Having a good supply of hot water is something many homeowners take for granted. There are many instances throughout the day when people use hot water, including bathing, laundry, cooking, and dishwashing. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget about all the work a hot water heater does during the day until it isn’t working properly. The good news is, today there are many options available when it comes to hot water heating for your home, including tankless.
What is a tankless hot water heater?
In simple terms, a tankless hot water heater is just what the name suggests – a water heater that heats water for your home without a holding tank. With a traditional tank water heater, a certain amount of water is held in the storage tank, where it is kept hot at all times. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat the water as it flows through the system. It is only heated when you turn on the hot water faucet.
What are some of the benefits of a tankless hot water heater?
One of the main benefits of a tankless hot water heater is improved energy efficiency. If you’re looking at ways to save energy (and ultimately money on your utility bills) you might want to consider a tankless water heater when it comes time for a replacement. Tankless water heaters are more efficient because they heat the water you need on demand, rather than keeping water hot at all times in a holding tank.
Additionally, tankless water heaters are built to last. While they typically last for 10 to 15 years, with proper maintenance some can last up to 20 years. It’s important to note that, generally speaking, tankless hot water heaters tend to last longer than their traditional counterparts. Tank storage water heaters can collect sediment and minerals like lime, which can cause poor efficiency and eventually affect the operation of the heating electrodes.
Many people enjoy the convenience of a tankless hot water heater. If you’ve ever had to take a shower after the rest of the family has had theirs, you’ll understand why! Because the water is heated on demand, you’ll always be able to have hot water readily available for bathing, dishes, and laundry.
Are there any downsides to a tankless hot water heater?
The main downside to a tankless hot water heater for many people is the initial cost. Gas tankless hot water heaters generally cost more to install than a traditional electric water heater, especially if you’re converting from a storage tank system. However, if you have a gas water heater installed in your home, the cost will be about the same for either a tank or tankless water heater. It’s important to note that because of their efficiency, you’ll likely be paying less in energy bills a month with a tankless water heater, especially when you work with Home Climates to help you get the appropriately sized system for your home and lifestyle needs. We’ll work with you to make sure your system provides you both with the hot water you need throughout your home, and the best possible energy efficiency.
I’d like to learn more about tankless hot water heaters. What do I do next?
That’s as easy as giving Home Climates a call. We’ll work with you to determine if a tankless hot water heater is the right choice for you and your family, and we’ll tell you about the different options we have available for your home and lifestyle needs. Just give us a call at 717.689.4151, and we’ll be happy to discuss tankless hot water heaters with you and schedule an appointment.