Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, provide hot water on demand. In other words, they only activate when hot water is needed, so they don’t suffer the energy losses associated with storage tank water heaters. Unlike storage tank water heaters that continuously use energy to heat and reheat water stored in a tank, tankless units only use energy when you turn on a hot water faucet or run appliances using hot water.
If you’re considering installing a tankless water heater but you’re not sure if it’s worth the investment, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, Sunshine Plumbers explores the benefits of water heaters to help you make the right decision. If you’re looking for a reputable plumbing service offering tankless water heater installation, reach out to Sunshine Plumbers.
How Are Tankless Water Heaters Different from Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters typically hold between 40 and 120 gallons of water, which is heated to a previously set temperature. The hot water is stored in the large, insulated tank until it’s needed for use. On the other hand, tankless water heaters do not hold water. Instead, they heat water on demand as it flows through the unit. When you open a hot water tap, cold water travels through the tankless water heater, where a heating element (either a gas burner or an electric element) rapidly heats the water to the desired temperature. This process provides a continuous supply of hot water without the need for a storage tank.
The absence of a storage tank eliminates standby heat loss, which occurs in storage tank water heaters where energy is expended to keep the stored water hot at all times. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient in this regard, as they only consume energy when hot water is being used. Besides, tankless water heaters are known for their space-saving design. Without the need for a large storage tank, these units are more compact and are often wall-mounted, allowing for greater flexibility in installation locations.
What Are the Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters. They only heat water when it is needed, eliminating standby heat loss that occurs in systems with storage tanks. This efficiency can result in lower energy bills over time.
One of the primary advantages of tankless water heaters is on-demand hot water supply. Since they heat water as it flows through the unit, there is no need to wait for a storage tank to fill and reheat.
Tankless water heaters often have a longer lifespan compared to traditional storage tank heaters. While storage tank heaters last around 10-15 years, tankless models can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. This longer lifespan can result in cost savings over the long term.
Tankless water heaters are more compact and space-efficient than traditional tank-type heaters. They can be mounted on walls and are often much smaller in size, freeing up valuable floor space. This can be particularly advantageous for homes with limited space, such as smaller apartments or utility rooms.
Tankless water heaters are worth the investment for many homeowners due to their energy efficiency, on-demand hot water supply, and longer lifespan. All these can result in lower utility bills and reduced long-term maintenance costs. While the upfront cost of installation is higher than traditional storage tank water heaters, the energy savings and extended lifespan often make tankless heaters a cost-effective choice over time.
Contact Sunshine Plumbers for Professional Water Heater Services
At Sunshine Plumbers, we offer high-quality water heater services, including tankless water heater installation, water heater repair, and more. Our experienced plumbers can help you choose the right water heater for your home or business. If your water is acting up, you can trust our team to diagnose and fix the problem effectively.
