Tankless water heaters are one of the latest tools available for creating more energy efficient homes. Unlike standard units, tankless heaters generate warm water instantly through the use of high-powered gas burners or electric coils instead of having to continuously heat and reheat the water to keep it hot. Now, yes, to produce this instant heating it does require more power, but because the water doesn’t have to be reheated again and again, as it would with a standard tank, the tankless system actually ends up using less energy overall.
These systems are likely to cost you more upfront, but the benefits far outweigh the initial payment. According to consumer reports, tankless water heaters are about 22% more efficient than traditional water heaters. They are an investment for those looking for long-term energy efficiency. And while they may not be a viable option for every household, the fact is that in the right situation, a tankless water heater is going to be the better option.
So, is a tankless water heater worth the investment? Here are just a few additional advantages to help you decide:
- Never run out of hot water – With a tankless water heater, you have access to an endless supply of instantly hot water. This means that everyone in your house can enjoy a hot shower even while the dishwasher is running!
- Enjoy a longer lifespan – One of the greatest advantages of a tankless unit is their longer lifespan. Most standard water heaters last about a decade. Tankless units, on the other hand, last twice as long.
- Enjoy lower monthly bills – Though tankless systems are more expensive upfront, they are overall more efficient and therefore end up costing you less month to month. Homeowners can expect to save hundreds of dollars each year.
- Get rid of the bulk – With a tankless water heater, you get space savings, as they are much smaller than standard, bulky units. Tankless systems can easily be mounted on a wall in an inconspicuous place.
- Qualify for special financing and tax breaks – Because of their energy efficiency, tankless heaters qualify for federal tax credits which can help to offset their steep installation costs.
- Eliminate “standby loss” – One of the biggest selling points for tankless systems is that they eliminate “standby loss.” Standard units must repeatedly reheat water, and that significantly raises energy costs. This happens even when no one is home; the water heater is still using energy to fire up and reheat the “standby” water in its tank.
- Enjoy the benefits of a longer warranty – Because of their longer lifespans, tankless systems come with longer warranties (about 20 years). This is great news for the homeowner because if anything goes wrong you won’t have to pay for the repairs or foot the bill for a replacement.
- Ideal for modest demands – Tankless systems are optimal for smaller homes with minimal hot water requirements. The efficiency of these unites eliminates standby water loss while providing enough instant hot water for a few people to shower, do dishes and wash clothes.
Households looking to upgrade to a tankless system may even qualify for special financing for the purchase and installation of the system. For more information, give our team a call. We can answer all of your questions, help you find the right water heater for your needs and professionally install your new system. We look forward to helping you make your home more energy efficient.
