Is the hot water tank in your home nearing the end of its life or are you building a new home and considering your options?
At one time, there was only one choice: the large but relatively reliable tank-style water heaters that used a lot of energy. These days, more and more homeowners are drawn to the modern counterpart that’s smaller in size and brings big benefits—a tankless water heater, also known as on-demand hot water heaters.
What are the pros of buying a tankless water heater? At Tap 2 Drain, we know this is a big decision and a big investment, so we’ll walk you through some considerations and the benefits that customers appreciate most.
Benefit #1: There’s An Endless Supply Of Hot Water
If you’ve lived in a home with a traditional tank-style water heater, you probably know the feeling of enjoying a nice, hot shower – only for the water to abruptly turn cold as another family member turns on the dishwasher or hits ‘start’ on a load of laundry on a busy Saturday morning.
With tanks, your hot water supply can run low. With a tankless water supply, it works a little differently. Instead of drawing on an already heated 50-gallon tank of hot water, a tankless system heats water as needed—and a certain amount of water in a certain amount of time. As long as you stay within that maximum flow rate (and you’re not running a shower-dishwasher-laundry marathon), you’ll enjoy an unlimited supply of hot water.
Benefit #2: They Take Up Hardly Any Space
Here are some numbers to give you some perspective into how much less room tankless systems use:
- Tank-style water heater: 60 inches tall, 20-inch diameter, and holds 50 gallons of water. In short, they’re enormous.
- Tankless water heaters: 27 inches tall, 18 inches wide, 10 inches deep and can mount to the wall. Comparatively, it’s about the size of carry-on luggage.
If you have a smaller home, condo or cabin, or if you want more storage for outdoor gear, tankless systems free up a whole lot of space.
Benefit #3: Considerable Energy And Cost Savings
According to FortisBC, your household’s hot water use can account for more than 20 percent of your total annual energy use. Heating water uses the most energy after heating your home. Choosing a hot water heater that’s energy efficient can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint and your heating bill.
Why are tankless water heaters so much more energy efficient? Since they heat flowing water only when needed—via an electric source or a gas burner—an ENERGY STAR® certified tankless water heater can use 30 percent less energy, on average, than a storage tank heater. For some families, that can translate into significant savings on heating bills every year.
These energy and cost savings depend on how much hot water your family uses in a day. If your family uses a lot of hot water (more than 80 gallons), talk to one of our Tap 2 Drain experts so we can help you determine if a tankless water heater is the right fit and what your energy savings would be to make the switch.
Benefit #4: Long Lifespan, Low Risk of Water Damage
Benefit #5: An Important Safety Factor
It doesn’t happen very often, but tank-style heaters can present a serious risk of explosion. That’s because hard water build-up can clog the valve and create pressure. (If you have a hot water tank, our technicians recommend annual valve tests).
Could you use some expert advice choosing the right hot water heater for your home? Our technicians are always training on the latest options to help you find the best electric or gas water heater to meet your needs. We’re a trusted local provider of hot water tank installations, replacements and repairs. Book your appointment with a Tap 2 Drain plumbing expert today.