Did you know that heating water is one of the biggest energy expenses in the average household? In fact, it accounts for around 18% of the total energy bill. But there’s a solution: tankless water heaters. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the benefits of tankless water heaters and how they can save you money in the long run.
The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, work by heating water as you need it. Unlike traditional tank water heaters, they don’t have a large storage tank that needs to be constantly heated and maintained. As a result, they offer several benefits over traditional tank water heaters:
Energy Efficiency:
One of the main benefits of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. Traditional tank water heaters have to constantly heat a large volume of water, even when you’re not using it. This results in energy waste and higher energy bills. On the other hand, tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, which means they use less energy overall. According to Energy.gov, tankless water heaters can be up to 34% more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters.
Space-Saving:
Another benefit of tankless water heaters is their space-saving design. Traditional tank water heaters are large and bulky, and they take up a lot of space in your home. Tankless water heaters are much smaller and can be installed in smaller spaces, such as a closet or utility room.
Longer Lifespan:
Tankless water heaters also have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters. While traditional tank water heaters typically last 10-15 years, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more. This means that you won’t have to replace your water heater as often, saving you money in the long run.
How Tankless Water Heaters Save You Money
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of tankless water heaters, let’s explore how they can save you money:
Lower Energy Bills:
As we mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters. This means that they use less energy to heat the same amount of water, which can translate to lower energy bills over time. According to the Department of Energy, the average household can save up to $100 per year on energy bills by switching to a tankless water heater.
Reduced Water Waste:
With traditional tank water heaters, you have to wait for the water to heat up before you can use it. This means that you may waste water as you wait for it to get hot. With tankless water heaters, the water is heated on demand, which means you don’t have to wait for it to heat up and you won’t waste water in the process. This can result in significant water savings over time.
Longer Lifespan:
As we mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters. This means that you won’t have to replace your water heater as often, which can save you money in the long run. Traditional tank water heaters typically last 10-15 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more.
Lower maintenance costs:
Traditional tank water heaters require regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, require very little maintenance. This means you’ll save money on maintenance costs over time.
Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater
If you’re interested in switching to a tankless water heater, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the right unit for your home:
Fuel source: As we mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters can be powered by gas or electricity. Gas-powered units tend to be more energy-efficient, but they also require a gas line and proper venting. Electric-powered units are easier to install and require less maintenance, but they may not be as energy-efficient as gas-powered units.
Flow rate: The flow rate is the amount of hot water the unit can provide per minute. This is an important consideration for larger households or for those who use a lot of hot water at once. Gas-powered units typically have a higher flow rate than electric-powered units.
Size: Tankless water heaters come in different sizes to accommodate different household sizes and hot water demands. You’ll want to choose a unit that is appropriately sized for your home and your hot water needs.
Installation cost: The cost of installing a tankless water heater can vary depending on the unit you choose and the complexity of the installation. Gas-powered units tend to be more expensive to install due to the need for a gas line and proper venting.
Conclusion:
Switching to a tankless water heater can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills, water waste, and maintenance costs. Additionally, tankless water heaters offer several benefits over traditional tank water heaters, such as energy efficiency, space-saving, and longer lifespan. If you’re interested in making the switch, be sure to consider the fuel source, flow rate, size, and installation cost when choosing the right unit for your home.