Are you last in line for the shower every morning or maybe your water heater just isn’t keeping up with the demands anymore? If it’s time to get a new water heater make sure you know all of your options.
Conventional water heaters, also called storage or tank style water heaters, are the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today; however, Tankless water heaters are gaining in popularity and offer a great many benefits of which you may not be aware.
Conventional tank water heaters operate by transferring heat from a burner or coil to water in an insulated tank. Standing water in the tank cools (heat loss) and must be heated and re-heated throughout the day to ensure hot water when you need it. This heating and reheating process increases your energy usage.
Tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank like conventional water heaters. A gas burner or electric element “instantly” heats the water only when there is a demand for hot water. By only heating the water as you need it you’ll avoid the heat loss associated with storage tank water heaters, reducing energy usage and saving money on utilities. A fantastic benefit of tankless water heaters is they can provide endless hot water for your entire family – no more cold showers!
Although tankless water heaters are a higher initial investment than their storage tank counterparts, in the long run you’ll save money, helping offset the original cost. In addition, tankless water heaters typically last 2-3 times longer than a conventional water heater. Conventional water heaters have a shorter life, oftentimes between 9 to 11 years, and can cause serious damage to your home if they rupture.
If you are in the market to replace your water heater consider a tankless water heater, and reap the benefits of lower monthly utility bills, longer equipment lifespan and no more cold showers! A professional plumber will be able to walk you through the various options and help find the water heater that best fits your needs and lifestyle!