In recent years tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular as an energy-efficient and space-saving alternative to traditional water heaters. While traditional tank water heaters have been in use for decades, technology has advanced so much that many homeowners and businesses are rethinking their options. An increase in tankless water heater installations in recent years may have caught your attention. In this post, we’ll look at the many benefits of tankless water heaters and how they not only save you money but also offer a more modern and sustainable solution for your water heating needs. Join us as we compare the two and see why going tankless might be a good option for you.
How Are Tankless Water Heaters Different from Traditional Water Heaters?
Before we get into the benefits, let’s understand how tankless water heaters are different from traditional tanks. Traditional water heaters store and heat a fixed volume of water, often 30 to 50 gallons, in a large tank. Because the device heats water that might not be utilized straight away, this approach is not energy efficient, and holding a large volume of water can lead to the need for a hot water heater repair service more often.
A tankless water heater turns cold water into hot water as needed, on demand. A gas burner or an electric element heats the cold water that enters the unit through a pipe when the tap is turned on, so you get hot water instantly without waiting for a tank to fill up.
Why Go Tankless? Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Let’s look at some of the advantages that make installing a tankless water heater a great option:
1. Unlimited Hot Water
Unlimited hot water is one of the biggest perks of tankless water heater installation. Since the water is only heated as needed, there’s no limit to how much hot water you can use at once. This is best for big families or anyone who likes long showers.
2. Energy Efficiency and Savings
Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional tanks and their installation is one of the recent trends in commercial plumbing. Since they only heat water as needed, they eliminate the standby heat loss associated with keeping a tank of hot water.
A moderate hot water user can save around $100 per year in energy costs using a tankless system. Over the life of the heater, those savings can add up, offsetting the upfront tankless water heater installation cost.
3. Compact Size and Space-Saving Design
Unlike the big traditional tanks, tankless water heater units are compact and can be installed in a greater variety of places in a home, whether it’s a small apartment or a big house. Their space-saving design allows for installation in small closets, under stairs, or even on walls, making them more versatile for different homes.
4. Longer Life
Tankless water heaters last longer than traditional tanks. On average, a tankless water heater will last 20 years vs 10-15 years for traditional tanks. Tankless heaters also have much fewer leaking issues compared to traditional tanks, because they don’t hold and heat a large volume of water in a tank.
5. Better Water Quality
A tank of water reduces its quality over time. Sediments and scale buildup can cause rust and other impurities in the water. Since tankless systems heat water on demand with no storage you’ll have fresher, cleaner water for all your household needs, and they are less susceptible to hard water build up and damage.
All in all, a tankless water heater can be considered one of the best water heaters for your home.
Important Factors to Consider for Tankless Water Heater Installation
Despite all the benefits of tankless systems, there are some considerations to keep in mind. When opting for a tankless water heater, it’s essential to ensure the installation process is handled by professionals to maximize efficiency and longevity. Here are the key factors to consider before installation:
- Professional Installation is Important: For optimal performance, professional tankless water heater installation by certified water heater experts is a must. They will size the system for your home or office and install it to run efficiently for years to come.
- Higher Upfront Costs: The cost to purchase and install a tankless water heater unit is higher than a traditional tank. But considering the energy efficiency and longevity, it’s worth it as frequent hot water tank replacement can be costly and filled with hassle.
- Home Upgrades Needed: You may need to upgrade your electrical or gas supply systems to accommodate a tankless water heater. A water heater expert will be able to tell you if any upgrades or modifications are needed before installation.
- Local Building Codes and Permits: Local codes and regulations must be followed to avoid fines and safety. A professional installer will be up to date on these codes and will make sure the installation meets all local requirements including getting permits.
- Future Maintenance and Accessibility: Accessibility for maintenance and repairs is another consideration. Professional installers will choose a spot that allows for easy access to the unit for servicing in the future, ensuring the heater performs optimally over time.
How Do Tankless Water Heater Systems Work?
A tankless water heater system can be quite beneficial for you. Let’s look at an example: the Anderson family has a 4-bedroom house. With 5 people in the household, mornings used to be a mad dash to get everyone showered and out the door. After switching to a tankless water heater, those days are over. Now everyone can shower whenever they want without having to time it. They’ve also seen a consistent decrease in their energy bills as well as emergency water heater repairs since making the switch.
Is a Tankless System Right for You?
Before you switch to a tankless water heater you need to consider a few things to make sure it’s right for your household. First, measure your daily water usage. Tankless systems are best for moderate, steady water users since they provide hot water on demand without a tank. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, tankless systems are durable and long-lasting and will require fewer repairs and less maintenance over time which will save you money in the long run. Another thing to consider is space; tankless systems are compact and can be installed in many places, more so than traditional hot water heaters. By considering these factors water usage, budget, and space you can determine if a tankless system is the right investment for your home. With some planning, you can enjoy the efficiency, convenience, and savings that come with making the switch. For personalized advice see a tankless water heater plumbers. They can offer expert advice for your home and water usage so installation will be smooth and efficient.
Upgrading to the future of water heating with a tankless system has many benefits from space-saving designs to long-term energy savings and endless hot water. In the beginning, you may find the initial investment to be more but in time its benefits will overshadow all of its shortcomings while making it the ideal choice for modern homes. Whether you’re tired of running out of hot water or just want to make your home more efficient, getting a tankless water heater installation done could be the upgrade your home needs for more comfort and enjoyment.
We at Larkin Plumbing have been providing expert residential water heater plumbing services and commercial plumbing services in Las Vegas since 1936. Contact our water heater experts today to learn more about our affordable water heaters and plumbing services. Our experts will guide you through the process of getting a new tankless water heater for your home.
