There are two main types of water heaters: tankless water heaters, which are smaller units that heat water on demand, and larger conventional units that store hot water in a tank. With a tankless water heater, since the hot water doesn’t need to be kept hot in a tank, these units can eliminate or reduce standby heat losses.
However, multiple units are sometimes needed to cover the needs of an entire house. A tankless water heater helps reduce space compared to a large conventional water heater, but what are the other benefits for homeowners in Springfield, MO?
Save Time and Money
With a tankless water heater, you can save time and money that’s usually wasted running water until it’s hot enough to use comfortably when you’re using a conventional water heater. Larger conventional water heaters provide hot water for multiple sinks or showers in the home, but they can be huge wasters of water and energy, depending on your usage.
Traditional water heaters constantly heat water in the tank, even when you’re not using it. This standby heat loss wastes energy and costs you money. Tankless units only heat water when you need it, which means significant energy savings over time.
You’ll also save water because you don’t have to wait for hot water to travel from the tank to your faucet. With a tankless system, hot water is available almost instantly, so you’re not running the tap while waiting for it to heat up.
More Hot Water Available
Tankless water heaters generally distribute hot water at a pace of two to five gallons per minute, and gas-powered units will usually have higher flow rates compared to electric units. This means that tankless models can help you cut down on the energy it takes to heat and distribute hot water throughout the home.
It’s important to remember that a tankless water heater can provide virtually unlimited hot water as long as it is working within its capability. You’ll never run out of hot water in the middle of a shower, which is a common problem with traditional tank water heaters.
Typical water heaters have an expected life of ten to fifteen years, but you can expect to get twenty years out of a tankless water heater if you maintain it properly. This longer lifespan means you’ll get more value from your investment over time.
Take Up Less Space
Tankless water heater units take up less space than conventional units as they are very compact. These systems are installed on the wall of your utility room or basement and can be easily accessed by plumbers and homeowners in Springfield, MO.
These units can also virtually eliminate standby losses, as no energy is wasted while hot water is sitting in the tank waiting to be used. Because you no longer need to let the water run until it’s warm enough to be used, less water is wasted.
The compact design means you can install a tankless water heater in places where a traditional tank wouldn’t fit. This gives you more flexibility in your home’s layout and can free up valuable floor space.
Decreases Risk of Water Damage
Finally, tankless water heaters decrease the risk of water damage and water tank leaks. Since there’s no large tank full of water, there’s no risk of the tank rupturing and flooding your home. This can save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs.
Traditional water heaters can develop leaks over time, especially as they age. These leaks can cause significant water damage to your home, leading to expensive repairs and potential mold growth. Tankless systems eliminate this risk entirely.