Nothing spoils a soothing hot shower more than a spray that suddenly turns ice cold – except possibly the accompanying realization you could possibly require a new water heater. In the event your conventional unit is more than 10 years old, shows signs of leaks around the base, or operates erratically despite your best efforts at do-it-yourself troubleshooting, it’s probably time for you to start shopping around for a replacement. Have you considered a tankless hot water heater?
Fortunately, when investing in a brand new system, you’re not restricted to purchasing a model like the one you currently own. The fact is, you could consider upgrading to a unit with a larger capacity, or deciding on a much more energy-efficient tankless unit so you can shrink your monthly bills (water heating can be the reason for up to 30 percent of the average household’s energy costs).
Here’s how you can decide whether switching makes sense for your household and, if that’s the case, tips on how to purchase such an important upgrade.
Tankless Hot water heaters When, Why, and How to Buy One
Is a tankless hot water heater for you?Unlike conventional hot water heaters, which hold 40 to 60 gallons of hot water ready for usage at any minute, tankless water heaters (also known as “on demand” water heaters) produce hot water only if it’s needed.
Without the draining task of continually heating a large supply of water, the units use less energy overall, and run anywhere from around 24 to 34 percent more efficiently than a traditional tank-style hot water heater, based on the U.S. Department of Energy.
And much less energy wasted means smaller monthly bills. The U.S. Energy Star program estimates that converting to an Energy Star-certified, gas-fueled tankless hot water heater can save the average family more than $80 every year. Multiply these savings by the 20-year lifespan of the water heater, and that’s $1,700 pocketed.Plus, because tankless hot water heaters also are considered environmentally friendly, many models meet the criteria for a federal tax rebate of $300. (Be sure to check with the manufacturer for more information about eligibility.)
As the savings can benefit anyone and everybody, the unit’s slim design – sans a bulky 60-inch tall, 24-inch wide tank – makes it a particularly attractive solution for homes without a basement or space to spare inside the laundry room.
Most tankless models take up considerably less space than standard models, so they’re ideal for installation in crawl spaces, along walls, or even outdoors (with the addition of an anti-freeze kit). The littlest units will even fit underneath cabinets or in a closet closer to the main point of use.
Possible drawbacks
Although the benefits of a long-lasting, energy-efficient tankless water heater are attractive, the more expensive upfront cost can deter many homeowners from converting. Tankless hot water heaters typically range in price from $600 to $2,000, before installation costs. That’s approximately triple the expense of a standard water heater, which ranges from $300 to $1,000.
The flow rate – measured in gallons per minute (GPM) – of a tankless unit can also be a concern. Because the water is “on demand” and the water output is split between all of your household fixtures, a tankless unit may well not produce enough hot water to operate everything at once.
Before purchasing any water heater, figure out your maximum hot water demand. An average shower requires around 2.5 GPM, while appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine place varying additional demands on hot water production.
Crunch the numbers for the processes that frequently occur simultaneously, be it multiple showers running or several appliances using hot water simultaneously, and make sure to choose a hot water heater specified to provide this many or more gallons per minute.
Shopping strategies
As with most hot water heaters, tankless models come in a number of sizes, styles, and fuel options. Every type of model has different installation requirements, so it’s best left to a qualified plumber or HVAC technician to handle.
Since the ultimate purchasing decision is in the homeowners’ hands, it’s smart to go to the store with some idea of your household’s needs, such as the appropriate flow rate for the building’s maximum hot water demand, and measurements for the proposed location to compare against the heater sizes available.
Generally, you can replace an existing conventional water heater with a similarly powered tankless unit, even though there are a few factors to keep in mind depending on the power source.
For electric systems, consider the voltage and amperage requirements of a tankless heater.
For gas systems, there must be proper ventilation wherever you want to install the unit.
Tankless hot water heaters likewise have different controls in order to meet an array of needs, from simple knobs for temperature adjustments to remote controls that tinker with temperature and flow adjustments.
Finally, since a major advantage of a tankless hot water heater is its longer lifespan, carefully consider the warranty. Some top manufacturers provide a limited lifetime warranty, while other warranties are just good for 2 to 3 years. The longer the warranty, the better. Selecting a model with a lifetime warranty will make sure your hardworking unit receives the parts it needs to keep your showers warm as long as it’s in use.
Adding a feature like this would definitely something to consider prior to putting your home on the market for sale. We are available to update you on your current home value. You can always reach us at 813-300-7116 or simply click here and we will be touch.