Why You Should Use a Tankless Water Heater

The debate over water heater repair & replacement sometimes misses the opportunity to upgrade to a tankless water heater. There are a few indications that it's time to replace your existing water heater, and installing a tankless system offers a handful of benefits that tanked water heaters can't provide.

Energy Savings

Energy savings is the immediate benefit of a tankless water heater. As the name implies, on-demand water heaters create hot water only when it is needed, eliminating the need for continuously heating a tank of water. Tankless systems reduce energy use by saving water, as well, because you aren't wasting water waiting for heat to arrive. In an average home, tankless water heaters can reduce energy use by as much as 36 percent, with the savings declining as usage increases.

Instant Hot Water

On-demand also means that when you turn on the valve you can usually expect hot water within a second or two. No more long waits for water that has gotten cold in your plumbing to be pushed out by water from the tank. Keep in mind, however, that families using more than about 46 gallons of hot water per day will see declining efficiency, and the distance from a tankless heater the water travels will delay delivery time.

Space Saving

Tankless systems are typically placed below a sink, in the attic, or some other place that allows tying into the existing hot water line. Since there is not a tank, the heater requires very little space and is mounted inline. And since you are eliminating that bulky tanked water heater, you are also regaining space inside the home that had been locked away since the home was born.

Longer Usefulness

Tanked water heaters are not built to last beyond about 12 to 15 years before components begin to fail or the tank itself springs a leak. Tankless systems have fewer components to malfunction and less risk of corrosion. This results in product life of around 20 years, with a much lower risk of leaks. 

Manage High Demand

If your home does use more than 46 gallons per day, has periods of higher than normal demand, or you need to get hot water to specific locations faster, tankless systems are easily expandable. Your home plumbing contractors can install tankless heaters at the locations where they are needed most. So even if you have a lot of house or persistent guests, tankless systems can keep everyone happy in the shower.

Water heater repair & replacement is a serious home investment, and should never be performed by fly-by-night contractors who may not live up to your expectations. Always verify that you are dealing with home contractors that are licensed and insured, with years of experience in tackling home renovation and upgrades.

How Windows Can Improve Your Business

There are quite a few ways that commercial glass installation can improve your business, both literally and in supportive ways. Well-designed window glass can be an excellent way to attract customers, sell products, and keep your merchandise more secure. To illustrate, take a look at some of the most popular ways that businesses benefit from window glass.

Create Curb Appeal

Expert commercial glass installation will go a long way toward bringing new customers into your location. You can use glass to show off merchandise, provide a clear view inside, and create a showcase for passers-by to admire. Changing or installing window glass gives the building a new look, and that alone will draw curiosity.

Enhance Security

Windows can be a major security liability, and older windows may not have had the same security concerns that today's businesses face. From reinforced glass to windows that cannot be opened, to simply replacing aging frames, your windows play a large role in site security.

Improve Employee Morale

Research shows that getting more natural light into a room improves the mood and productivity of the people it reaches. The same effect is true for customers as well, offering an open feel and eliminating some of the stress of fluorescent lighting. Employees who accomplish more and customers who are willing to browse a little longer are potential benefits worth taking a closer look at.

Reduce Energy Costs 

Aging windows and their frames are often a major source of heat transfer between the interior and exterior spaces. Rattling glass, cold drafts, and excessive window condensation are potential signs of windows that are inefficient, and replacing them can reduce heating and cooling costs dramatically, plus the additional savings of using natural light in place of electric power. There are a lot of options to consider in this respect, and this quick primer from the Energy Department offers great examples.

Increase Exterior Visibility

Many businesses have a vested interest in what is taking place outside the walls of the business. Window glass solutions include installing observation windows on upper floors, installing transaction glass, or creating a wider field of view by adding windows in new or larger locations. You can even use glass designed for one-way viewing to increase security, observe employee performance, and more.

Commercial glass installation is a lot more than putting glass in holes in your walls. New glass can transform how your business looks, and how well your employees perform, and it will help you keep track of shipments entering and leaving your yard. The success of your business is important to you, and installing the right glass can help you make that happen.