The word is out about tankless water heaters. Most know this type of equipment by certain brand names, though there are several reputable companies manufacturing tankless water heaters. Homeowners often approach us at trade shows or while servicing other plumbing needs within their homes and businesses to ask, “When my water heater needs to be replaced, should I go tankless?.” The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather a handful of aspects to consider.
- ENERGY EFFICIENCY Tankless water heaters operate at a 97% rate of efficiency, as opposed to the 69% efficiency rating for conventional, tank-style water heaters. If you are concerned about either saving money through reduced utility costs or cultivating a more ecologically sound lifestyle through energy conservation, it may be time to make the switch.
- SPACE SAVING Tankless units are wall mounted, either on the interior or exterior of the house, depending on the climate and plumbing codes in your area. Protruding about 20 inches from the wall, with all piping remaining within that distance, the spatial impact of a tankless water heater is far less than conventional.
- ENDLESS HOT WATER Tankless units provide endless hot water. What this may mean to your household or business must be determined on a case by case basis. For families with multiple people needing to shower, many loads of laundry and dishes to be done, the concept of endless hot water is quite appealing. No more waiting for the hot water to replenish between showers! Tankless water heaters, when sized properly, are better equipped to meet the needs of businesses which need hot water to operate.
- BUILT IN RECIRCULATION Tankless water heaters are constantly recirculating water. This means that there is no stagnant water accumulating within the unit. There is routine maintenance to be done annually to prevent sediment build up but the amount of sediment is quite small by comparison to a conventional unit.
- GAS SAVINGS When switching from a gas powered tank style water heater to a tankless unit, a noticeable decrease in gas usage should be noticed, as long as hot water usage remains the same.
Hopefully, this article is helpful to anyone out there considering making the conversion from tank style water heater to a tankless water heater. Making the switch will certainly make a difference in terms of space and energy use, as well as impact the comfort and ease of hot water use within your home or business. As with all decisions about plumbing systems within your home or business, consulting a licensed plumbing company with any questions and for further insight about your specific situation is best.
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