Every American family enjoys the luxury of hot water. We share the enjoyment of hot showers and baths, warm shaving water, warm laundry cycles and hot water for dishwasher cycles. Everyone knows the disappointment of taking a shower after a sibling who has indulged in a “Hollywood” shower. When it’s our turn, the hot water supply lasts about 1 minute. So, how do households maintain a continuous supply of hot water?
For years, the concept of hot water on demand was an obstacle. These days, the trend and mechanics of water heaters finally allow for a sustained hot water supply. The introduction of tankless water heaters has solved this long-standing problem. The key to their success is they only heat water that is being drawn. Yes, it’s true that tankless water heaters cost more than normal water heaters, but a typical tankless water heater will save homeowners as much as $70/year. The cost of buying and installing a tankless water heater is in excess of $1,400, which would take approximately 20 to 22 years to pay for itself. Yet, their popularity grows and stems from the convenience of having hot water on demand.
Electrical tankless water heaters are not as efficient as the gas version. They are often unable to keep up with the demands of heating the quantity of water required by an average household. Due to the fact that they do not have a holding tank, electric tankless water heaters take more time for the hot water to reach the required temperature. Homeowners may also notice changes in temperature while using hot water, which is due to cold water left behind in the lines. Another concern occurs during winter months when homeowners sometimes complain that water in these units have not reached their full temperature potential.
With all the pros and cons about tankless water heaters, how does the consumer make a “Go” or “No” decision to purchase and install a tankless water heater? Is it really worth the additional cost? From our experience, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” We hear repeatedly from our clients that none of the glitches of a tankless water heater beat the advantage of instantaneous hot water. The key to selecting the correct tankless water heater is to have a professional calculate the number of water sources in your home. Below is link that provides information useful in making this decision. A reputable licensed plumber can also assist you in your selection.
