Tankless Water Heater

Benefits of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater

May 8, 2023

You rely on your water heater to supply hot water for everything from bathing to cooking to washing your clothes, so it’s essential that you consider your options carefully when buying a new water heater. Upgrading to a tankless water heater provides multiple benefits for you and your family. Read on to get the facts about opting for a tankless water heater.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

To understand how a tankless water heater works, you first need to understand how a traditional water heater functions. With a tank water heater, cold water from your well or municipal supply enters the tank through a dip tube at the top. At the bottom of the tank is an electric heating element or a gas burner that heats the stored water in the tank. As the water heats up, the warmer liquid rises to the top of the tank. When you turn on the hot water, the heated water exits through the heat-out pipe, flows through your plumbing, and leaves the tap.

As its name suggests, a tankless water heater doesn’t have a tank. Instead, the unit uses a heat exchanger, a natural gas burner, or an electric heating element to heat up water quickly as you turn on the tap.

How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Last?

The life expectancy of water heaters varies depending on the model you choose and how well you maintain your system. On average, a tankless water heater will last 20 years or more. Traditional tank water heaters usually wear out more quickly and may need replacing every 10 to 15 years.

Tankless vs. Tank Water Heater: What Are the Benefits?

Tankless water heaters provide several benefits compared to conventional storage tank alternatives. We’ve previously discussed the longer lifespan, so here are some of the other significant benefits of tankless water heaters.

On-Demand (Tankless) Hot Water

If you’ve ever run out of hot water in the middle of a shower, the tank in your water heater is to blame. Since traditional water heaters heat water while it’s stored, you have a limited hot water supply at any given time. If you use water more quickly than the water heater can warm the refilled water, you’ll get only cold water from your tap. Once the tank fills and the heating element or burner has a chance to work, you can re-access hot water.

Tankless water heaters don’t rely on storage tanks, so there’s never any wait time for hot water. When you turn on the tap, you can be confident that you’ll get a consistent flow of hot water for as long as you need it. You’re also less likely to experience temperature shifts when someone in your home turns on another tap or flushes the toilet.

Increased Energy Efficiency

With a conventional water heater, you use gas or electricity even when you’re not running the water because the unit needs to heat the stored water. Tankless water heaters only heat water as needed. As a result, they’re a more efficient option. Making the switch may reduce your energy costs and make your home greener.

Improved Performance

When you choose a tankless water heater for your home, you can rely on the system to perform well. The newest systems have state-of-the-art temperature controls ensuring that the water is heated to your target level. With a conventional tank water heater, you’ll only receive water of the ideal temperature when the unit has had enough time to heat your water adequately.

What Is the Cost of a Tankless Water Heater?

The price of a tankless water heater depends on the size of your system, and whether you purchase a gas or electric model. Small units may cost only a few hundred dollars, while the largest systems may cost thousands. In addition, the amount of labor required to install the tankless water heater will impact the price.

Is It Worth the Cost to Switch to an On-Demand (Tankless) Water Heater?

Generally, tankless water heaters cost more to purchase and install than traditional tank storage models. However, tankless options usually last longer and are more efficient, so that they may save you money in the long run. Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh the benefits of switching to a tankless system against the increased cost to determine whether the increased price is worth it.

Contact E.D.S Air Conditioning and Plumbing to learn about upgrading to a tankless water heater.

You May Also Like

Are Smart A/C Systems Worth Swapping for My Current System?

Are Smart A/C Systems Worth Swapping for My Current System?

Upgrading to a smart A/C system can be a big step if you are used to a traditional system in your home. Smart A/C systems offer many improved features and a wide range of benefits. These systems are also typically more expensive but can lead to substantial savings...

Air Conditioning is a Must, But May Also Become Mandatory in Florida

Air Conditioning is a Must, But May Also Become Mandatory in Florida

Living in Florida usually means enduring intense heat and humidity, and many - but not all - people in Florida have home air conditioning. A lack of air conditioning can make it nearly impossible to stay comfortable, especially during the super-hot summers. Florida’s...

Benefits of Getting an AC Inspection When Purchasing a Home

Benefits of Getting an AC Inspection When Purchasing a Home

Buying a home can be very exciting, but there’s always plenty to do before you complete the buying process. One thing that you may not consider right away is having the air conditioning system inspected. Hiring a professional to inspect your AC system is essential...

Schedule an appointment today

Pin It on Pinterest