Are you remodeling your home or investing in new appliances and equipment? Has your hot water heater gone out one too many times, or never seems to deliver enough hot water for your needs? As a homeowner, you have many options when it comes to choosing a hot water heater. Conventional storage tank units now compete with newer tankless and demand-type water heaters. Additional types include heat pump, indirect, and solar water heaters. Depending on your water consumption, a tankless water heater unit may be right for your Mercer County home. Keep reading to find out more:
Traditional versus Tankless Water Heaters
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Conventional water heaters store a reservoir of ready-to-go hot water. If not tucked away in the garage, basement, or kitchen pantry, this storage tank may be found taking up valuable real estate in a laundry room or hallway closet. Tankless units, in contrast, have no storage capabilities. Instead, they heat and deliver hot water directly, responding in real time to the demands of a sink, shower, or washing machine.
Problems with Conventional Water Heaters
Although traditional water heaters are still in common use, they can carry many downsides for most homeowners. These faults include that the units:
- May store more hot water than you will use
- Require energy to heat and maintain the temperature of the stored hot water
- Lose energy in the process of heating and storing water
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
For low-demand households, Energy.gov reports that tankless heaters can be between 24-34% more efficient than traditional water heaters. Savings could be even higher if multiple demand water heaters are installed. Fuel is readily available, and tankless units can be more reliable for year-round use than solar or heat pump water heaters. To maximize the efficiency of your unit, make sure it is properly installed and maintained. Scheduling regular, preventative maintenance appointments will help extend the life of your water heater and lessen the likelihood of needing major repairs.
Saving Money with a Tankless Water Heater
The initial cost of a tankless heater is more than a conventional model, but they are durable, reliable, and long-lasting. According to an infographic by Sarah Gerrity for Energy.gov, water heating is the second largest expense in your home, as it is accounts for between 14-18% of an average utility bill.
A tankless unit will eventually pay for itself in savings, especially because they avoid standby heat losses. According to the infographic referenced above, tankless heaters have a life expectancy of over 20 years, which is the highest of any type of water heater referenced. Replacing your current unit with a tankless model could boost your energy savings, especially if done in conjunction with a few water reducing tips.
To learn more about your water heating options, contact PFO today. We want to help you determine the best water heater for your needs, whether it is tankless or conventional. Call us at (800) 253-9001 to discuss your choices!