Water heaters are an essential part of any home. Besides providing you with hot water when you need it, they can also save you money on your energy bill and reduce your environmental footprint.
When looking for a water heater, you will have to choose between a traditional tank water heater and a tankless water heater. While many people are familiar with the former, not everyone knows what a tankless water heater is and why they should choose one over a traditional tank.
If you are looking for more information about tankless water heaters, here is everything you need to know.
A tankless water heater is a type of heater that provides hot water on demand without the use of a storage tank. Because of how it functions, this unit is also known as an instantaneous or on-demand water heater.
Here is how an on-demand water heater works: When you open your faucet, cold water from your plumbing system will flow into a pre-heated chamber called a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger then passes the water through a series of tubes, heating it to your desired temperature and releasing it to your faucet.
Some benefits tankless water heaters have over their traditional counterparts include the following:
Water heating makes up a significant portion of your home’s energy usage. According to the Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 14 to 18 percent of the average home’s total energy consumption. Therefore, an energy-efficient water heater can significantly impact your home’s energy costs.
Unlike traditional water heaters, which store water in a heated tank for use throughout the day, tankless water heaters do not store any water. Instead, they heat water directly any time you need it. Because of this, they are much more energy efficient than traditional units.
Tankless water heaters are about 24 to 34 percent more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts. So, they can help you save hundreds of dollars on your energy bills each year.
Tankless water heaters are much sleeker and smaller than traditional water heaters, this is because they don’t require a large tank to hold the water.
The average electric on-demand water heater is about 10 inches high and 7 inches wide, while the gas-fired model measurements are 30 inches tall and 20 inches wide. This means you can install them almost anywhere in a typical household.
Durability is an essential factor to consider when looking to install a new water heater in your home. After all, you don’t want to spend a fortune on an expensive unit only to replace it a few years later.
Fortunately, tankless water heaters are much more durable than their traditional counterparts. While the average lifespan of a conventional unit is between 8 and 12 years, tankless water heaters can last for up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
Installing an on-demand water heater might be a complex task, especially if you don’t have any plumbing experience. Therefore, it is recommended that you hire a plumber to complete the process for you. A qualified plumber can also help you choose the correct size unit for your home to ensure maximum efficiency.
After installation, your tankless water heater will need regular maintenance to enhance its efficiency and lifespan. This involves flushing the unit once or twice a year to eliminate dirt and mineral deposits that accumulate over time. Your plumber can help with this maintenance process as well.
Tankless water heaters can not only help you save money on your utility bills but also provide you with endless hot water whenever you need it.
At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, we can help you choose and install the ideal tankless water heater for your home. For more information about our water heater service and installation, contact us today at 561-391-1048.