Whether you’re building a new home or your existing water heater is on its last leg, you have two main options to choose from: a traditional tank water heater and a tankless model. Let’s go over some of the top reasons why you should consider the latter for your next household investment.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Most people are familiar with the traditional tank-style water heater, which has a distinguishable cylindrical tank. However, newer tankless water heaters have a very different appearance. They consist of an exceptionally small rectangular box that is mounted on the wall. Unlike their traditional predecessors, tankless water heaters do not store water. Instead, these units heat water as it travels through the hot water line to your faucet.
Maintenance Is Just as Important for Tankless Water Heaters
To keep your new tankless water heater in great condition for many years to come, it is necessary to get regular maintenance service. A plumbing professional should service your unit at least once a year. This will help remove any excess sediment, ensure that your thermostat is working properly, and identify any problems with the internal components of your system that could hinder its performance. In addition to professional maintenance, you should clean out the filter for the tankless water heater every six to eight weeks.
Energy Efficiency Through the Roof
One of the greatest advantages of using a tankless water heater in your home is that it’s very energy efficient. It saves a lot of energy by not having to run continuously to heat water in a storage tank. These units only use energy when you’re demanding hot water for your appliances, showers, or sinks. By simply upgrading from a tank-style water heater to a tankless version, you can save up to 30% a year on your energy bills. This is especially true for models that carry the ENERGY STAR rating.
Small and Compact Size
Tankless water heaters, in particular, excel in their space-saving design. There is no need for a large storage tank that takes up a significant amount of floor space. They are ideal for homes with limited space, such as apartments and condos, and outdoor installations in weatherproof enclosures. These units can easily fit in a utility room, closet, basement, garage, attic, or under a sink.
Continuous Hot Water
Another major advantage of tankless water heaters over traditional tank-style versions is that they can provide a continuous supply of hot water. Traditional water heaters are limited to the amount of hot water their tank can hold. For example, if you have a 60-gallon tank water heater, you can receive hot water from your faucet only up to 60 gallons. After that, you would have to wait an hour or more for the entire tank to fill up with water and reheat.
The beauty of a tankless water heater is that it heats water as it flows through the hot water line. As long as you have enough fuel to run it, it can produce a virtually endless supply of hot water. You will no longer have to deal with cold showers after taking one after the next.
There Are Federal Tax Incentive
One lesser-known advantage of investing in a tankless water heater for your home is that it can make you eligible to receive a federal tax incentive. Tankless water heaters that have an ENERGY STAR rating are typically eligible for this incentive. Homeowners can receive up to $600 in the form of a tax rebate on their federal tax return. You can claim this under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which can significantly help you recoup some of the upfront costs of purchasing and installing a new tankless water heater.
Versatile Fuel Options
Just like traditional tank water heaters, these newer tankless versions come with varying fuel options for optimal versatility. They can be powered by electricity, natural gas, and even propane, depending on your individual needs. While fuel prices vary by area, natural gas tends to be the cheapest fuel to run, while electricity is usually one of the more expensive options. However, if you don’t have a natural gas hookup at your home, installing an electric tankless water heater will be more cost-effective than installing a gas line for a natural gas water heater.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
As with any new investment for your home, purchasing a tankless water heater comes with a couple of drawbacks. One notable drawback is that it has a higher upfront purchase price than a traditional tank water heater. However, it is also important to note that tankless water heaters have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, which is much longer than that of a tank water heater, which lasts between 8 and 12 years. Another significant drawback is that tankless water heaters can be more expensive to repair due to their more complex operation compared to tank units.
Tips on Choosing a Tankless Water Heater for Your Home
If you’re convinced that a tankless water heater is a great investment for your home, there are a few key things that you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting the ideal unit to meet your needs and budget. One of the first considerations is the unit’s gallons per minute rating, informally known as a GPM rating. This can be thought of as similar to a capacity rating on a tank water heater, as it describes the amount of hot water that it can produce.
To obtain the appropriate GPM rating for your new water heater, it’s best to examine all the different appliances and plumbing fixtures in your home. Each should have a flow rating that indicates how much water it uses per minute. It’s important to sum up the flow ratings of all your fixtures and appliances to determine the total minimum flow rating that your new water heater must meet.
One of our knowledgeable plumbing professionals can assist you in determining the appropriate GPM rating for your new water heater. It is also important to keep in mind that you should consider any future needs so that you can choose a water heater that can adapt to meet them. You don’t want to spend a significant amount of money on a new water heater only to need to upgrade to one with a larger GPM rating in just a few years due to a new home addition.
Reliable Tankless Water Heater Service
If you are looking for a reliable tankless water heater service in Gilbert, look no further than A/C & Plumbing Doctors. We’re your one-stop shop for all things plumbing, as we handle everything from water heater repairs, installation, and maintenance to water treatment solutions, and even those pesky plumbing emergencies. Contact our expert plumbers today! We’re ready to assist you with all your installation, maintenance, and repair service needs.
