A Quick Guide to Tankless Water Heaters
Of all the home appliances, water heaters are among the most hands-off and hard-working. They require little maintenance, function for a decade or more, and are fairly easy to fix when something small breaks down on them. But in recent years, water heaters have gotten even better. In the form of tankless water heaters, homeowners are now enjoying many benefits of these small and efficient appliances. Those thinking about water heater replacement will likely want to consider if a tankless water heater is right for them.
Traditional vs. Tankless Water Heaters
As the name suggests, tankless water heaters differ from their traditional counterparts in that they don't have a storage tank. The old-style water heaters work by continuously heating water in the storage tank so it's ready for use throughout the home. But this isn't the most efficient system because these water heaters use energy to keep the water at a temperature even when no one uses the hot water. Tankless water heaters do away with this inefficiency, making them an attractive choice for many homeowners.
How Tankless Water Heaters Function
Also called on-demand water heaters, these tankless appliances heat water as needed. They come in gas and electric models, but the overall function is the same. They quickly heat cold water to temperature using a heat exchanger. However, gas-powered tankless water heaters tend to be slightly faster than their electric counterparts.
Once the water has been heated, it's delivered to the faucet. While there can be a minor lag time, most homeowners report not noticing a big difference between their old storage tank water heater and their tankless one. It's also a good idea to remember that tankless water heaters carry a higher up-front price tag for installation. However, for many households, they provide consistently lower energy bills through their efficient operation. And they also come with other advantages to consider.
Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
While more efficient operation is a big selling point for tankless water heaters, there are other benefits. Since tankless water heaters don't require a large storage tank, they're much smaller. This can be beneficial for smaller homes or those looking to save space. This lack of a storage tank also comes with fewer potential problems. In storage water heaters, it's fairly common for leaks to develop when sediment eats through the tank lining. This isn't an issue with tankless water heaters. The appliance's lifespan is also a factor in favor of tankless water heaters. While storage tank water heaters last between 10 and 15 years, tankless ones can last much longer — up to 20 years.
But a whole-home tankless water heater isn't for everyone. Larger households that use more hot water simultaneously may need to install more than one. That said, those homeowners who use around 40 gallons of hot water daily (or less) could see major benefits from one of these water heaters. For those households, tankless water heaters can be between 24% and 34% more efficient than storage tank heaters. Homeowners interested in replacing a water heater should consult a professional plumber to determine if tankless water heater installation suits them.
About A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
The friendly professionals at A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. have served Murphysboro, IL, for over 15 years. They offer same-day service and fast turnarounds for those pesky emergencies. They are a family-owned and operated company offering personalized attention and excellent workmanship. Contact them today for a water heater replacement in Murphysboro, IL.
