When homeowners hear “water heater,” most people picture the large, gray tank in the corner of their basement. They don’t necessarily understand how it works; they just know they need it to do its job. In fact, they don’t give much thought to their water heater at all—until it quits on them, of course.
But did you know approximately 17% of our energy consumption can be attributed to our water heaters—more than all other household appliances combined? For homeowners who are looking for ways to conserve energy and save money, it’s worth thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Enjoy continuous hot water. Unlike traditional water heaters that continually heat and store water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water directly and only when it’s required. Cold water travels to the unit, where it’s warmed either by a gas burner or an electric heating element. Hot water is produced at a rate of 2-5 gallons per minute, and it never “runs out” as it does with tank water heaters.
Save money. According to www.energy.gov, you can save between 8% and 24% on your energy bills by installing a tankless water heater, depending on your water consumption. Although tankless units are more expensive than storage models and installation costs may be higher, tankless water heaters last longer (up to 10 years longer) and are less expensive to operate.
You may also qualify for a significant tax rebate the year you install a tankless water heater.
Conserve energy. Storage-type water heaters waste a significant amount of energy in standby heat loss. Electric, tankless water heaters don’t have that issue, because they expend energy to heat water only when it’s needed. If you’re considering a gas-powered tankless water heater, look for one equipped with a intermittent ignition device (IID) so your energy gains aren’t lost to a constantly burning pilot light.
Save space. Tankless water heaters are small and typically wall-mounted. They can be installed in multiple areas throughout your home to increase hot water production. If you tend to need hot water in multiple areas of your home at the same time—such as the shower, dishwasher, and washing machine—it’s worth considering multiple units.
Avoid plumbing emergencies. Ruptured water heaters are among the top five sources of water damage to homes, as reported by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Because tankless water heaters don’t store gallons and gallons of water, you’re never at risk of water heater-related flood.
Have questions about tankless water heaters? Wondering if making the switch is a smart move for your family? Columbia plumbing experts MasterTech Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is happy to help. We’ve been helping Columbia area homeowners make smart plumbing decisions for decades. Give us a call today.
