Is your home’s water heater showing signs of failure? Whether replacing a broken water heater or trying to be more efficient, you should consider installing a tankless water heater. While industry experts understand the benefits, the average homeowner may not.
The truth is that a tankless water heater offers many advantages. From providing a continuous supply of hot water and eliminating the need for a storage tank to reducing the risk of running out of hot water, these appliances are a great investment. Since tankless water heaters only heat water as needed, they help save space, energy, and money in your home.
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Is a tankless water heater worth the cost?
Tankless water heaters can be a worthwhile investment for several reasons. They provide a continuous hot water supply on demand and are more energy efficient, leading to lower energy bills. Tankless water heaters also have a longer lifespan compared to tank-style water heaters, saving money on replacement costs. While they may have a higher upfront cost, tankless water heaters can save money in the long run, while also enjoying endless hot water!
Here’s Why You Should Consider a Tankless Water Heater
If you are still unsure whether a tankless water heater is right for you, keep reading to learn more about the benefits.
Long-term Energy and Cost Savings
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than maintaining a constant supply, which means they are more energy efficient than traditional tank-style water heaters. Tankless water heaters do not experience standby heat loss, which occurs when heat escapes the water tank and requires constant reheating. Instead, they only use energy when hot water is required, heating it quickly with a high-efficiency modulating burner and heat exchanger that wastes less gas.
The amount of energy saved with a tankless water heater depends on the amount of hot water used and the efficiency of the previous tank-style system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be between 8% and 50% more energy-efficient than tank-style water heaters, with the greatest savings seen when using less than 41 gallons of hot water daily.
A family of four can save an average of up to 34% throughout the lifetime of the system by switching to a tankless water heater, according to Energy Star.
Requires Less Space
If you have limited space in your home, a tankless water heater is a great option. Tankless water heaters are typically smaller and more compact than tank-style water heaters, making them easier to fit into tight spaces. While a traditional tank-style water heater can be up to 60 inches tall with a 20-inch diameter, a tankless unit is usually around 27 inches tall, 18 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and rectangular in shape.
Tankless water heaters can be mounted to a wall like a circuit breaker and can easily fit in a closet, while tank-style heaters take up floor space and are often located in basements. In terms of size, tankless water heaters offer a significant advantage over traditional tank-style heaters.
Reduces Your Risk of Water Damage Caused by Leaks
Tank-style water heaters are at risk of developing leaks over time due to the build-up of minerals from hard water in the tank, which can cause corrosion and eventually lead to leaks. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not have a tank, so they do not have the same risk of leaks or flooding. Our favorite Tankless, the Navien, has a stainless steel heat exchanger which is much less prone to corrosion or major leaks!
While tankless water heaters can still experience issues that may result in leaking, the chances of a major leak that causes significant damage are much lower compared to other styles of water heaters.
Unlimited Hot Water Supply
Tankless water heaters can provide a constant supply of hot water as long as your water usage is below the maximum allowable flow rate. This means that you will never have to worry about running out of hot water, even if multiple showers are being used simultaneously. With a tankless water heater, you can take a shower for as long as you like without worrying about the water getting cold.
Tankless water heaters work by heating water from an external source on demand, so the water will remain hot as long as you need it. In contrast, tank-style water heaters have a limited supply of hot water that can run out if the demand is too high.
Lower Risk of Exposure to Toxic Metals and Burns
Many experts believe that tankless water heaters are safer than tank-style water heaters. Tankless water heaters do not have a tank that could potentially explode, and they offer more precise temperature control, reducing the risk of being burned by hot water.
Furthermore, tank-style water heaters can break down over time due to corrosion caused by hard water, releasing minerals and particles into the water lines that may be harmful to your skin. Tankless water heaters do not store water in a corroding tank, so the water they provide is typically purer and safer.
Longer Life Expectancy
One of the main benefits of tankless water heaters is that they generally have a longer lifespan than tank-style water heaters. Tank-style water heaters are prone to corrosion due to the build-up of minerals from hard water in the tank, which can weaken the structure and lead to leaks and other issues over time. The Navien tankless we install comes with a 15-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not have a tank, so they do not have the risk of corrosion and other issues that can shorten their lifespan. In addition, tankless water heaters do not experience standby heat loss, which occurs when heat escapes the water tank and must be constantly reheated. This can put less wear and tear on the appliance, contributing to its longer lifespan. Overall, tankless water heaters can potentially last longer than tank-style water heaters, which may save money on replacement costs over time.
Closing Thoughts
Ultimately, a tankless water heater can be a worthwhile investment due to its continuous supply of hot water, energy efficiency, and longer lifespan compared to other water heater styles. When shopping for a tankless water heater, it is important to consider the size of your household, hot water demand, and fuel source availability to determine the best option for your needs.
For professional installation and expert advice on choosing a tankless water heater, consider working with our friendly pros at Polar Bear Mechanical LTD. Our team of experienced technicians can help you find the perfect tankless water heater for your home and ensure a smooth and efficient installation process. Call us today with any questions or for a free in-home consultation.
