8 Reasons You Should Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters can be beneficial for many homeowners. These devices only spend energy to heat water when you are using your appliances or the hot water tap. Traditional water heaters with tanks continuously work to keep the water in their tank hot, thereby continually using energy.

Investing in a tankless water heater may provide a great deal of savings down the road. If you are unsure regarding whether you want to install a tankless water heater, here are eight reasons to consider making the switch.

Save Costs and Energy

While there are upfront costs related to installing a tankless hot water heater, you will save money and energy through your investment over time. Water heaters that use tanks may contain 50 gallons of water that must remain at a high temperature at all times. Keeping your water hot so that it is available when you need it requires around-the-clock energy usage.

Tankless water heaters do not have to maintain a supply of hot water. These devices will heat your water only when you require hot water. This change allows tankless water heaters to save a great deal of energy because heat is not escaping a large tank to be reheated repeatedly throughout the day.

If you install a tankless water heater, when you turn on your water, the heater will warm up the water in a matter of seconds.

The amount of energy you save will depend on how frequently you use your heater and the size of your current water heater tank. Estimates from the United States Department of Energy indicate that installing a tankless water heater may increase your energy efficiency by anywhere from eight percent to 50 percent.

Less Risk of Leaks and Damage

Water heaters that use tanks present certain risks of leaks. The minerals in the water will build-up inside the tank and may result in corrosion. Over time, the corrosion may cause the tank to leak. Tankless heaters do not hold water, and therefore will not build up corrosive minerals leading to leaks.

Never Run Out of Hot Water

Anyone with a water heater may have experienced a point in time where they went to take a hot shower only to learn that the tank did not contain any more hot water. Perhaps relatives are visiting, or everyone in the family decided to shower at the same time. Regardless of the situation, you then face the unpleasant sensation of an unwanted cold shower. A tankless water heater does not run out of hot water because it creates hot water as you need it.

Tankless Heaters Never Explode

Tank-containing heaters can build up pressure. While modern plumbing requirements state that these tanks must have a pressure relief valve to prevent explosions, the same minerals that can cause corrosion and leaks may lead to problems with these valves.

If a valve becomes clogged, it may not function as intended. While an explosion is uncommon, when it happens, it is a dangerous and severe situation. Tankless heaters do not build pressure or run the risk of exploding.

Save Space

Water heater tanks are large appliances. Tankless heaters can save a great deal of space. In fact, tankless units are mounted on walls similarly to circuit breakers. In contrast, tank-style water heaters require a fair amount of floor space.

Reduce Burn Risks

A tankless water heater permits you to set the temperature of your water. When you can control the temperature of your hot water, you reduce the risk of toddlers and young children from suffering burns because of the scalding water.

Lower Exposure to Toxic Metals

Corrosive substances that build up inside of a tank break down the tank’s lining. Eventually, this can lead to rust. The minerals and other debris may make their way into your pipes and your water, where it may expose you and others in your home to toxins.

Tankless heaters do not build up minerals or corrode and expose rust. As such, your tankless heater will not run the risk of toxic substance exposure.

Decades of Service

Studies indicate that tankless water heaters can last for more than twenty years. On average, this means that tankless heaters outlast heaters that use tanks by at least eight to twelve years. Because of their impressive life-span, these heaters will save you from needing to replace the system at a much sooner point in time.

Deciding Whether to Install a Tankless Hot Water Heater 

Whether a tankless heater is right for you will depend on your circumstances. If you intend to stay in your house for many years, want to save space in your basement, and like to reduce your energy usage, a tankless heater might be an excellent addition to your home.

To learn more about the ways that a tankless water heater may work for you and your family, contact Davis Plumbing and Heating.