If you are considering installing a tankless water heater, then you probably have several questions about the benefits of using a tankless water heater over a traditional heater with a tank. A tankless water heater is convenient and efficient, and you can save energy costs when using this type of system in St. Louis, MO. When you realize the advantages, you may decide a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home.
Tankless Water Heaters Explained
A tankless water heater does not have a holding tank but instead works by heating the water directly when the hot water tap is activated. The cold water passes through a pipe into the heating unit, where a gas or electricity heats the water. This results in a constant flow of instant hot water.
The flow of water is limited by the output available. It’s usually provided at a rate of two to five gallons per minute. A gas-fired tankless water heater will produce a higher flow rate of heated water than an electric one.
However, a tankless water heater may have trouble keeping up with simultaneous use in a large household. In this case, you can have a system of multiple tankless water heaters that are connected. You can also have separate ones that are dedicated to specific appliances.
1. More Energy-Efficient
A major benefit of using a tankless water tank is the gain in energy efficiency. A traditional water heater keeps the water in the tank at a constant temperature, whereas a tankless water heater only heats the water on demand.
This results in reduced energy usage of 24 to 34 percent when compared to a traditional water heater. Indoor Air Comfort provides multiple home comfort services to the St. Louis area, and we can consult with you about ways to save energy in your home.
2. Lower Utility Costs
A direct result of lower energy use is a lower power bill. Depending on your particular usage and the power costs in your area, you can save several hundred dollars over a year. Even when factoring in the initial costs of installing a tankless system, you will save money over time, especially considering that it has a longer life span than a traditional water heater.
3. Takes Up Less Space
A traditional water heater holds between 40 to 60 gallons of water and is typically around 60 inches tall and 24 inches in diameter. It takes up a good amount of space when you factor in the additional room required for the attached water pipes. On the other hand, a tankless water heater is much smaller and is typically around 28 inches tall and 20 inches wide.
4. Never Runs Out of Hot Water
Everyone has experienced taking a shower and running out of hot water before finishing. The water that flows into the tank to replace the heated water is cold until it is heated in the tank.
With a traditional water heater, you will have a limited amount of heated water if you attempt to use hot water before a certain time has elapsed. A tankless water heater heats the water on demand, so you will never run out of hot water during use.
5. Longer Life
A traditional water heater will usually last around ten years. If you keep up with regular maintenance, it will probably last even longer. On the other hand, a tankless water heater has an estimated life span of 20 years. You also won’t run the risk of flooding your house due to a ruptured water tank.
There are many advantages to using a tankless water heater. They are smaller and more versatile in regards to placement, and they are more convenient. While the cost of installation is higher than a traditional water heater, the savings over time outweigh the cost.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits oftankless water heaters, give Indoor Comfort Team a call today.
Image provided by iStock
