Tankless Water Heaters are a great way to cut your utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home. They can be installed throughout your home or at point-of-use (POU) locations.
Choosing the right model for your needs depends on several factors. For example, the temperature of your incoming groundwater is critical to the performance of your tankless system.
Tankless water heaters are usually more expensive than traditional storage-tank models, but the savings they can provide over time can make it worth the extra cost. According to Energy Star, an average family can save about $116 per year by switching to a tankless system.
Choosing the right model for your home will depend on many factors, including the size of your house and how much hot water you use. The most popular tankless heaters are electric, but gas options are also available.
One way to determine which type of water heater is best for your home is by using a flow rate calculator. You can also calculate how much hot water you’ll need by looking at your existing fixtures and appliances, such as a shower or washing machine.
If you’re unsure of how much hot water you need, ask an expert to come to your home and inspect the plumbing. A pro will be able to recommend the right type of tankless water heater for your home.
The cost of a new tankless water heater will vary depending on the size and model you choose. Most gas tankless units can be installed by a plumber for about $1,000 to $1,500; electric options are a little less costly.
Installation costs can include the cost of a new heater, venting, and gas lines. This can add up to several thousand dollars, but the costs will be recovered within a couple of years as your family uses less energy to heat the water in your tankless system.
Once your tankless water heater is installed, it will need to be maintained regularly, especially if you live in an area with hard water. A 20-minute service can help keep mineral buildup from clogging the system’s heat exchanger.
Typically, a professional plumber will charge around $45 to $150 an hour. It can be difficult to find a plumber that offers discounts or free estimates, so it’s best to shop around. Look for a professional who understands local building codes and is willing to work with your utility company or state energy department to get rebates or tax credits.
Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional storage tank-style water heaters. This is because they heat water only when it is needed instead of keeping a large supply of hot water on hand at all times like conventional tank-style water heaters do.
This is great because it means your home will use less electricity and less fuel to heat water, which helps lower the amount of carbon emissions and other pollutants that go into our atmosphere. It also means you will save money on your monthly energy bill, which makes it easier to pay off the cost of the equipment.
There are two types of tankless water heaters: “point-of-use” systems that are installed at a specific point, such as the shower, and whole-house systems that can be hooked up to multiple hot water outlets in your home. The size of the system that you install depends on how many hot water outlets you have and how much hot water your home uses.
These heaters will usually last 20 to 30 years, which is double the lifespan of a traditional tank-style water heater. In addition to being more durable, tankless water heaters tend to be cheaper to operate and maintain.
They don’t consume as much space as a conventional storage tank-style water heater, so you may be able to fit more in your home’s existing footprint. If you live in a small apartment or are planning to expand your property, this can help reduce the amount of money you will need to spend on a new water heater.
