Ditch the Tank
Conventional water heaters use a large tank to heat and store water so that it is available for use. While this type of unit has been used for decades and is still the most popular choice for heating water in the home, there is another option available that people should consider. Tankless water heaters are a revolutionary new way to heat water for cleaning and bathing. They offer numerous benefits but are often overlooked when it comes time to upgrade the water heater.
Here are three top benefits of tankless water heaters so that homeowners can make the best decision when it comes time to replace the water heater.
Enjoy Energy Efficiency
Traditional storage water heaters use powerful burners or heating elements to heat the water in the tank. The heated water is stored in the tank until it is needed. Because of this, the unit has to constantly cycle to keep the water at the desired setpoint, leading to high energy bills. When water is needed, the energy efficiency worsens as cold water fills the tank, and the water heater tries to keep up with the demand.
Tankless water heaters don’t have tanks for storage and, as a result, don’t waste tons of energy. Instead, water is heated as it is needed. By forgoing the need to heat the water, tankless water heaters can greatly reduce the cost of heating water. Since most homes’ water bills make up about 25% of the monthly energy usage, regardless of the energy type, switching to a tankless water heater can noticeably lower energy bills compared to traditional storage water heaters.
Never Run Out of Hot Water
Traditional storage water heaters are designed to provide hot water quickly but can only supply a certain amount. The tank fills up with cold water as soon as water is needed. If demand continues, the need will outpace the tank's ability to keep up, and eventually, the water will run cold. While this may not matter for a load of laundry, it can be a major inconvenience for someone in the shower.
Tankless water heaters use powerful burners or heating elements like storage tanks, but they heat the water when the unit senses water flowing to a plumbing fixture. As long as hot water is needed, the tankless water heater will continue to provide it, meaning that no one will ever be stuck in a cold shower again. Additionally, tankless water heaters take up far less space in basements, garages, or closets, so when homeowners make the switch, they have new storage options.
Get Longer Life Expectancy
Tankless water heaters are more expensive to install, but homeowners who make the switch will return that money to the unit's life. A tankless water heater will use less energy and last longer than a storage tank since it doesn’t work as hard to heat water. In addition to this, the tank of a water heater is its most vulnerable point. By removing the tank, tankless water heaters eliminate the main point of failure, allowing them to last for 20, nearly twice as long as conventional units.
About Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a one-stop shop for homeowners. Their skilled teams handle any problem a home can throw at them, from water heater replacement to HVAC repairs. Call today for expert tankless water heater services in Salisbury, MD.
