Tankless Water Heater Options: Faster Hot Water for Every Household

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating is usually the second-largest energy expense in U.S. homes, accounting for nearly a fifth (18%) of energy consumption. So, to enjoy hot water, you pay two bills: one for the water and the other for heating it.

If you have a traditional hot water tank, you likely spend even more on heating energy you don’t use. Professionals refer to this energy waste as “standby loss.” It’s the energy used to keep the water in the tank hot, eventually lost when not drawn.

Fortunately, a tankless water heater system allows you to avoid standby loss, making it more energy-efficient than its traditional tanked counterparts.

So, how exactly does tankless home water heating work, and how can you benefit from one? Read on as our team at Plumbing Outfitters serving Williamson and Travis County, TX, answers those questions in this guide.

Tankless Heating Technology Explained

Tankless water heaters don’t store water in tanks; instead, they heat the water that flows through them on demand.

Here’s a quick overview of how tankless heaters work:

• When you turn on a hot water tap or shower, cold water enters the heating system
• The cold water passes through a heat exchanger, which heats the water either through an electric element or a gas burner
• The now-hot water flows out of the tap or shower
• The system delivers a continuous supply of fast hot water as needed or “on demand” as long as the hot water tap or shower is on

So, with a tankless water heater, you don’t have to wait for a storage tank to fill up and heat the water.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

Some of the top benefits of tankless water heaters are:

• Energy savings
• Lower carbon footprint
• Long life expectancy
• Fewer worries about tank leaks
• Lower risk of water damage
• Minimal space requirements

Let’s explore each perk in more detail.

Energy Savings

As Ohio State University points out, electric water heaters with a tank can lose 1.4 kWh due to standby losses. On the other hand, a similar gas system will experience 8.3 kWh of standby losses. Moreover, distribution pipes can cause further energy losses as the heated water’s temperature decreases by 2°F to 4°F as it travels from the tank to the point of use.

Tankless water heaters eliminate standby losses, making them more energy-efficient than tank-type systems. They only use energy when delivering hot water on demand. By contrast, a tank-type system consumes energy to heat and keep the water hot, and you may not even use the water it heats.

Remember: The less energy you use, the lower your utility bills can be. So, with a tankless water heater, you can save money while enjoying hot water on the go.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated by our actions. According to The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. has some of the highest carbon footprint rates worldwide, with an average of 16 tons per person. On the other hand, the average global rate is only about 4 tons.

By reducing your carbon footprint, you can do your part in slowing climate change and its consequences, such as more intense heat waves and rising sea levels. One way to achieve this goal is minimizing energy use, especially energy that comes from fossil fuels, such as:

• Natural gas
• Petrol
• Coal

Switching to a tankless water heater can lower your home’s carbon footprint since it uses less energy to provide hot water.

Long Life Expectancy

According to EnergyStar.gov, tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of at least 20 years, considerably longer than tank-type systems. They also have many easy-to-replace parts that can extend their life by several more years.

Fewer Worries About Tank Leaks

Because tankless water heaters don’t store water in a tank, they have a lower risk of leaking. Yes, they can still develop leaks by the connections and joints, but you can prevent this through regular tankless hot water system maintenance. Its upkeep is also more straightforward, considering it doesn’t have a tank requiring periodic flushing and cleaning.

Lower Risk of Water Damage

If a tankless water heater leaks, it’s likely to be minor, similar to a leaky tap. On the other hand, you may face indoor flooding and extensive water damage if you have a badly damaged water tank that leaks.

Minimal Space Requirements

Tankless water heaters also save space because they don’t rely on a storage tank to heat and hold water. They can be a fraction of the size of water tanks, allowing plumbing professionals to install them in tight spaces like closets or mount them on walls. Point-of-use systems are even more compact and have even fewer space requirements.

What About the Cons of Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters usually have a higher initial cost than traditional tank-type systems. However, their longer lifespan and considerable energy savings can offset this cost.

Another potential drawback is that tankless water heaters have a lower output than traditional tank-type systems. The system’s flow rate can noticeably decrease during multiple, simultaneous hot water use. For example, when two or more showers, plus the dishwasher or washing machine, are running.

If you have a big household, you can combat those issues by installing at least two tankless water heaters. Alternatively, you can stick to just one and schedule the hot water use to avoid stretching the system to its limit.

Ready for Your More Energy-Efficient Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater is a more energy-efficient, carbon footprint-reducing alternative to traditional tank-type heaters. While it may cost you more initially, it can last longer and help you save in the long run with its energy efficiency.

If you’re ready to reap all those benefits, Plumbing Outfitters is happy to help!

Our owner and Master Technician, Warren, and our licensed technicians bring over five decades of combined plumbing experience to the company. We’re also a proud recipient of Austin Community’s Choice Awards, a testament to the high-quality services we consistently provide our customers throughout Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County, TX.

Call us today to schedule your service, and don’t forget to ask about our 0% financing program!

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