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If you aren’t paying attention to your water heater, it may be time to. According to Consumer Reports, home water heaters account for approximately 30% of a house’s energy bill. Some plumbing experts claim that tankless water heaters can reduce your water heating related energy bills by half. Before you take the plunge and switch to a tankless water heater, here’s how to decide if it’s right for you. What is a tankless water heater? When most homeowners envision water heaters, they picture large tanks stored in their basement or a utility closet. Instead of relying on these large tanks to heat the water, tankless heaters utilize a different mechanism. Tankless water heaters depend on on a series of burners or rods to heat water in pipes on contact as the water runs through a heat exchanger. These burners may be either gas or electric powered. Manufacturers’ tests have shown that these alternative heaters are more energy efficient than their standard tank counterparts. Tankless heaters also require significantly less space, and are less likely to need repair or replacement due to equipment failure. Advantages of tankless water heaters There are several advantages to using tankless water heaters. A common complaint among home owners is that water tanks have limited capacity to hold water. As a result, it’s difficult for several family members to shower and have access to hot water in a short period of time. With a tankless water heater, you have an unlimited supply of hot water. It’s important to read customer reviews of the models, however, as some lower end models face complaints about inconsistent water temperatures when a large volume of water is consumed. Ask your plumbing professional for a recommendation on the brand or model that’s right for your home. But what about cost? It’s true that tankless water heaters are more expensive on average than standard models. Tankless water heaters typically run between $800 and $1200, as compared with $300 to $800 for a standard tank heater model. Depending on the plumber you work with, installation costs may also be higher. However, there are significant savings each year in reduced energy costs, ongoing maintenance, and equipment failures. If budget is a primary consideration, schedule a consultation with your plumber. Depending on the existing infrastructure of your home, you may not require extensive modifications for installations which will further reduce the costs. What features should I look for? Each home and family has unique needs in terms of their water and energy usage. However, start your discussion with an assessment of your budget and your environmental goals. With these in mind, make note of brands you specifically trust or want to learn more about. Here are some other considerations to think about: - Your geographic location is also a factor; a tankless water heater in a warm California garage will have a higher output of gallons per minute than the same system in a cold house in Maine. Speak with your plumber about a model that’s optimized for performance in your region. - The best systems have an automatic shutoff for the power source, especially gas, if carbon monoxide is detected. This feature is often called an oxygen depletion sensor. - Improve your budget position by looking for federal or local tax rebates on the purchase of tankless water heaters. It’s also advisable to check with your state for any programs that reward home owners for making improvements in energy efficiency. These rewards range from a one-time bonus to an ongoing percentage discount on your service. Installing a tankless water heater can save space, dramatically cut your energy costs, lower your carbon footprint, and provide a better flow of hot water to your home. There’s a lot to consider when making this purchase, so do your research and talk with a trusted plumbing professional today. If you are interested in learning more about tankless water heaters and you live in the Salt Lake City area, check here.
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