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Why Tankless Water Heaters Are The Future Of Home Heating And How You Can Save Money And Energy

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • When you turn on a hot water tap, the water in the tank is released and flows to the fixture.
  • When you turn on a hot water tap, the tankless water heater uses a heat exchanger to heat the water as it flows through the unit.
  • This means that you may not be able to get as much hot water out of a tankless water heater as you would from a tank water heater.

When it comes to hot water, most people think of a traditional tank water heater. However, there is a more efficient and modern option: the tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters offer a number of advantages over traditional tank water heaters, including reduced energy costs, endless hot water, and a longer lifespan. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why tankless water heaters are a better choice.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

Traditional tank water heaters store a large volume of hot water in a tank. When you turn on a hot water tap, the water in the tank is released and flows to the fixture. As the water is used, the tank is refilled with cold water, which is then heated. This process can be inefficient, as the water in the tank is constantly being heated, even when it is not being used.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not store any water. Instead, they heat water on demand. When you turn on a hot water tap, the tankless water heater uses a heat exchanger to heat the water as it flows through the unit. This means that you only use energy when you need hot water, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

There are many benefits to choosing a tankless water heater over a traditional tank water heater. These benefits include:

  • Reduced energy costs: Tankless water heaters can save you up to 30% on your energy bills. This is because they only use energy when you need hot water, rather than constantly heating a tank of water.
  • Endless hot water: With a tankless water heater, you will never run out of hot water. This is because the water is heated on demand, so there is always a fresh supply of hot water available.
  • Longer lifespan: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters. This is because they do not have a tank that can rust or corrode. Tankless water heaters can last for up to 20 years, while tank water heaters typically last for only 10-12 years.
  • Compact size: Tankless water heaters are much more compact than traditional tank water heaters. This makes them ideal for small spaces, such as apartments or condos.
  • Easy to install: Tankless water heaters are relatively easy to install. This can save you money on installation costs.

Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters

While tankless water heaters offer a number of advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. These drawbacks include:

  • Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters typically cost more upfront than traditional tank water heaters. However, the energy savings you can achieve with a tankless water heater can make up for the higher upfront cost over time.
  • Lower flow rate: Tankless water heaters have a lower flow rate than traditional tank water heaters. This means that you may not be able to get as much hot water out of a tankless water heater as you would from a tank water heater.
  • Requires a dedicated gas line: Tankless water heaters require a dedicated gas line. This can be an added expense if you do not already have a gas line in your home.

Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater

If you are considering a tankless water heater, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These include:

  • The size of your home: The size of your home will determine the size of the tankless water heater you need. A larger home will require a larger tankless water heater.
  • The number of people in your household: The number of people in your household will also affect the size of the tankless water heater you need. A larger household will require a larger tankless water heater.
  • Your hot water usage: If you use a lot of hot water, you will need a larger tankless water heater. If you use a moderate amount of hot water, you may be able to get by with a smaller tankless water heater.

Installation and Maintenance

Tankless water heaters are relatively easy to install. However, it is important to have a qualified professional install your tankless water heater. This will ensure that the unit is installed correctly and safely.

Tankless water heaters require minimal maintenance. However, you should have your tankless water heater inspected and serviced by a qualified professional once a year. This will help to keep your tankless water heater running efficiently and safely.

Why Tankless Water Heaters Are a Better Choice for the Environment

Tankless water heaters are a better choice for the environment than traditional tank water heaters. This is because they use less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gases. Tankless water heaters also do not require a storage tank, which can be a source of water pollution.

The Bottom Line: Why You Should Choose a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters offer a number of advantages over traditional tank water heaters, including reduced energy costs, endless hot water, a longer lifespan, and a more compact size. While tankless water heaters typically cost more upfront than traditional tank water heaters, the energy savings you can achieve with a tankless water heater can make up for the higher upfront cost over time. If you are looking for a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat your water, a tankless water heater is a great option.

  • Q: How much does a tankless water heater cost?

A: The cost of a tankless water heater can vary depending on the size and features of the unit. However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a tankless water heater.

  • Q: How long does a tankless water heater last?

A: Tankless water heaters typically last for up to 20 years. This is longer than traditional tank water heaters, which typically last for only 10-12 years.

  • Q: Is a tankless water heater right for my home?

A: Tankless water heaters are a good option for homes of all sizes. However, they are especially well-suited for small homes and apartments.

Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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