Also called on-demand water heaters, tankless water heaters heat water only when needed. As a result, they eliminate the need for a large storage tank and give you instantaneous hot water. When you turn on the hot water with a tankless heater, cold water enters the pipe and is heated by either a gas burner or electric heating element. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless heaters provide hot water at a rate of two to five gallons per minute. Since the tankless water heater heats the water when needed, you no longer have to wait for the whole tank to heat up in order to get your water. Keep reading to learn about four benefits of tankless water heaters.
1. Saves Space
Most traditional hot water tanks are about 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide and can hold between 40 to 60 gallons of water. Tankless water heaters are much smaller and take up less space. The standard size of a tankless heater is 20 inches tall and 10 inches deep. As a result, you could place it in a storage closet or along a wall as long as it is near your water pipes. If your weather allows,a tankless heater can also be mounted outside.
2. Reduces Carbon Footprint
Tankless water heaters can eliminate energy losses since the water is heated only when needed. The hot water no longer cools down in a long pipe or while resting in a large storage tank, so you’re no longer heating 40 to 50 gallons of water hot in that tank. Water tanks also require a pilot light to be lit continuously, consuming energy throughout the day, as opposed to a tankless system which consumes energy only on demand. Tankless systems also use less water overall because you don’t need to turn on the faucet and let the water run until it gets hot. In addition, tankless water heaters don’t produce greenhouse gases.
3. Lowers Utility Costs
You should notice that your utility bills are lower with a tankless water heater. Since you’re eliminating standby losses from the tank and lowering the losses from piping hot water, you may save between 10% to 15% off of your utility bill. According to the Family Handyman, a typical family could save about $100 or more per year, depending on water usage.
4. Longer Lifespan
Compared to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters have a significantly longer lifespan. In fact, most have a life expectancy of more than 20 years whereas tank-type water heaters last between 10 to 15 years. If you use replaceable parts on your tankless heater, you may also extend the life past 20 years.
Converting your traditional water heater to a tankless system is a valuable upgrade to any residence. According to HowStuffWorks, 20% of an average household’s home energy costs come from heating water. If it’s time to upgrade your water heater and you want to save money in the long run, consider upgrading to the tankless water heater. This is a smart investment for your home and wallet.
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