Time for a new water heater? There’s this big talk about tankless water heaters being more energy efficient and saving you money, but there are caveats.
It’s time to replace your water heater and you’re not sure which system type works best for you and your family. Let us help you with that.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Water heaters traditionally keep a whole tank of water at a high temperature at all times, so it can be available whenever it is needed. Tankless systems heat water as it is being used. Instead of having to heat forty or sixty gallons at once, or even more, they simply heat 2-5 gallons per minute as you use it.
Similarities Between Tank and Tankless Systems
Both systems are available in gas and electric models. Both systems are effective at providing hot water. They do both require regular maintenance in order to function optimally, and they will both decrease in efficiency without that maintenance.
If your home has hard water, you will need to have either system regularly flushed so the minerals from your water won’t build up enough to cause mayhem in the system.
Pros of Tankless Systems
- Space: Without a large tank, your tankless system can occupy a much smaller space. This can free up a decent chunk of your home for storage or other uses, effectively increasing your available square footage.
- Energy: A tankless system is significantly more energy-efficient than a tank water heater. It only uses the energy that’s necessary for the water you need, without expending energy to keep large quantities of water hot just in case it’s called for. On average, you can save $100 worth of energy each year by going tankless (and more depending on your family size/use case).
- Water: It also decreases the amount of water you go through. Small amounts of water are lost from tank water heaters constantly as they regulate their temperature and pressure with a release valve. Tankless systems only use a little more water than necessary (because some water still has to be purged from the line to reach the hot water).
- Supply: You know the feeling when someone else’s too-long shower has made it so your shower is cold? That’s because the tank has refilled with cold water and it takes quite a while to heat. Tankless water heaters simply continue to supply the same amount of hot water so you don’t run out.
Cons of Tankless Systems
- Supply: Yes, we said the supply was a pro. However, there are limits to that. Because tankless systems provide 2-5 gallons per minute, they’re not ideal for households that might call for more than that at once. If you regularly have laundry in the wash or the dishwasher running while people need to shower, you might find that amount of hot water insufficient.
- Cost: Tankless systems are more expensive. Over time, their energy efficiency will help you to recoup this cost, but if up-front cost is a concern, tankless might not be the way to go.
We’d love to discuss tankless water heater replacement in Belleview, FL with you. A technician can help you determine your household hot water usage and answer any questions you may have.
Contact the team at Commander Air Inc. Your hometown heating and cooling specialist for three generations.