As you begin investigating your options for a new water heater for your home, you are sure to come across information about tankless units as well as the traditional models. And one of the most common benefits discussed in favor of the tankless water heater is its energy efficiency. They are touted to consume around one-third less power than water heaters with a holding tank. And that statement causes many homeowners to question the validity of the information and how it is accomplished if it is, in fact, true. Didn’tDidn’t we all learn in high school science that the amount of energy needed to heat water is a constant that should not vary from one water heater to the next?
How A Traditional Water Heater Works
The average home has a water heater with a rather large holding tank. Inside this tank is where water is heated with a heating element and then stored until it is needed. The downside to this piece of equipment is that while it is insulated, it does not hold heat indefinitely. And the result is repeated heating of the same water in the holding tank. Think of it as a pot of water sitting on the “keep warm” burner on your electric stove. But in the water heater, a thermostat monitors the water temperature. It fires up the heating element as the tank of water cools. But that is the only way to ensure that you have access to hot water whenever you turn on a faucet or shower.
How A Tankless Water Heater Works
Tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand water heaters. And that is because they only heat water when it is needed. When you turn on a faucet or shower, the water is heated as it flows through the pipes. So there is no holding tank of hot water waiting to be used. And that one factor is why tankless water heaters are much more energy-efficient than conventional models. They are not wasting energy keeping 20 to 80 gallons of water hot when there is no demand for it. The unit uses the exact amount of power as the tank-style water heater to heat the water you are using. But it is eliminating the wasted energy used to maintain the tank temperature 24/7.
Other Benefits Of Tankless Water Heaters
Having no large holding tank offers a few other advantages over a traditional water heater. The first is in its longevity. The most common nemesis of conventional water heaters is corrosion. The minerals in your water settle in the holding tank and eventually eat away the tank wall. That is why regular tank draining and flushing are so crucial to a traditional water heater’s life. And even with proper draining and cleaning, conventional water heaters are only expected to last 10-12 years. However, the tankless water heater is expected to last an average of 20 years. And many far exceed that number with professional care and maintenance.
The other benefit is the compact size of the tankless water heater. With an average size of about a piece of carry-on luggage, these units can be installed in various locations. Installation under a sink, in a cabinet, or a utility space are all very suitable. To learn more about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater in your home, call (301) 278-8786. The team of licensed plumbers at A Better Plumber has decades of experience and expertise installing these ultra-efficient and compact water heaters. And each is backed by our complete parts and labor warranty.
