When something new comes on the scene, it’s either met with enthusiasm or with a good bit of skepticism. Early-model airplanes? Folks were probably cautious and skeptical of a flying machine. The latest smartphone? People stand in line for hours to get their hands on one.
When the first tankless water heaters came on the scene, it’s no surprise they were met with a bit of trepidation. How on earth do you heat water without a tank to hold the water in. Well, tankless water heaters are here, and have become a popular choice of homeowners near and far, and for good reason. Read on to learn more.
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
If you’re not familiar with how tankless water heaters work, allow us to explain. When a hot water faucet or appliance is turned on, cold water is heated inside a wall-mounted heat exchanger. This means no more wasting electricity to heat water inside a storage tank 24/7, whether it’s needed or not.
Tankless Water Heater Benefits
With a tankless water heater, you can pick up extra floor space once the big, bulky tank is gone. But that’s just for starters.
- Because a tankless system heats water only when it’s called for, an average family of 4 can save up to $175 a year on utility costs.
- A typical tank-style water heater only last about 10 to12 years, with an average warranty of 6 to 8 years. A tankless heater can last up to 20 years and often comes with a 10 to 15-year warranty. That not only translates into savings on repairs but replacement costs, too.
- You’re standing in a hot, steamy shower when all of a sudden you feel the sting of cold water because someone flushed a toilet, started the dishwasher, or started a load of laundry. Not only is this scenario pleasant, it can lead to slips and falls. With a tankless system, the hot water stays hot no matter what.
- Because it doesn’t require a lot of space, the system’s heat exchanger can be installed just about anywhere, including under a sink, inside a closet, and so on.
- They are available in whole-house or single-purpose models, such as heating the water in a bathroom addition.
To learn more about tankless water heaters and discover if one is right for you and your family, or for any plumbing need, contact Zach Heating & Cooling today.