Did you know that 27.4 billion gallons of water get withdrawn and delivered to homes across the US every day? Of that, 2.3 billion gallons go to Texas households. Each of the state’s residents, in turn, uses an average of 92 gallons in and outside the home.
It’s no wonder, then, that water heating accounts for 19% of household energy use in Texas. So, if you spend $2,000 a year on energy bills, at least $380 goes toward heating your water alone.
Fortunately, a tankless water heater can help you save on your water and energy bills.
Keep reading as we’ve covered the top benefits of these innovative water heaters in this guide.
More Energy-Efficient Than Conventional Heaters
A conventional tank-style heater stores water in a tank and heats it continuously. It keeps the water at a set temperature so that you can draw pre-heated water from it as needed.
However, that design also leads to a tank-style heater experiencing standby energy loss. It’s the process wherein the stored water loses heat while it sits in the tank unused. According to some estimates, it can account for up to 1,200 kilowatt-hours of yearly energy use.
By contrast, a tankless water heater doesn’t rely on a tank; instead, it heats water on the go. That’s why it’s also known as instantaneous, demand-type, or on-demand water heater.
Since tankless water heaters don’t have tanks, they don’t produce standby energy losses. That makes them more energy-efficient than their tanked counterparts.
Energy Efficiency Reduces GHG Emissions
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) include carbon dioxide, water vapor, and ozone. They’re gases that trap heat and are vital to life, as they help warm the Earth and protect it from excessive cold.
However, human activities have caused a massive spike in the GHGs in the atmosphere. They amplify the planet’s natural greenhouse effect, making Earth warm faster.
A massive chunk of those added GHGs comes from burning fossil fuels for electricity and heat. Thus, the more electricity and heating energy used, the more GHGs emitted. The more of them in the atmosphere, the hotter the planet can get.
Using more energy-efficient systems at home can help cut your GHG emissions. For the same reason, it’s wise to invest in a high-efficiency on-demand water heater.
Saves You Money
Because tankless heaters don’t have standby losses, they can help cut energy bills. That translates to lower water heating bills, saving you money in the long run.
To maximize your savings, consider investing in an ENERGY STAR-certified unit. It consumes 9% less energy than a non-certified conventional gas-powered tankless water heater.
Enjoy Hot Water When You Need It
A tankless water heater provides a constant supply of hot water. You can expect the system to keep heating the water for as long as you have a hot water tap running.
As a result, you don’t need to wait to have enough hot water to take a shower. That can help you avoid being late for work (or, if you have kids, them being late for school).
On the other hand, a lack of hot water is one of the most common issues affecting conventional water heaters. That may result from having a tank too small for your hot water demands. It may also occur if your family has used up all the hot water, and the tank is still heating the fresh supply of cold water.
Please note that an on-demand water heater has an output limit, too. As a result, it may have trouble keeping up with multiple, simultaneous, and heavy demands. Such can occur if you run a shower, dishwasher, washing machine, and several taps simultaneously.
However, you’re unlikely to encounter those problems unless you have a large household.
If you have a big family, one option is to install at least two tankless water heaters. That way, everyone can enjoy hot water anytime.
Lower Risks of Leaks
The average US home has leaks that waste almost 10,000 gallons of water annually. Some households even lose a whopping 90 gallons a day, or 32,850 gallons a year, because of these plumbing issues.
Leaks are pervasive since they can affect pipes, taps, and toilets. They can also develop in water heater tanks, especially aging or ill-maintained systems.
While all leaks cause water wastage, the worst ones are those affecting pipes and hot water tanks. They’re often out-of-sight, unlike taps and toilets people see and use many times daily. As a result, they can keep wasting water for days, weeks, or even months until you discover them.
Because an on-demand water heater doesn’t store water in a tank, it’s less likely to leak. That also makes it an excellent tool for water conservation, so long as you take good care of it. Even if it does leak, it’s not going to be as bad as what can happen to a tank-type water heater.
Less Likely to Cause Water Damage
Since tank leaks are not an issue with on-demand water heaters, you can worry less about water damage.
Just remember, though, that a leaking hot water tank is only one possible cause of water damage. It can also result from toilet leaks, pipe cracks, or worse, burst pipes.
So, it’s still best to be on your toes for potential leaks, even after a tankless water heater installation. Hire a pro to conduct leak detection and repairs as soon as you suspect you have such problems.
Fewer Leaks, Fewer Mold Concerns
Leaks increase indoor humidity as the water they allow to seep out evaporates. That adds moisture to the air inside your home, and if it becomes damp enough, it can give rise to indoor mold growth.
Unfortunately, molds aren’t only unsightly; they also destroy property and threaten health. Even if no one in your household has a mold allergy, exposure to them can cause allergy-like symptoms. Moreover, exposure can make someone without a previous allergy develop a mold allergy.
That’s all the more reason to choose a tankless water heater, considering it’s less likely to leak.
Worry Less About Cold Water Shocks
A cold water shock can happen if your body gets exposed to a water temperature below 70° Fahrenheit.
You can get such a shock if you’re taking a shower and you run out of hot water. You might get so surprised that you end up losing your balance. That can heighten your risk of a slip, trip, or fall accident.
An on-demand water heater doesn’t completely protect you from bathroom accidents. However, it can help you avoid cold water shocks, as it delivers hot water as needed, after all.
Requires Less Space
Since you don’t have to install an on-demand hot water tank, you can save precious space at home. You don’t even have to worry about floor space, as you only have to mount a tankless water heater on a wall. It’s also compact, with a standard one having a height of 28 inches, a width of 20 inches, and a depth of 10 inches.
By contrast, a typical conventional tank-type heater is 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide. That’s big enough, but you may need an extra 18 inches of space if you plan to install it in the garage.
Under Texas code, all water heaters with an ignition source must be 18 inches above the garage floor. There are also additional clearance requirements for hot water tanks installed in closets.
Availability of Discounts
On-demand water heaters cost several times more than their tank-type counterparts.
A conventional water heater has a price range of only $500 to $800. On the other hand, a tankless water heater can cost you $2,000 to $4,500.
The good news is that reliable plumbers offer various product and service discounts. For instance, you may get up to $200 off for a new tankless heater. There are also discounts for veterans, active military personnel, and even senior citizens.
So, take advantage of those price cuts to make going tankless more affordable.
Lasts Longer Than Tank-Type Heaters
On average, on-demand water heaters can last for two decades. Some also come with warranties as long as their expected lifespan. Prompt repairs and part replacements can even extend their life further.
Conversely, tank-type water heaters only last for around eight to 12 years. Proper maintenance helps lengthen their life, but they still can’t outlast tankless units.
So, even if an on-demand heater costs more, you don’t have to think about replacement costs until the next 20 years. Don’t forget that it can also help you save on monthly energy bills. All those benefits outweigh its initial higher purchase and installation price.
Invest in a Tankless Water Heater
As you can see, a tankless water heater can benefit your wallet and the environment. While it costs more upfront, you can recoup your expenses over the two decades it can serve you. Plus, it’s less likely to leak, cause water damage, and trigger mold growth.
Those should be enough reasons to get one for your home ASAP.
If you’re ready to go tankless, our team here at L&P Plumbing can help. Get in touch with us now, and we’ll be happy to install your high-efficiency on-demand water heater!
