Does a tankless hot water heater really work?
Each year, more Americans are beginning to focus on eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions—without sacrificing their desired level of comfort. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly water heaters, such as tankless hot water heaters, are gaining popularity among home- and business owners across the country. But do they really work?
The short answer is yes, they really work. Let’s find out how and determine whether they’re the right option for your home or business.
1. A tankless hot water heater doesn’t need a storage tank.
Tankless hot water heaters are flat, rectangular units that use electricity or gas burners to heat water. Here’s how they work:
1. You turn on your hot water faucet
2. Cold water travels through pipes and into the tankless water heater
3. The cold water is heated instantly redistributed through your faucet
It’s as simple as that! The process eliminates the need to heat up an entire tank of water, which saves you time and energy. What’s more, it produces an endless supply of hot water, which means longer and hotter showers for everyone in your family—back-to-back-to-back, day in and day out. With a tankless hot water heater, the days of saying “You’re going to use up all the hot water!” are over.
5 Quick Facts from energy.gov
Tankless water heaters:
• Can be 24 to 34% more energy efficient than traditional water heaters
• Have seen sales grow by more than 10% every year for the last 10 years or so
• Will become a “top choice for residential and commercial applications”
• Save energy, water, and space
• Are one of the smartest home upgrades you can make
2. Tankless hot water heaters take up less space.
Tank-style water heaters are typically free-standing units that are 50 to 60 inches high, measure 20 inches in diameter, and can hold up to 50 gallons of water. In other words, they’re extremely cumbersome. Tankless water heaters, however, are only about 27 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. You can mount them straight to the wall so they’re out of the way yet easy to access.
3. Tankless hot water heaters are cost-effective.
According to a report by energy.gov, tankless water heaters may cost more to install—but they are up to 34% more energy-efficient than those big and bulky storage tanks. Depending on your hot water usage, the difference could amount to at least $100 worth of savings on hot water costs per year. Over a 20+-year lifespan (compared to a 10- or 15-year lifespan of storage heaters), that money really adds up.
4. Tankless water heaters may require backup power.
What happens to your tankless water heater when the power goes out? It won’t be able to generate any hot water—unless you have a backup generator. Remember, even gas-powered water heaters are powered by an electrical ignition, so they, too, will require a backup source of power if your grid goes down.
For any assistance with your heating and cooling business—you know who to call.
Schedule a free estimate, or contact Capital Heat at 716.683.7336 today!
