings benefit that one can get from your tankless water heater can raise your asking price.
WHEN IS A TANKLESS WATER HEATER A BAD FIT?
While it remains a fact how tankless water heaters can save you money in the long run, the upfront price of having one is significantly higher than most traditional water heaters. Aside from the fact that the heater itself is costly, the installation procedure for these units are more expensive and you cannot simply install it by yourself. You may want to get an accurate calculation of whether the price that you will invest in upgrading to a tankless water heater can justify the long-term savings that you will benefit from having one.
Sizing your tankless water heaters to the needs of your household is also essential just like how you do with traditional water heaters. In this category, some traditional water heaters outpace the tankless ones in terms of hot water amount. It may not be a big deal to all households, but if you have a lot of people that will take hot showers frequently, you may find that traditional models can best suit your needs.
It always takes at least some time for hot water to reach the desired temperature on both tankless and traditional water heaters. Strategic installation of your tankless heater on the area of your household where hot water should be is highly recommended.
If you think having a tankless water heater upgrade is best for you, give us a call today!