The importance of hot water in our homes can never be overemphasized. From showering to washing dishes and clothes, hot water is vital to maintain good hygiene. Traditionally, the most common type of water heater has been the tank-based water heater. However, today, many homeowners are choosing to install tankless water heaters instead. But, is a tankless water heater the right option for you? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key considerations that homeowners should keep in mind when deciding if a tankless water heater is right for them.
Household Hot Water Needs
One of the main things you need to think about when deciding whether to install a tankless water heater is the hot water needs of your household. Tankless water heaters work by heating water on demand as it flows through the unit, which means you won't run out of hot water like you might with a tank-based unit. However, if you have a large family or use hot water for many activities at the same time, you may need several tankless units installed for optimal performance.
Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank-based water heaters. With the tankless models, there's no standby heat loss from hot water just sitting in the tank, so you’ll save a significant amount on energy bills each month. Further, tankless models usually have a longer lifespan than tank-based models, which saves you even more money in the long run.
Initial Cost
When comparing tankless water heater to traditional water heaters, one of the biggest differences in price is the upfront costs. Tankless water heaters tend to cost more initially, but they provide energy savings in the long run. Additionally, if you're thinking about selling your home in the near future, remember that installing a tankless heater could increase the resale value.
Maintenance
Tankless water heaters are low maintenance. Unlike traditional water heaters, there's no tank to clean or drain. However, you still need a licensed plumbing professional to install and maintain if needed. The ideal solution is to plan for routine maintenance to ensure optimal longevity and efficiency.
Emergency Repairs
Tankless water heaters are generally more reliable than their tank-based counterparts. Still, like any household appliance, they could still experience problems. If you run into an emergency with your tankless unit, you might not be able to get same-day solutions or replacement parts without visiting a plumbing equipment store. Nonetheless, responding to emergencies, as always, requires a licensed plumbing professional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a tankless water heater is an excellent and efficient way of providing hot water in your home. However, it's crucial to keep in mind some of the considerations that come with the installation of this kind of unit. If you're interested in knowing more about installing or maintaining a tankless water heater, don't hesitate to reach out to a licensed plumbing professional. At the end of the day, don't make the decision to install a tankless water heater without proper consultation and expert guidance.