If you’re living with an aging water heater in need of constant repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. A new tankless water heater model can provide a variety of benefits. But before you rush out to make a purchase, it’s important to understand how tankless water heaters work and whether you should have one in your home.
How A Tankless Water Heater Works
If you live an older home, you may only have experience with tanked water heater units. These traditional models heat water from your main line inside a 20- to 80-gallon tank, which you can then use throughout your home. The downside to a tank unit is that once that hot water reserve is gone, you need to wait for the tank to refill with hot water before you can use it again.
Tankless water heaters are different. Like their name states, they don’t rely on a tank to produce hot water. Instead, they provide hot water on demand by heating it as it travels through your pipes. When you’re done running water, the unit sits in standby mode instead of holding extra water.
Why Going Tankless Could Be A Sound Idea
Switching to a tankless water heater after using an older model, the first thing you’ll notice is its efficiency. Tankless units heat water at a speed unheard of in traditional models. You can even heat water for multiple faucets or showers at the same time.
Like most modern homeowners, you’ve probably maximized every inch of space you have. Areas such as utility closets, sheds, and garages might all be packed to the gills, with no room for much else. If a compact unit is important to you, a wall-mounted tankless heater takes up much less space than a traditional tank model and may add value to your home.
If you really can’t live without a tank, you can add a water storage unit to your system, allowing you to more easily heat multiple water sources at the same time. Our team of experts can work with you to find a size that works for your family.
The Monetary Benefits Of A Tankless Water Heater
Because they only heat water as you need it, tankless models don’t cost as much to run as their tanked counterparts. On average, a tankless unit can save you around $95 per year. While $95 per year might not seem like a lot, it could add up to $1,500 over the life of the heater.
And unlike old models, which might last 8 to 12 years, less activity means a tankless heater could last up to 20. With proper maintenance, you might not even need to think about replacing your heater until after your kids are off to college.
Another financial benefit of tankless heaters is that with no tank of standing water, the chances of a leak are reduced. The absence of a tank means you won’t ever have to worry about your water heater causing costly water damage in any room of your home.
A tankless water heater will cost you more up front than a traditional model. But when you subtract the cost of replacement you’ll avoid with a unit that lasts 8 to 12 years longer, you’ll actually be saving money in the long run. Lower energy bills and less probability of cleanup and restoration costs just sweeten the deal.
How To Choose A Tankless Water Heater
Choosing the right model for your home is complicated. That’s why our team of experts at O’Connor Plumbing is here to take out the guesswork. There are several factors you’ll need to consider to make sure your unit has enough power for your home’s individual needs.
First, what devices use your hot water supply? Make sure you include washing machines and dishwashers as well as sinks, and showers. Then, add up the flow rate (GPM) of each to see how much power you need.
You’ll also need to figure out what type of heating element you need. If your home doesn’t already have a gas line, choosing a gas heated tankless water heater probably isn’t the best idea. Installing a gas line will likely cancel out any savings you might have gained by going tankless. If your home already uses gas, a gas-powered unit works faster and meets GPM requirements more efficiently than an electric model.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer heating time, an electric tankless water heater could be a good choice for your home. They’re cheaper than gas but work best with smaller floor plans.
Trust O’Connor Plumbing For Your Tankless Water Heater Needs
Is it time for a new water heater? Our O’Connor Plumbing team can help you decide on the best model for your home. Give us a call today at (833) 744-4644 to get more information. And if you’re already excited about a tankless water heater, consider the Navien Tankless heater. We’re offering a $500 off discount from now until the end of September!