Tankless water heaters are compact units that heat water on demand, providing endless hot showers and cutting energy costs by up to 30% compared to traditional tank heaters. They can be mounted on walls, freeing up floor area in utility rooms or basements, making them great options for small homes or apartments. Plus, tankless heaters have good longevity - often lasting 20 years or more with proper care.
Tankless water heaters offer a modern approach to heating water. They work differently from traditional tank systems and come with unique features.
With tankless water heaters, when you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through a pipe into the unit, and a gas burner or electric element heats the water instantly. This gives you a steady stream of hot water at all times.
There are two main types: gas and electric. Gas models often heat water faster and can handle more demand, while electric units are easier to install and may work better in small homes.
Tankless systems differ greatly from storage tank heaters which typically keep 30-50 gallons of water hot all the time. This can be a waste of energy and tankless units are usually much more cost-effective as they only heat water when you need it.
Furthermore, tank heaters can run out of hot water during heavy use but tankless models provide endless hot water as long as they're not overworked. However, they may struggle if too many taps are on at once. Tankless heaters usually last longer than tank models too, but they often cost more upfront and may need special installation.
Tankless water heaters offer great savings but you need to consider their energy efficiency, installation, and upkeep.
Tankless water heaters can cut energy use by 24-34% in homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. This leads to lower energy bills over time. For bigger families using more hot water, savings of around 8-14% can be expected. This means a tankless system can save a 4-person family about $100 annually. Over its lifetime, that could add up to $1500 or more in energy savings.
The upfront cost for a tankless water heater is higher than a traditional tank model, and installation can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your home's setup. This is because these systems often need special venting and may require upgrades to gas lines or electrical systems, adding to the initial cost.
Maintenance is key for longevity and an annual service helps prevent mineral buildup and keeps the unit running well. This adds to the cost but helps tankless heaters last 20 years or more. That's nearly double the life of tank heaters.
The initial costs are offset by monthly energy savings plus the longer lifespan of the unit, and many homeowners find tankless systems cost-effective in the long run.
Tankless water heaters offer key advantages for homeowners, such as providing hot water on demand and taking up less space than traditional tank systems.
As tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through, you’ll never run out, meaning no more cold showers, even with back-to-back use. Tankless systems work well for busy households as multiple people can access hot water at once without issues. This includes running the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time.
These units also heat water very quickly so you don't have to wait long for hot water at the tap which saves time and reduces water waste.
Tankless water heaters have a compact design that frees up valuable space in homes. They can be installed in tight spots like closets or under sinks and their sleek look helps them blend in well with modern home designs. Some models can even be mounted on walls to save floor space. This extra room is great for storage or other purposes and is helpful in smaller homes or apartments where space is limited.
Tankless water heaters offer many benefits, but there are some important factors to keep in mind. We'll explore performance limitations and how water quality can have an impact.
Tankless heaters have limits on how much hot water can be provided at once because of the flow rate. If too many taps or appliances run simultaneously, the heater may struggle to keep up which can lead to temperature changes or reduced flow.
‘Cold water sandwiches’ can happen when the heater turns on and off quickly, meaning you might get a burst of cold water between hot flows. Although this is less of an issue with newer models. Power outages can be an occasional problem for electric tankless heaters, and no power means no hot water. But, gas models with battery ignition may still work during outages.
High-water-demand homes may need multiple units or a larger model which of course adds to the cost and complexity of the system.
Hard water can cause mineral buildup inside tankless heaters which can reduce efficiency and shorten the system's life. It’s recommended to use a water softener or filter to protect the heater if your area has issues with hard water.
Regular maintenance is key for durability and flushing the system yearly removes scale and prevents leaks and water damage over time. Professional installation is also crucial, as an improper setup can lead to safety issues and poor performance.
Get in touch to discuss the benefits of a tankless water heater or to arrange annual maintenance.
