Tankless vs. Traditional
Traditional water heaters heat water throughout the day to make hot water available when a household member wants to shower. Although water heater tanks work for most homes, tankless water heaters are usually preferred for their energy efficiency and easy installation. A tankless water heater does not need to heat water throughout the day; it can be used on demand.
Saving Money With Tankless Heaters
Tankless water heaters are sometimes called on-demand heaters because they do not need standby energy. Energy efficiency saves homeowners money on monthly bills since the heater doesn’t need to work when water isn’t in use. On average, a tankless water heater saves homeowners 34% on their energy usage.
On-demand heaters use an electric or gas heating element that dramatically increases the temperature of cold water. A flow sensor activates the heating element, so cold water is still available if needed.
Tankless water heaters do not need as many components. This cuts down on the cost of tankless water heater repair services. By using a tankless heater, homeowners save money on potential future damages. Any home can conserve energy with an on-demand heater.
The Perfect Hot Shower
Traditional heaters can only provide as much hot water as is available in the tank, but on-demand heaters produce a never-ending hot water supply. This is particularly helpful for larger households that may experience a shortage of hot water while showering.
Tankless heaters take approximately 5 - 10 seconds to heat water to the desired temperature. This is true for showers as well as kitchen and bathroom faucets. If it takes longer than 15 seconds to heat the shower, homeowners might want to inspect the size of their heater. Water heaters that are too small cannot effectively heat all appliances. If the water heater is too big, homeowners risk spending more on higher energy bills.
Tankless water heaters take up less space during installation, regardless of height. Because they do not need a hot water tank, they can be placed in several home areas, including basements, closets, and outdoor utility rooms.
Traditional vs. Tankless: How Long Do They Live?
The initial cost of purchasing a traditional tank may be less than that of an on-demand heater, but water heater replacement is required much sooner. A hot water tank heater lasts around ten years with proper yearly maintenance, while tankless heaters can last twice as long.
Annual inspections are necessary for both traditional and tankless water heaters. Although technicians cannot examine a storage tank, they still need access to the unit. Water filter cleaning is important for maintenance because it can increase efficiency yearly. A trained professional can also tell whether clogs are interrupting the water flow.
Tankless water heaters still need to be flushed. Homeowners can do this by shutting off the gas line and removing the access panel. The water supply must be turned off before releasing the pressure valve. Once the pressure release valve is turned counterclockwise, a hose can be hooked to the cold water inlet. Mixing a five-gallon bucket of water and vinegar helps the sump pump flush out excess sediment.
Professional maintenance includes flushing the heater. For the safety of the household, homeowners are not advised to flush the unit on their own without the right equipment.
About Plumb Perfect Plumbing
Plumb Perfect Plumbing specializes in tankless water heater installation and maintenance services. Their experienced Fredericksburg, VA, plumbers perform detailed inspections, offer honest advice, and always stand behind their work for your added peace of mind. Call today to learn more about their tankless water heater services!
