It is summertime and hot outside but you still might know some people who take long hot showers this time of year. That is a problem if they are hogging your hot water when you are trying to get ready in the morning. It is also a problem if you did a few loads of laundry and other chores that used your hot water supply. Now you realize there is none left for your shower!
There are a number of scenarios that could cause you to use all the hot water in your tank. The most likely ones are due to age. Conventional water heaters last approximately 8 to 10 years. As they approach their life expectancy, they might no longer be as effective at heating. So it might seem like you are running out of hot water more frequently. And if you wait for it to break down you won’t have hot water to use for anything.
If you are like many people, you aren’t paying attention to your water heater until it breaks. Then you have a plumbing emergency and rush to replace the water heater with a similar unit. That can be a problem. When you rush to install a new appliance you don’t take the time to evaluate your options. With advances in technology, there are options that include upgrading your water heater to a tankless unit.
Why Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater?
A conventional water heater is a traditional way you obtain hot water at home. This is the big, bulky tank that is typically stored in a closet, basement or garage. Because there is a tank, there is a specific quantity of water it can hold. The water is heated when it is brought into the tank and then a temperature gauge monitors it so the water can be heated regularly to stay hot.
You might not think anything about the storage and process of heating hot water if that is always how it has been. But imagine the possibilities! What if you had more space? What if you could save on your monthly energy bill? And what if you didn’t run out of hot water again?
The benefits of installing a tankless unit include space, energy efficiency, hot water on-demand, and longer operation with less maintenance. Let’s look more at these benefits.
Space
When you eliminate that bulky tank, you gain space. An electric tankless unit is about the size of a briefcase. It can easily be mounted beneath a cabinet or along a wall. You can take back your closet or corner of the basement or garage!
Energy Efficiency
Without the need to store water and continuously heat it, you can save on your energy usage. It’s estimated you could save 10 to 30% on your energy usage by switching to a unit that doesn’t heat water until the time when you need it.
Hot Water On-demand
With a tankless unit, cold water transfers through an electric or thermal heating element to provide you with only the amount of hot water you need when you need it. It’s reliable so you can count on having hot water all day.
Longer Operation
Tankless units last approximately 13 to 18 years compared to the 8 to 10 years that the conventional water heaters last. Without the water being stored, you reduce your problems from rust and sediment buildup, which helps longevity.
Less Maintenance
There is less maintenance required since you don’t have a tank to drain regularly. And the electric units are self-diagnostic systems so they typically monitor themselves.
While the upfront cost can be pricey, the long-term savings on your energy bill and other benefits can make the switch a wise decision. There is also a limited flow rate of 2 to 4 gallons per minute that can prevent you from operating multiple hot water appliances at once. It’s a decision that may require some thought but is worth looking at as an option.
If you would like more information about costs and requirements for installing a tankless unit, contact High Priority Plumbing at 770.860.8110 in Atlanta. We install all types of water heaters and can help you make a decision that is best for your needs.