You may have heard of tankless water heaters, but I’ll bet you don’t know much about them. They can be a great addition to your home, and knowing more about them can help you decide if it would be a worthwhile investment or not. The conversation about tankless water heating has become more popular as people are moving to larger homes and consuming less energy. Let’s look at the facts that can help you make a decision on tankless water heaters.
What Are They?
Tankless water heaters (also known as on-demand systems) do not store hot water in a central storage tank. They heat water only when the hot water faucet is turned on. While tankless systems can be installed in your mechanicals area, some homeowners place them close to hot water demand areas. This is a good idea, especially if your conventional water heater is far from your kitchen sink or shower.
This Is Not a New Technology
Tankless water heaters can be found in Europe, Central, and South America. The concept is well-tested and well-understood. They can last up to 20 years if they are maintained correctly. This is twice the life expectancy of traditional (tank-type) water heaters. Also, they eliminate the need to have separate hot and cold water pipes that are located at a central location near your faucets.
Lower Operating Costs Balance their Higher Prices
Traditional water heaters can be more costly than tankless. It is also more expensive to keep 40 gallons or more hot water on hand at all times in order to meet all your household needs. The tankless system only uses power when the hot water faucet is opened. The heater turns off when the faucet is turned off. Period. Your water consumption will be reduced as heated water cools down in your pipes. What amount of unused water will you pour down the drain to have a pleasant shower experience?
Remember that North America has a higher demand for hot water than other parts of the world. While one unit is sufficient for a small household, it may not suffice for a large family or multiple bathrooms. A single heater on demand might not be enough to provide the hot water you need.
If you choose an electric model, you might need to make updates to your electrical panel. Gas-on-demand units are certainly the better choice, especially if gas is available.
They Lower the Chance of Flooding
These systems are significantly less likely to flood because they use half the plumbing pipe and don’t require a 40-gallon storage tank. These types of heaters are specially designed to provide hot water instantly when you need it, instead of storing it in a tank and releasing it slowly. This means that if you have a leak or something happens to your plumbing system, you won’t have to deal with flooding—because there won’t be any excess water sitting around waiting for you to use it up!
Routine Maintenance Is Still Vital
Many household water sources supply “hard” water. This is water with a high mineral count. Tankless systems are not able to handle hard water. That’s why a water softener may be necessary. However, sediment buildup and aging can be less problematic. It’s not a big deal, but regular maintenance can help to prevent further damage.
Final Thoughts
Tankless systems are a must-have for any new construction.
Installing a tankless water heater is an amazing way to make your life easier, let you time the water usage when it’s most convenient, and cut down on the energy consumption of your household.
Clog Kings‘ plumbing experts can help you determine which option is best for your situation. Although a tankless water heater costs more upfront, the return on investment and energy savings is impressive. You can use it to supplement your existing hot water system or for your entire house. Contact us today for more information!
