When most people think about water heaters, they picture a giant tank filling up a corner of their garage or attic. Water heaters are big, bulky, and take up space that most homeowners would love to have for storage or other purposes. The great news is that modern homeowners now have options when they need a water heater replacement. Today’s water heaters come in all shapes and sizes. There are both traditional models and tankless options. If you think that a tankless water heater is just another trend, think again. Tankless water heaters are not only efficient and money-saving, but they help protect the environment too.
Have you ever wondered exactly what the difference is? Have you been considering a tankless water heater for your Telegraph Hill, CA home but don’t know where to start? The decision can be overwhelming because there are so many choices and factors to consider. Let’s discuss the top five reasons every homeowner should consider a tankless water heater.
While tankless water heaters have a reputation for being more expensive than traditional models, they cost less to operate. Why? It is because they heat water only as it’s needed. By working “on-demand,” they only use energy when the hot water tap is turned on. Not only does this mean that they can provide a constant flow of hot water, but it also means that over the course of the day, they use less energy than a traditional water heater. A conventional water heater holds hot water “on standby” and keeps a supply of hot water ready all of the time. While this might be great at supplying water to multiple areas of your San Francisco home simultaneously, it requires an incredible amount of energy because it heats and reheats the water in the tank over and over. Since a tankless water heater only heats water when you need it, it can be as much as 50% more energy efficient.
The on-demand nature of the system means that you never have to wait for an empty hot water tank to refill or reheat the water. With a tankless water heater, you will never run out of hot water in the shower again. Unfortunately, as great as that sounds, there are a couple of downsides to a tankless system. First, tankless systems can struggle when they are supplying multiple areas of your home. For example, if you have a busy Telegraph Hill, CA family, you don’t want to struggle to wash dishes and clothes at the same time. However, this can easily be addressed by installing a system of tankless water heaters.
Tankless water heaters tend to last longer. Energy.gov estimates that most tankless hot water heaters easily have a lifespan of 20 years, which is nearly double the average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater. Also, their life can be extended even longer as they tend to be easier to repair.
Tankless water heaters are famously low maintenance which is one of their biggest appeals. Since they have a less complicated design, there is less work to do. However, they do still need regular preventative maintenance. Just like with a traditional water heater, the minerals in your tap water can build up and damage the internal components. Draining out and flushing a conventional unit can be a daunting task. With a tankless unit, flushing the system out is much less involved.
Since tankless water heaters have easily replaceable components, they aren’t as hard to repair as traditional models. In addition, the internal mechanisms tend to be much easier for your plumber to access. Over the unit’s life, this can save you a considerable amount of money in expensive water heater replacement expenses.
Most tank water heaters need a considerable amount of space. This might not be a problem if you have room to spare. However, if you need to make the most of every square inch of your Telegraph Hill, CA home, a bulky water heater can be a problem. With a tankless water heater, there is no need to sacrifice a corner of your garage or give up a spare closet. Since there is no tank, these water heaters take up almost no space at all. A simple heating element, a power source, and access to your plumbing are all that you need. Most tankless water heaters look like nothing more than a small box on the wall in your bathroom or kitchen.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
While tankless water heaters are energy efficient and great for the environment, they might not be suitable for every San Francisco home. VarStateLong homeowners should consider several factors before deciding if a tankless water heater is the right fit for them. First, homeowners should consider their hot water needs. Since many homes may need multiple tankless water heaters, you should make sure that this will work for your budget. Finally, you need to consider your power source. If you are looking for maximum energy savings, an electric unit will be your best option. Gas-powered tankless units still need a pilot light. The cost of always keeping the pilot lit can eat away at any savings. At Sugar Bear Plumbing, we can guide you through each of these considerations and help you determine if a tankless water heater is a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
When you need a water heater replacement, consider all of your options. Traditional water heaters are an excellent option for many San Francisco homes. But you just might discover that a tankless water heater can also help reduce your monthly expenses while making your home just a little bit more environmentally friendly. Need to discuss all of your Telegraph Hill water heater replacement options? At Sugar Bear Plumbing, we’d love to help find the best water heater for your home. Visit our website at https://www.sugarbearplumbinginc.com or give us a call at 415-858-1840.