Heating and maintaining the temperature of a tankful of water (up to 50 gallons or more of it) uses a lot of energy. Homeowners have relied on traditional tank-style water heaters for a long time. But now there is a more compact, energy efficient option that can be a great long-term investment for your home. A tankless water heater can cost three times more than a traditional model, but can make up for it with the following benefits:
Efficiency
The amount of energy savings depends on your home. For homes with smaller families or that use less than 41 gallons each day, a tankless system can be up to 34% more efficient. This can add up to hundreds of dollars per year in savings. Tankless water heaters are so efficient because they only run when you turn on the faucet; on the other hand, tank-based units constantly heat and re-heat a large volume of water, which requires a great deal of energy.
Hot Water When You Need It
After a few seconds, you will have a steady supply of hot water. That’s because water is heated as it passes through the device. It doesn’t heat water a tank at a time and will continue working for as long as the hot water tap is on. The only cold water you’ll get is that which is still in the pipes, but it’ll be gone once flushed out. No more cold showers and, if the maximum flow rate of the model isn’t exceeded, multiple fixtures can receive hot water simultaneously.
Compact Design
Bulky tank-style water heaters can take up an entire closet or corner of a basement. They’re usually around 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide. That can be a tight fit in a small home. A tankless water heater is a fraction the size and can usually be mounted on a wall in an out-of-the-way location. It typically measures 28 inches tall with a width of 20 inches and depth of 10 inches.
Safer to Use
A tankless system is a lot less likely to leak. The amount of water in a storage tank means that if there is a leak, it can do a lot of damage quickly. Traditional storage water heaters are also at risk of overheating, in which case they can explode. Since tankless models won’t overheat and hold very little water, they dramatically improve the safety of your home and family.
Longer Lasting
Water heater replacement is expensive. A tankless model can last for 20 years or longer. Some of the highest-quality tank-based systems last half that long, requiring you to replace your water heater about once every decade.
Fewer Maintenance Requirements
The tanks of water heaters need professional maintenance once or twice a year. A lower operating demand and fewer moving parts means tankless units generally need less maintenance. Sometimes they can go years without service, unless you have hard water in your area. In that case, mineral buildup may mean the system needs an annual cleaning; but this is generally simple. Depending on the unit, you can flush it with a vinegar solution for an hour to remove any sediment inside it.
Contact Elmer’s Home Services for Tankless Water Heater Help
We can help decide on the best tankless water heater for your home and provide all the maintenance and repair services you’ll ever need. To learn more about the advantages, possible rebates and other cash incentives, or to request prompt service in the San Antonio area, call Elmer’s Home Services at 210-333-5637.
