Don’t let your hot water heater drain you out of house and home
How much hot water do you use each day? You’re probably not running your tap nonstop, so what is your water heater doing the rest of the time?
If it’s the normal, tank-type variety, it’s probably pretty busy. Nobody puts in a requisition for hot water. With no idea of when you’re going to want it, your heater must stand at the ready, keeping the water continually toasty in case you make a request.
It does this by making steady demands on your energy supply. If it didn’t keep working around the clock, the water in the tank would not remain hot for long.
What if you never had to waste energy keeping your water hot? What if you could heat it on demand at the moment you need it?
With a tankless water heater, that’s exactly what you can do.
The Workings of a Tankless Water Heater
A tankless unit doesn’t store hot water. Instead, the turning of a tap triggers the heating process, sending cold water into the unit where an electric- or gas-fired element brings it quickly up to the desired temperature. In this manner, it can provide between two and five gallons of instantly heated water every minute.
With no need to maintain water at a certain temperature, the tankless heater calls upon its energy source only when necessary.
Can the Tankless Unit Handle the Load?
The amount of brawn required by a tankless heater varies with the quantity of hot water the household normally consumes. High-usage situations may require the connection of two or more units in parallel. Other heavy-duty solutions include the dedication of separate tankless heaters to washing machines, showers or dishwashers.
Installation Costs
Although the initial installation of tankless water heaters can cost a bit more, these models normally remain operational for at least 20 years. That’s double the life expectancy of the standard tank variety. In addition, readily available replacement parts can extend this period of service by several years more.
Operating Costs
Although tankless heaters eliminate the need for holding water at a constant temperature, the gas variety does require the burning of a pilot light. However, homeowners can always turn off a standing pilot when necessary. The intermittent ignition device is an alternative that lights on demand like the burners on a modern gas range.
Going Tankless
When making your decision, you’ll need to consider:
– The source of your fuel supply.
– Your expected hot water requirements.
– A unit’s stated efficiency factors and expected operational costs.
Of course, Austin residents should never leave the installation of their water heaters to chance. You’ll want to employ a qualified plumbing and heating contractor with a thorough understanding of local Austin building codes. If you’re considering turning to tankless, ABC Home & Commercial Services, an experienced Austin installer, will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Visit our website today for a free estimate.