For houses with moderate hot water needs, tankless water heaters are appropriate. They are also great for replacing old, leaky tank-type water heaters. They heat water on demand, so there’s always a supply. However, homeowners should know about some pros and cons of this heater style.
Energy Efficiency
On-demand water heaters consume less energy than conventional types since they don’t have a tank. If your family uses 41 gallons or less daily, you could save as much as 34% on your electricity bill by switching to a tankless model. When a hot-water tap is opened, a flow sensor detects the water flow and triggers the unit to begin heating it. The heat exchanger then begins to heat the water, which is tempered by the mixing valve to maintain an optimal temperature. By consuming less fossil fuel and producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, tankless water heaters also benefit the environment in terms of energy savings. However, a gas tankless model requires a larger gas line and rerouting of your water lines to accommodate the new system, which is typically best left to a plumbing professional. In some locations, tankless water heaters Pleasanton CA may require an inspection and installation permit, another reason to hire a professional.
Cost
A tankless water heater is more expensive at first than a storage one. Still, if you factor in energy efficiency savings over the unit’s life expectancy, you can make your money back and then some. Use calculators to determine capacity needs, energy usage and current electricity or gas costs for a realistic break-even analysis. Upgrading to an on-demand water heater is a major home improvement, so it’s important to weigh the financial and environmental benefits with the help of a professional. They can advise you of the best solution for your property, considering your family’s needs, existing plumbing setup and potential wiring/piping upgrades required. An on-demand water heater can significantly reduce your hot water costs and may even cut your utility bills by up to 15%. Electric units are cheaper to operate than gas models, and you can pair an electric unit with a solar panel system to further boost your energy efficiency savings.
Water Output
A tankless water heater removes waste from a storage tank configuration, which offers hot water on demand. However, the amount of hot water produced varies. It depends on the size of your family, how much you use and environmental factors. You may need to insulate your pipes, a relatively simple upgrade that can save energy and money. In addition, tankless units work harder to heat the water traveling through them, which requires a higher flow of electricity. If your existing electrical system cannot handle this extra flow, rewiring may be necessary. Another factor is how long you expect to live in your home. If you plan to move, a tankless water heater’s upfront installation costs could outweigh any utility bill savings. But for many homeowners, going tankless is a smart investment in their “forever home.” The average life span of a gas-fired unit is 20 years, and it’s twice as long as that of traditional tanks.
Installation
If your water heater is at the end of its lifespan or if you’re building a new home, tankless units are an excellent choice. Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless models do not have any tanks or reservoirs to leak out of and are more reliable. They’re also energy efficient and offer instant hot water. However, a tankless water heater’s upfront installation costs can be high if your home requires additional upgrades to electrical systems or gas lines. You’ll need a licensed professional to ensure your house is ready for an on-demand water heater. Your plumber must route your water supply pipes to the unit’s inlet and outlet. Depending on your home’s setup, this could require new fittings and the addition of a pressure-relief valve. Installing your heater close to your plumbing fixtures will also decrease the wait time for hot water. Your plumber can advise you on the best location.
