The plumbing system in your home is an essential part of your daily life. It’s common to forget about your home’s water heater because it works behind the scenes while providing hot water daily. Many homes in the Dallas, GA, area use traditional tank-style water heaters, even though they’re bulky and take up much-needed space in basements or utility closets. Tankless water heaters have become more popular in recent years. Tankless water heaters do more than heat water. They change how we think about home plumbing, offering a variety of benefits that traditional models can’t match.
The Limitations of Traditional Tank Water Heaters
Traditional tank-style water heaters store approximately 30 to 80 gallons in their tank. That’s a lot of water stored that needs constant heating to ensure it’s ready when you need it. Continuously heating a large tank of water, even when no one is using the water, wastes energy. Water heaters with a tank also lose heat through the tank walls. We call this “standby heat loss,” which means wasted energy and higher utility bills.
Another drawback is the limited supply of hot water. You might have noticed that hot water doesn’t come out of your fixtures indefinitely. For example, have you ever tried taking a shower while the dishwasher and washing machine are running? You’ve likely only gotten a few minutes of hot water before you experienced the cold-shower shock. As the hot water in the tank gets depleted, you must wait for it to refill and reheat. The reheating process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. If you have a large household, waiting for the water to heat is inconvenient, to say the least.
Space is another concern. A tank water heater needs a significant amount of space to accommodate the large, bulky design. In small homes, fitting in a tank-based water heater can be problematic.
Lastly, tank water heaters have an abbreviated lifespan compared to tankless water heaters. A well-maintained tank-based water heater only has about a 10- to 15-year life expectancy and is still susceptible to rust and sediment buildup. This buildup can lead to leaks and eventual failure before the 10-year mark. Having a water heater fail can cause significant water damage.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Tankless water heaters offer ideal water heating solutions. For starters, instead of storing heated water, tankless heaters heat water on demand. When you turn on the hot water tap in your bathroom, for example, cold water travels through a pipe into the tankless unit. The tankless heater’s heating element instantly heats the water as it flows through the unit, only heating the water you need, precisely when you need it.
The on-demand heating mechanism in tankless water heaters is the core of its revolutionary design, offering many benefits for home plumbing systems in Dallas and beyond.
The Benefits of Going Tankless
From energy consumption to lifestyle convenience, tankless water heaters tend to be the more favorable option. While the upfront cost is typically higher than installing a tank water heater, the benefits often outweigh the initial investment. Our customers who have the budget to go tankless appreciate several benefits.
Endless Hot Water Supply
An endless supply of hot water is the most appealing benefit for many homeowners. With a tankless water heater, you can run multiple showers, your dishwasher, and your washing machine simultaneously without ever running out of hot water. Having an endless supply of hot water significantly improves daily convenience for busy households.
Significant Energy Savings
Since tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed, standby heat loss is eliminated. Eliminating standby heat loss means households often see significant energy savings on their utility bills. While the initial investment for a tankless unit might be higher than a traditional one, the long-term savings can offset this cost over time. We’ve seen many homeowners experience a noticeable reduction in their energy consumption after making the switch.
Longer Lifespan
Generally, tankless water heaters last longer than tank water heaters. A well-maintained tankless water heater often reaches a 20-year mark or more. One reason for the longer lifespan is there are few corrosive elements inside the unit that are affected by standing water in tank water heaters. Not only does this mean your tankless water heater could last longer, but it also means it’s likely to need fewer repairs.
Great for Small Spaces
Many homeowners have very little space in their homes for a traditional tank-based water heater and might try fitting one into a tight space. This can impact the ability of your water heater to work safely and efficiently.
Fortunately, better choices exist. Tankless water heaters are mounted on the wall of your basement or utility closet. We can even install a small on-demand water heater under a sink. The compact nature of tankless water heaters means valuable floor space gets freed up, allowing for more storage or other uses for the space.
Fewer Chances of Water Damage
While no plumbing system is entirely foolproof, not having a large tank of water constantly sitting and potentially corroding reduces the chance of catastrophic leaks and water damage should the tank water heater fail. Homeowners have more peace of mind when using a tankless system.
Important Considerations for Tankless Water Heater Installation
While the benefits are clear, tankless water heaters aren’t for every household. Some considerations to keep in mind when thinking about a tankless water heater installation include:
Sizing and Capacity
Tankless water heaters are rated by their flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) and temperature rise capability. To get the most out of your tankless water heater and avoid frustrations like insufficient hot water during peak usage, you must choose a unit that meets your household’s peak hot water demands. A professional assessment from an experienced plumbing contractor like our team at Precision Heating & Air ensures you get a unit that’s perfectly matched to your home’s needs. We consider the number of appliances you have, how many of them run at the same time, the number of people in your household, and your budget.
Installation Requirements
Installation of a tankless water heater is more complex than replacing a traditional tank because it often requires upgrades to your gas line or electrical setup. It also requires proper ventilation and airflow around the unit. Although you might think you’re handy enough to install a tankless water heater, qualified technicians should always install the unit to ensure safety, efficiency, and proper operation. Professional installation can also provide you with beneficial warranty coverage. Some manufacturers require your tankless water heater to be professionally installed and maintained to keep coverage valid.
Maintenance Considerations
Like any home appliance, tankless water heaters require periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. You want to have the unit flushed annually to remove mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. You also want to have the unit inspected annually to fix any issues early on so your access to hot water isn’t interrupted.
Regular maintenance helps maintain efficiency and prevents costly repairs down the line. If you’re considering making the switch or simply want to learn more about tankless water heater installation, maintenance, and repair, contactPrecision Heating & Air today for more information in Dallas.
