If you dream of endless hot showers and lower energy costs, the chatter around on-demand water heaters may raise an interesting question. Is it time to upgrade your old water heater?
Understanding the Difference: Traditional vs. Tankless
Traditional water heaters keep a large tank of water hot. This requires space, and heat loss during the waiting period while water is kept available leads to wasted energy.
On-demand water heaters use a different strategy to deliver hot water. They’re sometimes called tankless water heaters because they lack a holding tank. They heat water only when there is demand for it.
Exploring the Benefits of On-Demand Water Heaters
Why install an on-demand water heater? It can bring several benefits.
If you crave a never-ending stream of hot water, an on-demand water heater is your best bet. It heats water when a demand for hot water starts. It continues doing so until the demand ends. As a result, the hot water doesn’t run out.
Greater energy efficiency is a massive selling point for tankless water heaters. The U.S. Department of Energy says they can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters for households that use no more than 41 gallons of hot water. For homes that use a lot more water, they can still be 8%–14% more energy efficient.
Appealing energy savings go hand in hand with the greater efficiency of on-demand water heaters. Lower energy usage means lower energy bills.
Is space tight? Roughly the size of a suitcase, a tankless water heater has a much smaller footprint than a traditional water heater. In addition, placement options are incredibly flexible. A unit can go inside or outside.
Recognizing the Potential Drawbacks of On-Demand Water Heaters
Before you switch to an on-demand water heater, it’s vital to consider potential drawbacks. The first concern is the high up-front cost. The price tag for a tankless water heater can be triple that of a traditional one. Installation and setup costs are also more expensive if you decide to exchange a traditional water heater for a tankless model.
A realistic view of capabilities is important. On-demand water heaters deliver hot water endlessly, but the amount that they can provide at any one time is limited. As with any water heater, choosing the correct size is vital. You may have to rethink when you run thirsty appliances.
Making a Decision
Are on-demand water heaters a worthwhile upgrade? That depends. If you are uncomfortable with a large up-front investment or unwilling to adjust your habits, you may prefer a traditional water heater. However, if you crave ongoing hot water, are tired of hefty energy bills, or like the idea of reclaiming space, an on-demand water heater may be the ideal choice.
When you’re trying to decide whether to upgrade, an expert plumber is an excellent ally. If you’re in the Brighton, CO area, contact Royal Services for water heater services. Our team of skilled plumbers is always ready to assist with water heater emergencies, installations, and repairs.