Water heaters are essentially a necessity of every household. Whether for laundry, cooking, and bathing, we all need hot water. In the US, most homes today have conventional water heaters. This type of water heater stores water in the tank and keeps the water hot regardless of the use. So even when you are not using hot water, the heater is working to maintain the right temperature of the water. Since water heaters use energy to keep the water hot, the 24/7 functioning of your water heater gets translated into higher energy bills.
To overcome this problem, more and more homeowners are now moving towards tankless water heaters. They are slightly different from the conventional water heaters.
What are Tankless Water Heaters?
This type of water heaters are “tankless”. Means they don’t have a tank to store hot water. Instead, they heat water based on demand. As you turn on hot water, cold water flows into the heater. The heating element (which can be a gas burner or an electric heater) instantly heats the water and it reaches the right temperature you need. On average, a tankless water heater can heat upto 5 gallons of water per minute. So you don’t have to keep the heater working 24/7. Also, you don’t have to wait for the storage tank to refill before you can get hot water.
Tankless Water Heaters Have A lot to Offer
Tankless water heaters are not just fancy little devices which can be installed everywhere and provide you hot water whenever you need them. They have a lot more to offer. Let’s have a look at why you need tankless water heaters in your home.
Saves Cost
Tankless water heaters are expensive. Yes! When it comes to installation of tankless water heaters, they are more expensive compared to conventional water heaters. But this costly investment helps you save cost in the long run.
Since tankless water heater heat water according to demand, they use less energy. Also because there is no storage of hot water, there is zero thermal heat loss. This can be reflected in reduced energy cost. According to estimates, you can save as much as 50% of your water heating cost simply by installing a tankless water heater. Though the initial investment appears to be expensive, it will help you save more in the long run.
Reduced Risk of Water Damage
Apart from higher energy cost, another drawback of conventional heaters is that they store water. Storage of water is always associated with a risk of water damage. As the water gets stored in the water heater, it can result in rust and damage to the tank over time. If not maintained, It can also corrode the heating element. Conventional water heaters are also one of the major causes of property damage due to water storage.
You can overcome this problem by installing a tankless water heater. Since there is no storage of water, there is a reduced risk of damage associated with water storage.
Advantage of Size
Unlike conventional water heaters which are large and need adequate space, tankless water heaters are small. They don’t have a storage tank so they are light weight. Due to this advantage of size and weight, they can be mounted on the wall.
High Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are far more efficient compared to conventional water heaters. They have an efficiency rate as high as 99%. Since energy conservation is a growing concern around the world, this makes tankless water heater a more popular option.
Longer Expected Life
As mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters can help you save in the long run. They are not only energy efficient but have a longer life span compared to conventional water heaters. Tankless water heaters have an average life span of around 20 years. On the other hand, the average life of a conventional water heater is between 8 and 12 years. So by investing in a tankless water heater, you can continue to enjoy hot water at a better price for as long as two decades.
Installation Options – Whole House Tankless Water Heater vs. Point of Use Water Heater
Of all the benefits, perhaps the biggest advantage is that tankless water heaters provide great flexibility when it comes to installation. You can either install a whole-house tankless water heater or go for a point of use water heater. Both installation options comes with their own advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at each of the installation option.
Whole House Tankless Water Heater
If you want a whole house tankless water heater, you can install the water heater at a central location. The heated water can be transported to all other areas of the house through pipes and reach each of your plumbing fixture.
In terms of installation, this is the most cost effective option. However, it comes with a few drawbacks.
- The farther away your fixture is from the water heater, the longer it will take for hot water to reach the fixture. This is because it takes longer for hot water to travel through the pipe
- Regardless of the distant between fixture and the water heater, you wil have to wait before you can get hot water
You cannot simultaneously perform activities using hot water so you have to restrict the use of hot water to one or two places at a time. This is because the flow rate is limited.
Point-Of-Use Tankless Water Heater
So if you want to overcome the potential drawbacks of a whole house tankless water heater, you can go for a point-of-use tankless water heater. These are small water heating units which can be installed anywhere in the house. So you can install a water heater under the kitchen sink or in your bathroom. Since they will be close to the fixture, you won’t have to wait for the hot water. Also, a point-of-use tankless water heater will overcome the problem of flow rate.
If there are multiple users of hot water who simultaneously need hot water, we recommend you install a whole house tankless water heater along with a few point-of-use tankless water heaters. This way you can enjoy all the benefits of a tankless water heater without experiencing any drawbacks.
Schedule Tankless Water Heater Installation
Want endless supply of hot water, reduced energy bills and a long lasting water heater? It best that you invest in a tankless water heater. At Mesa Plumbing, we offer a variety of water heater solutions. From repair and replacement to relocation and installation, we are a one stop solution to all your water heater needs. Our dedicated team of professionals will take care of all your water heater needs. We deal with both conventional and tankless water heaters. To know more about tankless water heaters and the right one for your home, call us now at 480-832-1660 or visit our website.