How to Know If a Tankless Water Heater Is Right for Your Home

Tankless water heaters are a great option for any home. The tankless design means that you have hot water on demand, without waiting for a heater to heat a whole new tank full of water. By going tankless, you can avoid the cold-water blues when you’ve accidentally used up all the hot water in the household before everyone’s had their shower in the morning. Instead, your system will be delivering a constant stream of hot water that enables you to do all the things you want to do in a day while still having enough hot water left to do the dishes or the laundry.

Not only will your tankless water heater free you from having to conserve hot water, but it lasts for a long time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of over 20 years. This is in part because they don’t have to deal with the wear and tear normal water heaters take by constantly storing water. Here are a few indications that you should make the switch.

Do You Have High Utility Bills?

A tankless water heater can help save you money in the long run because they’re inherently energy efficient. A tankless water heater generates hot water when you need it and for as long as you need it. Compared to constantly heating a reserve of hot water, this can save up to 50% of fuel costs, according to Energy Star. While it may take some time for you to reap the benefits of these savings, tankless water heats are also cost-saving in terms of their lifespan. As long as you take proper care of it, you won’t have to buy a new one anytime soon.

How Many Taps Are You Running?

The more taps you have running on your heater, the less sense a tankless heater makes. Water heaters with tanks make the most sense when you have a large house with a lot of need for hot water, but a tankless water heater may not be able to support your consumption. Beyond a certain point, it makes more sense to get a larger tank-type water heater than to get multiple tankless. However, there are plenty of tankless water heaters out there. Be sure to speak with a local technician and ask them for their advice on which one would be best for you and your needs.

How Hot Does Your Water Need to Be?

A tankless water heater can give you pinpoint control of your hot water. If you need 110-degree Fahrenheit water for your dishwashing and then crank it up to 120 for a load of white laundry, you can do just that, and your heater will keep up with the demand without complaint. A tank-type water heater simply cannot do that. They heat water to only one temperature, so getting the right amount of heat takes more effort.

Do You Want the Newest Technology?

Tank-type water heaters have not significantly changed in over half a century. Your tankless water heater not only is better than the ones that were introduced in the 1990s, but the technology continues to improve even year to year. The newest tankless water heaters are app-enabled and can be controlled without ever being physically near the heater itself. Smart home features are a huge plus when it’s time to sell, too, so if you know you’re going to be selling in the future, it’s a good investment.

The difference between a tank and tankless water heaters is less about what you have and more about how much you do with them. The best way to decide whether you need a tank-type or tankless water heater is to total up your water needs, compare them to the devices on the market, and see which one makes the most sense for you. Tankless water heaters have some great features, and they can be installed either right at the tap or in place of a traditional heater design. Either way, your ultimate needs are going to control which one you choose. Call our plumbing specialists at Plumb Fit to find out more today. We’re happy to answer any questions or schedule you for a consultation!