When it comes to selecting between a traditional or tankless water heater, traditional water heaters contain big storage tanks that can store around 40 to 50 gallons of water. However, these heaters can take up a lot of space. Moreover, they consume a lot of energy, contributing to increased energy bills.
Furthermore, the lifespan of a traditional water heater is less as compared to a tankless water heater, and they often need to be after 10 to 15 years of use. Besides that, traditional water heaters also run out of hot water once the tank goes empty so you’ll have to wait until they are re-filled and heat the water again.
Thus, if you’re looking for a more efficient solution for your heating needs, tankless water heaters are the right choice. But before we look at the benefits of a tankless water heater, let’s see how it works:
Tankless Water Heaters
Unlike a traditional heater, a tankless water heater automatically turns on when you turn on the tap. It consists of a flow sensor that detects the flow of water, which then sends a signal to the microcontroller to start heating the water.
In a gas-fired unit, a fan is turned on to suck in the fresh air. Then, a gas valve is turned on, the burner is ignited and the heating process starts.
The heat exchanger utilizes heat from the flames to heat the water that transfers through its tubes. The mixing valve is used to temper the superheated water that exits through the exchanger.
Now, to prevent water from overheating, a temperature sensor constantly checks the temperature and sends signals to the controller. Finally, a sealed vent carries the exhaust gases outside the unit and the process repeats itself.
Now, take a look at the benefits of using a tankless water heater:
Benefits of Using a Tankless Water Heater
1) - Energy Efficient
Tankless water heaters can cut down a significant chunk of your monthly bill because unlike traditional water heaters, they are more efficient. On average, a tankless water heater can be 24-34% more energy- efficient, specifically for a small family.
Typically, if your family utilizes less than 41 gallons of water on a daily basis, you will see a significant change in your monthly energy savings. This translates to savings of hundreds of dollars annually for budget-conscious families.
2) - Longer Life
Compared to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters have a longer life expectancy. Typically, they can be used around 20 years or even longer without replacement. However, for good performance and higher lifespan, they demand great care and maintenance.
It’s best for those who want to move to a place for a longer period of time because homeowners who plan to stay put, this could be the deciding factor.
3) - Less Waiting Time for Hot Water
A tankless water heater is designed to provide water without any delays. With a traditional heater, if you utilize more water on a certain day, you’d have to wait until it re-fills, which may further take up an hour to re-heat it.
However, tankless water heaters take care of this and provide water as soon as you turn on the tap. Furthermore, you will not need to compromise functionality for space and energy efficiency, thus, eliminating the need to wait for hot water to take a shower.
4) - Added Safety
If you have infants and young children in your house, ensuring their safety must be one of your primary concerns. Traditional water heaters have the drawback of overheating, which sometimes becomes the reason for explosion and fire.
Tankless water heater, on the other hand, stores less amount of water. Thus, reducing the risk of damage and explosion. Besides, there is low chance of leakage due to low weight and compact size. Even if leakage occurs, it would cause less water wastage.
5) - Compactness
Tankless water heaters are very compact, which is one of the reasons homeowners prefer them over traditional heaters. A standard tankless water heater is around 60x24 inches in size. Hence, it can be easily fitted anywhere without taking much space.
Its compactness saves a lot of space for those who lack wider spaces in their houses. Therefore, you’re not required to have a bulky area to fit your water heater.
Now, let’s check some important factors before deciding to buy a tankless water heater:
Important Considerations before Buying a Tankless Water Heater
1) - Maintenance
Tankless water heaters require annual maintenance, such as changing air and water filters, cleaning, and checking the burners. If you have hard water supply in your area, you might also have to flush it with vinegar after every 500 hours to prevent clogging and mineral build-up.
2) - Cost
The average cost of a tankless water heater is around $1,000. However, prices may vary from $170 for small gas-fired units to $2,000 or more for units that provide high-output and supply two showers at the same time.
3) - Sensitivity
Tankless water heaters are very sensitive and may shut down in cases such as excessive scale build-up inside the faucets or pipes and when aerators of the showerhead get clogged. It may reduce the flow of water to around 0.3gpm in case of a turned-down faucet.
4) - Installation
Installing a tankless water heater isn’t very simple. So, if you want a professional plumber to install your new tankless water heater, contact Mesa Plumbing Company that offers 24/7 plumbing services with no extra charges and provides 100% satisfied plumbing facilities across 12 cities in Arizona.