If you’ve ever experienced the rude awakening of taking a hot shower that suddenly turns cold, you’re not alone. This common morning refrain of, “we're out of hot water, again!” probably has you thinking, there must be a better option.
If you’re tired of running out of hot water at the worst possible time (is there ever a good time?), or you’re looking for a more compact and energy-efficient way to get hot water, a tankless system is a great option. A tankless water heater is a great way to get hot water on demand. However, if you’re wondering, what is a tankless water heater? How does it work, and is a tankless water heater worth it? The article below will provide some good information to help you decide if a tankless system is right for you.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater provides hot water on-demand and is a great alternative to the more traditional tank system. This type of unit is significantly smaller than a tank heater and only heats water as you need it, instead of holding gallons of water in a tank and heating and reheating it over and over.
Imagine never having to worry about running out of hot water again (insert very happy emoji)! When you replace a tank heater with a tankless one, you don’t have to worry about someone taking a long shower, running the dishwasher or washing machine, and using all the hot water. Sensors built into the tankless unit turn on burners (for gas models) or heating elements (for electric models) that quickly heat the water before it travels through the pipes in your home.
Related Topic: How to Maintain a Tankless Water Heater
Is a Tankless Water Heater Worth It?
If you’re still on the fence about whether to invest in a tankless water heater here are a few more things to consider:
Energy Efficiency. Without a storage tank that needs constant reheating, you’ll find that tankless water heater energy savings are significant, often using up to 50% less electricity than standard tank models. While tankless models may cost a little more than a standard water heater initially, the monthly energy savings will offset the slightly higher purchase price and you’ll save more money over time with a tankless heater.
Leak Protection. Another advantage of ditching the large tank water heater is a much lower likelihood of a leak or flood in your house. A tankless system is basically a recirculating pump, so it doesn’t hold massive amounts of water like a traditional tank does. Even a leaking tankless water heater, which is rare, would cause minimal water damage as opposed to a ruptured hot water tank (that can hold up to 60 gals of water).
Convenience. Another big advantage of a tankless system is convenience. No more staggering family’s showers or delay starting the dishwasher or laundry to conserve hot water. With a tankless system, you’ll have all the hot water you need, right when you need it.
Should I Get a Tankless Water Heater?
If you’re still not sure if a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home, ask yourself these questions to help you decide:
Is energy efficiency a priority for me?
Am I sick of running out of hot water when everyone in the house needs a shower?
Am I ready to invest in a more efficient and convenient system, even if it means replacing my old tank system?
Could I use a little more space in my utility room?
Am I willing to pay a little more upfront in exchange for years of lower utility bills?
Are there any specific reasons why I would choose to stick with a conventional tank water heater?
Do I have a reliable plumbing company on board to help me choose the right model and install it for me?
Find Tankless Water Heater Services Near You
We often take hot water for granted, until we run out of it. Limiting your hot water usage doesn’t have to be a reality. With a tankless system, a lukewarm or cold shower can become a thing of the past. Tankless water heaters have so many benefits, it’s hard to argue against them. Going tankless will increase your energy efficiency, provide hot water whenever you need it, occupy less space than a tank system, minimize the risk of a flood and save you money every month on your utility bills.
To learn more about why replacing your traditional tank water heater with a tankless model could be the right choice for your home, contact the local plumbing pros at Mr. Rooter. Call us at (855) 982-2028 or visit us online for more information