Why Does a Tankless Water Heater Use Less Energy Than a Conventional Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters provide hot water only when required. They heat up water immediately without having a storage tank. They can be electric or gas. Tankless water systems supply a continuous supply of hot water. You don’t need to wait for a tank to obtain enough hot water. So, it makes sense for many people, families, and homes a new tankless water heater will use less energy. This could be one significant benefit of making a switch to a tankless water heater.

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a tank. When a hot water tap is on, cold water goes through a heat exchanger in the system. A gas burner or electric element warms the water. A tankless water heater supplies constant hot water. You don’t need to wait on a tank to fill with hot water. However, a tankless water heater’s output cuts down the flow rate.

Normally, tankless water heaters put out hot water at 2-5 gallons per minute. Gas units generate higher flow rates than electric units. In some cases, though, even larger gas units don’t provide enough hot water for large homes or other situations with multiple appliances or fixtures. It’s possible to answer this problem by installing two or more tankless water heaters. Multiple water heaters will likely lead to higher water and energy bills.

Stop Energy Loss from Standby

Traditional water heaters use more energy when storing water, keeping it on standby, and keeping it heated. Tankless heaters heat water only when it’s in use. When no one’s using hot water, there’s nothing on standby and no energy being used just to keep water ready in the tank.

Savings for the Long Run

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can use 24-34% less power than traditional water heaters if a home uses less than 42 gallons of hot water a day. The efficiency and energy savings decrease if your home uses more hot water. The stat goes to 27-50% less energy in homes that use multiple tankless heaters. According to Energy Star data, a tankless water heater can save you about $100 a year.

The initial cost of purchase and installation for a tankless water heater is higher than a typical water heater, tankless water heaters normally last longer and have lower power expenses. Most tankless water heaters have an expected span of about 20 years and have replaceable parts which can lengthen their lifespan.

Installment and Maintenance

Appropriate installation and upkeep of your tankless water heater can maximize its energy efficiency. Correct installation and setup depend on lots of elements. These variables can be the type of fuel, environment, local building regulations or codes, and safety and security concerns, particularly concerning a gas-fired tankless water heater. For that reason, it’s best to have a qualified plumbing and heating technician install your tankless water heater. Follow these steps when choosing a professional:

• Get price quotes in writing
• Request references
• Check the business on the Better Business Bureau
• See if the business will get a permit if needed for local building codes

If you’re going to install a tankless water heater on your own, first contact the manufacturing company. A company usually has installation and instruction manuals. Additionally, contact your city or county for information about codes, permits, or other regulations, if required, you might need to know about and follow local water heater installment codes.

The right tankless water heater maintenance and service can considerably prolong your water heater’s life and help energy efficiency. It’ll also provide the comfort, safety, and use you and your family want from the tankless water heater. Read the owner’s manual with the specific unit for specific maintenance suggestions.

More Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater

• Tankless water heaters are expected to last 20 or more years, double the anticipated span of a tank water heater. In areas with hard water, this may shorten the life of a water heater and system, or cut into the efficiency over time.
• Does not take up the space of a tank water heater. Tankless water heaters are relatively smaller and may be installed in smaller, more convenient, and more efficient spaces. They can also be mounted on outside walls depending on climate and protection for the unit.
• You will not need to wait for hot or warm water. Tankless hot water heater outputs 2-5 gallons of hot water a minute. Most tank water heaters take longer to give hot water because of the larger volume of water they heat, than most tankless units.

If you are fine with the higher upfront expense of a tankless water heater, you’ll save more money over time by going to a tankless unit. Discuss the two types of water heaters with your plumbing technician to understand the best option.

South End Plumbing specializes in leak repairs and water heater installation, so remember, we are just a click away. We also specialize in tankless water heaters – give us a call! South End Plumbing is one of the only companies that will give you a free estimate. Call us at 704-919-1722 or fill out the form online to schedule a visit.