Tired of being the last person in your household to hit the shower and find there’s no hot water left? Whether you’re interested in saving the environment or just looking to save money on your utility bill, there are many reasons to invest in a tankless water heater. But is it really worthwhile? What are the advantages? Here’s what plumbers in Austin want you to know about tankless systems.
Hot Water. On Demand.
Unlike old-fashioned systems that maintain a full tank of hot water at all times, tankless systems use a fuel source (usually gas or electric) to heat water when you turn on the tap. Because there’s not a finite supply of preheated water, you don’t have to worry about your shower turning icy midway through, or whether there’ll be enough hot water to fill your bathtub while you run the dishwasher. Tankless heaters provide 2-3 gallons of hot water per minute, so you’re never limited by how much hot water your tank holds.
Saves Money. Lasts Longer.
With a tankless system, you don’t pay to heat water you don’t use. The energy.gov website estimates that these systems are 24-34% more efficient than storage systems for homes that use 41 gallons of water or less per day. Even if your home uses more than twice as much water, the estimated savings is still between 8 and 14%. Typically, families save upwards of $100 per year when they install an Energy Star qualified tankless water heater.
Tankless systems also have a longer life expectancy than older styles. On average, this type of system lasts over 20 years, whereas a storage water heater only lasts 10-15. You’ll be replacing your system half as often with a tankless model, saving you even more money. Many of the individual components of a tankless heater are easy and inexpensive to replace, which further extends the life of your system.
Reclaim Your Space!
Because there’s no bulky tank, your new heater can be installed in a smaller area, potentially giving you more storage space. Tankless systems can be installed outside your home or inside a wall. While there are a lot of possible locations for your new system, there are also a number of factors to take into consideration. Your Austin plumbing professional can help you determine the ideal spot based on the type of system you’ve selected, your climate, and local building codes.
Do It Right.
Once you’ve decided that a tankless system is right for you, you’ll want to contact an Austin plumbing company to work out the details of the installation. Your plumber can help you understand what size heater you need based on your usage, what type of fuel best suits your needs, and how to get the most energy efficient system possible. Your plumber will find the best location for your new water heater and ensure any necessary permits have been obtained and that you’re in compliance with local building codes. After the new unit has been installed, you’ll want to have your Austin plumber perform periodic maintenance to ensure the heater’s continued efficiency and longevity. In the meantime, why don’t you enjoy a long hot shower and think about how to use that newfound extra storage space in the garage?