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.
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