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Should You Go Tankless?

By November 3, 2016April 1st, 2023No Comments

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters have been getting a lot of attention recently. Both gas and electric tankless water heaters are available. As the water runs through the pipes, either the gas or the electric element heat the water. This gives a constant supply of hot water. Before purchasing a new water heater make sure you are considering your needs. Do you have a big family? Are you willing to spend more money initially?

Some things to consider

    • Space: You guessed it, tankless hot water heaters don’t have a tank! They are about the size of a suitcase and are wall mounted. Although they don’t take up a lot of space, they do need to be within 50 feet from a power source.
    • Type: If you want an electric model you need the proper voltage, amperage, and circuit breaker. If you want to go with gas, make sure you have proper ventilation.
    • Cost: Tankless water heaters can cost up to three times more than storage heaters. If your home isn’t updated, it can cost more to upgrade the electrical system. Tankless does cost more in the beginning but also has almost double the life span of storage heaters. Traditional water heaters have a life span of 10-15 years, where tankless water heaters can last up to 20+ years.
    • Usage: Tankless water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. Digital controllers allow you to instantly change the temperature. Storage tank water heaters typically hold 40-60 gallons of hot water which are equal to 20 minutes of running water. Tankless water heaters can run 110-degree water at 5-6 gallons per minute and never run out. If you have a big family, who uses all the showers at once, tankless might be a good option for you.

According to Consumer Reports, water heating amounts to nearly 20 percent of a home’s energy costs. Knowing your options helps you make the best purchasing decision for your needs.

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