Upgrading to tankless water heaters comes with a ton of benefits, from efficiency to a longer lifespan — and even saving on space. Below are more reasons why you should get a tankless water heater.
1. Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are 24% to 34% more energy efficient than traditional units. However, this efficiency is for families that use less than 41-gallons of water a day. Though the energy efficiency is not the same for larger families, there is still a significant difference from tank water heaters. As such, you can expect to save hundreds of dollars on energy bills annually.
2. Extended Lifespan
Traditional water heaters will last about a decade, and though this is a decent lifespan, storage heaters cannot compare to tankless water heaters. A tankless water heater will serve you for about 20 to 25-years, and you are sure to save more on energy bills and replacements.
3. Less Wait Time
Unlike storage water heaters that heat water a tank at a time, tankless units heat water on demand. Furthermore, tankless units won't sacrifice functionality for energy efficiency. You will never run out of hot water, which is likely to happen in households with heavy hot water usage. Everyone has an equal supply of hot water, provided the use of the hot water is consecutive.
3. Longer Warranties
Tankless water heaters will last, and their life lifespan is a testament to this. On that note, these units have longer extended warranties which save the owner money that they could have spent on repairs or replacement. Furthermore, the warranties can last as long as the unit's lifespan.
4. Space Saving
The average storage water heater is about 60 inches by 24 inches and resides in its own closet. On the other hand, tankless water heaters are much smaller and are often not much bigger than a shoebox. You can mount them on a wall or an inconspicuous space in the basement, eliminating the need for an extra closet.
Saving precious space is a welcome benefit, especially in smaller houses.
5. Financing and Tax Breaks
Thanks to their efficiency, tankless water heaters qualify for 10% tax credits on the overall purchase and installation cost. The financing and tax breaks go a long way to offset the high initial cost.
6. Less Maintenance
Tankless water heaters are relatively easy to maintain. Actually, there is usually no need for maintenance for the first 10-years. Just ensure that the filter is clean, and your unit will serve you efficiently for years.
7. Increased Safety
You are better off with a tankless water heater for safety purposes. These units are much less likely to overheat and explode, unlike their tank counterparts. Furthermore, tank water heaters can leak leading to extensive water damage. Tankless water heaters reduce the chances of explosions and damage from water leaks as they hold significantly less water.
8. Easy to Install
You only need an outlet and an empty wall for a tankless water heater. Mount the unit on the wall and connect to the outlet, and you are set. These units eliminate the need for gas lines and hot water plumbing systems, and anyone with minimal knowledge can mount them.
9. Eliminates Standby Loss
Traditional water heaters have to reheat water repeatedly, increasing energy costs. On the other hand, tankless water heaters do not rely on reserved water to meet demand, thereby eliminating standby loss.
Though tankless water heaters are pricey, the tax credits, energy efficiency, and eliminating standby loss make them worth the price. The added advantage of safety and minimum storage requirements also gives these units an edge over their tank counterparts. Get in touch with Michigan Plumbing for a quality installation.
