The cost of the energy needed to heat water for home use is one of the most expensive bills any homeowner incurs. Hot water is required not only for bathing and showering, but for washing dishes, doing laundry, and other tasks. Traditional water heaters heat a specific, predetermined amount of water no matter how much is actually needed. This creates the potential for significant energy waste. Energy saving water heaters, also known as tankless water heaters, reduce much of this energy loss by heating only the water necessary for any given task in the home.
Tankless water heaters, or on-demand heaters, are more energy efficient than traditional tanks because they heat water as it passes through the pipes. This eliminates the need to keep a large tank of water constantly hot as is the case with a traditional water heater. They also save a significant amount of space in the home because no tank is required. Energy saving water heaters can be placed on a wall, out of the way and without taking up floor space. They are ideal for smaller homes and apartments or places that are not occupied throughout the year. Tankless systems also reduce the likelihood of structural damage from flooding, since there are no tanks to rupture or rust and create leaks.
While modern tankless heaters are a wonderful choice for many homeowners, there are some negatives that should be considered. The initial cost of installing such a system can be high, sometimes two to five times that of a traditional water heater. The cost depends on geographical area, the size and age of the home and the condition of the existing plumbing. In some cases it can also take a few minutes for the water to get truly hot when an energy saving water heater is used. These systems may also not provide as much water pressure as some homeowners are accustomed to and must be sized appropriately for the estimated water heating load of the household . They are ideal for homes with natural gas in some form, since electric units are less able to handle the needs of an entire household.
While the initial cost of a tankless water heater may be high, the energy savings, environmental benefits and additional space make this technology well worth consideration.
For more information on tankless water heaters, please contact us at 905-312-9644