What is more unwinding than taking a long, hot shower after the hustles and bustles of everyday life? It is tranquil and relaxing while it lasts , but you might suddenly be doused with an icy blast of cold water. This can happen when your water heater is insufficient for your hot water needs. Unfortunately, this could frequently happen if you don’t take the necessary action.
A tankless water heater is a great choice for taking hot showers without worrying about running out of hot water.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater, commonly referred to as an on-demand water heater, heats water without a storage tank. High-powered burners heat water as it flows through the heat exchanger. As a result, hot water becomes available almost instantly on your faucet, so you don’t have to wait for a water storage tank to fill with hot water.
Tankless water heaters are powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane, and they are more energy-efficient than traditional storage-tank water heaters. During their research, Consumer Reports found a tankless water heater was 22 percent more energy efficient than a gas-powered traditional water heater.
What Are the Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters have been increasing in popularity recently for a good reason. These efficient appliances can save money on energy bills and provide a never-ending hot water supply. But what are the other advantages of tankless water heaters?
Higher durability
The longevity of a tankless water heater is one of its major benefits. A tankless water heater typically lasts between 20 and 25 years which is twice as long as traditional tank storage water heaters.
Tankless water heaters require little maintenance compared to the traditional water heater because they have fewer movable parts which create less problems.
It’s good to note that buildup from hard water or any sediments can shorten the lifespan of a tankless water heater. Using water softeners and ensuring routine maintenance may be a great idea if you reside in an area with hard water.
More Cost-Efficient
A tankless water heater helps save money on your energy bill. Traditional water heaters must keep a tank of water heated at all times, even when you’re not using it. This can be a waste of energy compared to tankless water heaters that only heat water when needed. According to Energy.gov, tankless water heaters can be 24% – 34% more energy efficient than a typical water heater for residences using 41 gallons or less of hot water daily.
On top of energy savings, its long lifespan means you’ll use it for more time compared to a traditional water heater that lasts between 8-12 years. This helps distribute the cost evenly. Furthermore, the less the maintenance costs, the less the overall costs will be.
Installation Is Easier; Helps Lower the Overall Cost
Tankless water heater installation is hassle-free compared to the tank water heater. First, a tankless unit will require less space, meaning you can install it almost anywhere in your home. Also, tankless water heaters require little plumbing work compared to their tank-style counterparts. The much-needed work is the connection of the electricity.
Even though they’re easy to install, you’ll still need a professional plumber to connect the tankless water heater to your electricity and piping. An expert will ensure that the electrical unit is properly grounded to prevent fire risk. In addition, when the installation is perfectly done, it may help extend the unit’s lifespan.
The Tankless Water Heater Takes Up Less Space
Tankless water heaters have a sleek design, making them smaller than the traditional water heaters. This means they can be suitable for homes with less space without homeowners sacrificing their comfort. You can even opt to install them near the places you want to use hot water.
Furthermore, these units are easy to move in case you want to renovate or when you want to use the space for something else.
Requires Less Maintenance
Tankless water heaters are easy to maintain, unlike tank water heaters, which require yearly checks on the anode rod. Tankless units are checked after ten years of service. Regularly flushing the system and cleaning the air and water filter is highly recommended. The cleaning helps clear off the sediment, debris, and dust buildup that can affect the efficiency of the heater, which can also shorten its lifespan.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Me?
There are many benefits that come with a tankless water heater, but is it right for you? Here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind before deciding:
- High up-front cost: The cost of buying and installing the tankless water heater is high compared to the traditional water heater. On the brighter side, this system helps you save money in the long run because of its efficiency, low maintenance costs, and longevity.
- Water takes some time to heat: Tankless water heaters do not heat the water “instantly.” Instead, the water takes a few seconds to warm up since it must travel from the heater to the outlet. It can take up to several minutes to be at the right temperature, especially if you continuously turn on and off the faucet. This is likely to happen when washing dishes.
- Needs regular flushing: The tankless systems need yearly flushing to clear mineral buildup that can reduce efficiency. Also, regular flushing helps extend its lifespan.
- Cold weather affects its efficiency: Colder seasons cause a tankless water heater to work harder when heating water than in hot weather. The good thing is that this won’t be a huge problem if you live in Texas, since there are consistent temperatures year-round.
Ready to Make the Switch to a Tankless Water Heater?
Are you wondering if a tankless water heater is right for your home? Tankless water heaters have many advantages, including lower energy costs, an unending supply of hot water, and a more cost-efficient option in the long run. In addition, it’s an excellent investment that will serve you for almost three decades.
If you’re ready to make the switch, we can help. We offer a wide selection of tankless water heaters to suit any home at Bewley Plumbing. Our qualified team can guide you in selecting the best model for your needs and also help with installation.
Call us today for more information regarding water heaters or any plumbing services you may need in your home. You can also contact us online for an estimate or to book a service.