Tankless water heaters are among the newest appliances contributing to more energy-efficient homes. Unlike conventional water heaters, which keep heating and reheating water to keep it hot, tankless units generate water hot water instantly with electric coils or high-powered gas burners. Although many people argue that instant heating needs more energy, tankless heaters use less power overall because the water doesn’t need to get reheated repeatedly.
According to consumer reports, gas-powered tankless heaters are 22% more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters, which is why these units are becoming popular among many homeowners. Here are more benefits of purchasing a tankless water heater instead of a traditional heater.
1. Warm Water on Demand
Having hot water on demand is the major perk of tankless water heaters. It not only allows you to have hot water whenever you want it, but the heater does not need to store many gallons of water for it to function. That means you’ll use less water and save energy depending on how much your home uses the heater.
Tankless water heaters generally provide a consistent supply of hot water. That means your family members can take hot showers throughout the day and never run out of water or have to wait until the heater warms another batch. The continuous water supply from a tankless heater also makes these units ideal for people with hot tubs. It can also be a game-changer for people with busy or big families, especially for busy evening and morning routines.
2. Flexibility
A tankless heater can be fixed anywhere in your home, as opposed to traditional water heaters, which you can only install in specific places (such as basements or garages). Their compact sizes mean that tankless heaters take less space than tank water heaters, adding to their sense of flexibility and versatility.
3. Extended Lifespan
If you have a tank water heater, you’ll enjoy around a decade of continuous usage before the unit needs replacing. However, tankless units can last twice as long if you properly maintain them. Also, many parts of tankless heaters are replaceable. Traditional tank heaters usually need to be entirely replaced when they fail, whereas tankless heaters can often get back up and running with a simple repair job.
Due to their long lifespans, tankless water heaters come with longer warranties. A warranty can run for as long as 20 years or more, potentially remaining valid for the heater’s entire lifespan. This actually has the effect of saving you money in the long run, as your warranty can cover wear and tear, among other issues. Make sure to read through the warranty before you buy and make sure it suits what you need.
4. Increased Safety
The other reason more homeowners are considering installing tankless heaters is due to the latest technology developments. The newest water heaters available on the market come with a wide array of innovative features that further enhance their safety. For instance, some models have monitoring systems that show details about your heater’s water flow and pressure, something you only have to guess at with a traditional tank. Many of them will also shut off instantly in the case of unit failure. The tankless heater’s ability to function only when warm water is required adds to its safety benefit, as there’s not a tank of hot water that can flood the area. Plus, since the recent models come with more replaceable parts than conventional tanks, that means less environmental impact in the long term.
5. Energy Efficiency
Tankless heaters are more efficient than their traditional counterparts because they only provide hot or warm water on demand. When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water flows via the heater to heat, ensuring a steady warm water supply. According to a study by Energy Star, homeowners can save a lot of money annually by switching to tankless heaters.
A homeowner’s bottom line is the cost, and a tankless water heater can significantly cut your monthly bills due to its energy efficiency. These water heaters have an energy efficiency of around 24% to 34% in homes utilizing less than 41 water gallons daily or those with smaller families. However, even those homes that use more water can see huge energy savings.
6. Saves Space
A tank water heater can be around two feet in diameter and approximately five feet tall. That means it can fill up your closet, crowd the laundry room, or even take up most of your kitchen space if you live in an older home. Tankless heaters eliminate the need for extra space in your yard or house due to their compact size. You can even install the units inside your living area because you don’t need to worry about the extreme heat levels.
Tankless water heaters are also relatively hassle-free to install. There is no need to install hot water systems or gas lines. You only need to mount the water heater near a wall with an electrical outlet. They are pretty easy to hide from view, and, even when they are out in plain sight, most of them are attractively designed. Besides, they are also easy to relocate, especially if you need extra space in the future.
7. Less Susceptible to Problems
A tankless water heater is less prone to various common issues with tank water heaters. For instance, the biggest issue with conventional heaters is that their internal tank might corrode with time and fall apart because of continuous exposure to water. That means your water heater can damage your home. Tank heaters are also prone to problems with a lot of pressure building up in the tanks, and in extreme cases, high pressure can cause your tank to explode. With tankless heaters, you don’t have to deal with these problems, making them safer to operate.
8. Less Maintenance
Tank water heaters need regular maintenance because sediment may accumulate in the internal tank over time. You also need to check the unit’s anode rod from time to time to prevent system failure. However, you only need to ensure the filters are clean with a tankless heater. That means you will need less maintenance to enjoy many years of service.
Contact the Water Heater Experts
Tankless water heaters offer many benefits over tank-style heaters. They are small and compact, give unlimited hot water, don’t leak, save energy, and do not contribute to dangerous metals in the water. Most importantly, they can last twice as long as conventional water heaters.
There’s a lot to consider when deciding whether to switch to tankless water heaters. But you don’t have to decide on your own. Our experts at Huft Home Services are always ready to help. These professionals have experience installing different types of tankless water heaters. They will visit your home to access your hot water needs and recommend the most suitable size and install it for you. We also keep the water heater serviced to give you many years of unlimited hot water whenever you want and for as long as you want.
Our company also offers exceptional plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, and insulation services throughout Sacramento, CA. Contact us today to learn more about tankless water heaters or schedule your service appointment.
