Why Switch to Tankless?
Conventional water tanks are based on old, old concepts. Even the earliest water heating systems used a heating mechanism to heat incoming water while hot water was stored for later use. This system has some drawbacks that new technology can address.
Until recently, technology allowed engineers to reconsider old water heater designs. When they got the chance, they designed special systems that ditched the tank and simply heated water on demand, a concept that gave rise to tankless water heaters.
Making the switch to something new can make homeowners nervous. Luckily, the benefits of tankless water heaters are clear enough to give peace of mind when water heater installation is needed. Here are the top three benefits of tankless water heaters.
Better Energy Efficiency
save money One of the major flaws with hot water storage tanks is that they are very inefficient, especially in the home setting. While modern water tanks are very well insulated to prevent heat loss, there is no perfect system.
Some heat will always be lost, driving up energy costs for homeowners without any benefit. Additionally, water heaters in the home are generally only needed for a couple of hours a day. The rest of the time, they sit idle, wasting energy used to maintain the water temperature.
Conversely, a tankless water heater will only heat water when necessary. Special sensors in the unit can sense the water flow through the pipes when a tap is turned on or an appliance demands water. At that point, heating elements or burners will kick on and supply hot water until it is no longer needed.
Endless Hot Water Supply
hot water The biggest drawback of a storage tank is that it will eventually empty. Even if a water tank is rated for 50 gallons, it can only provide a little more than that before the water becomes cold, leaving someone taking a very unpleasant and rushed shower.
A tankless water heater doesn’t have this major drawback. As long as water is needed, it will continue to provide hot water at a lower price than a bulky storage tank.
In addition to endless hot water, tankless water heaters offer more space in utility closets or basements occupied by water tanks. They are much smaller than water tanks and are mounted on the wall in place of the former tank, allowing for a few more square feet of storage space.
Longer Life Expectancy
Since a water tank is only needed for about an hour a day in most home settings but is required to keep the water heater in the storage tank, a lot of work is being done for little benefit. A tankless water heater limits its work to only the time it is necessary.
This results in less overall wear and tear, meaning tankless water heaters last longer than water tanks. Generally, a water tank lasts around ten years, while a tankless unit can last as long as 25 years.
About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling
A&A Plumbing can help every home find the water heater to meet their needs. With water heater service for water tanks and tankless water heaters, homeowners can enjoy better performance from every unit. Call today for plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.