The Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Is it time to replace your water heater? Have you considered getting a tankless water heater for your home instead of the traditional tank-style water heater? There are a number of advantages to choosing tankless, or on-demand, water heaters which make them the right choice for many homes.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Energy Efficiency – Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase, but they are less expensive to run. This is because they only heat water when you need it, instead of heating it and storing it like a traditional water heater does. Since the water is not heated and reheated, less energy is required. This can result in considerable energy savings over time, especially for families that use a moderate amount of hot water. In the long run, you will save money on your utility bills.
All the Hot Water You Need – If your family takes a lot of showers or does a lot of laundry, and you’re always running out of hot water, a tankless water heater is the solution. It supplies water continuously, on demand. As long as the unit is the right size for household needs, you will not run out of hot water. Ever.
Longevity – How long a water heater will last varies, depending on the type of water heater, the quality of the unit, and how well you maintain it. However, traditional tank-style water heaters last 8-12 years on average. Tankless units have a longer lifespan, typically around 20 years or more if they are properly maintained.
Better Water Quality – Because there is no tank to store water in, the hot water generated by tankless water heaters will not contain the rust, scale, or sediment build up. Tankless heaters are not suitable for homes with really hard water, though – unless you install a water softener.
Space-saving Design – A typical tank-style heater takes up a fair amount of space, can’t be installed anywhere that would be destroyed by a water leak, and is unsightly. Tankless heaters can be mounted on a wall and take up considerably less space. This allows for greater flexibility of use in smaller homes, apartments, condos, or anywhere without a basement or storage area. They’re also much less likely to ever leak and create a big water mess in your home.
Advanced Features – Many tankless models come with features like wifi connectivity and smartphone apps that allow them to be monitored and controlled remotely. Homeowners can adjust their settings, set schedules, and receive maintenance alerts very conveniently.
Should You Go Tankless?
While tankless water heaters are a great option for many families, you should consider how much water your family uses and discuss your options with your plumber before you decide. Tankless heaters do require 40 pounds of pressure to work properly, so they are better suited for homes with city water than for ones with well water. They are available in a variety of different sizes to meet different needs, and they have a lower carbon footprint which is attractive to consumers who are environmentally conscious.
If you are thinking a tankless water heater would work for you, please contact us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We would be more than happy to find one that would meet your needs and install it for you right away.
