Tankless water heaters, or ones that produce hot water on-demand, have become more popular in recent years, and for good reason. As the name suggests, these water heaters come without the big tank and will only heat the water you need when you call for it by turning on your faucet or some other appliance.
But, is a tankless water heater right for your home and your needs? The following information should help you make a more informed decision about whether you should go in this direction or stick with a traditional system.
Tankless Water Heaters are Smaller in Size
The most obvious benefit of a tankless water heater is that it takes up less space. Whether you live in a smaller home or condo or just want that darn tank out of the way, this might be an attractive choice.
Instead of taking a large piece of floor space in your home, a tankless system will get mounted on your wall.
Unlimited Hot Water Supply
A tankless water heater will provide you with an unlimited supply of hot water, but this is subject to the constraints of the system you buy. In other words, you won’t be able to buy the smallest system and expect it to instantly heat your shower, dishwasher, and washing machine simultaneously.
A typical tankless water heater provides hot water at a rate of 2-5 gallons per minute. Gas-powered tankless systems produce higher flow rates than electric ones.
If you want to overcome the flow rate issue, you can install several tankless water heaters and connect them for simultaneous hot water demand. Alternatively, you can install smaller, separate tankless water heaters for appliances.
Lower Energy Consumption
Homeowners that want to save money long-term often take a close look at tankless water heaters. The Department of Energy reports that these systems can be up to 34% more energy-efficient than a conventional system for a home that uses 41 gallons or less of hot water each day. If you install a system at each hot water outlet, those saving can go up to 50%.
Tankless systems also last longer with a life expectancy of over 20 years. They also have replaceable parts that can extend their useful life even further. Comparatively, tank water heaters last 10-15 years.
Tankless Water Heaters Cost More Up Front
We just outlined the cost savings that you can realize with a tankless water heater, but these systems do cost more on the front end. The typical cost for one of these systems is $2,000-$4,500, including all parts and labor.
Many homes need some slight upgrades before installation, such as running a dedicated gas line to the unit and installing specialized venting. Fortunately, this is a one-time expense that can also increase the value of your home.
If you are ready to replace your water heater and are considering a tankless or instantaneous style system, Fast Water Heater installs and services these systems. We also deal with traditional water heaters if you decide that a tankless system isn’t for you.
We’d be happy to answer your questions or provide you with a fast quote for your new system. Give us a call now or complete our contact form to get in touch!
