If you’ve always had a traditional water heater in your home, you might be wondering what it would be like to install a tankless unit instead. It’s not a secret that many homeowners are switching to tankless water heaters — but is this the right option for you? Can you and your family truly benefit from making this upgrade?
Traditional water heaters come with a storage tank, where the hot water waits for you to use it. Of course, tankless units don’t have one of these storage tanks. Instead, tankless water heaters work by producing hot water only when you need it.
So, should you replace your water heater with a tankless water heater? There are several factors you’ll want to consider before making your final decision. Let’s discuss why a tankless water heater is worth it in some cases or why you might be better off with a traditional unit, depending on your situation.
Examine Your Hot Water Needs
If you’re wondering if you should replace your water heater with a tankless water heater, it’s important to know how much hot water your family uses regularly. Are you constantly using hot water and need a solution that can keep up with your needs? For many homeowners, a tankless water heater is worth it if you’re worried about running out of hot water.
Conventional water heaters only provide as much hot water as they can store in their tanks. If you use up all the hot water in the tank, it will take some time for more water to heat up. On the other hand, tankless water heaters supply hot water on demand, so you don’t have to worry about running low on supply.
However, it’s important to note that tankless water heaters can have downsides as well. Although tankless units are sometimes called “on-demand water heaters,” they don’t provide instant hot water. It can take a minute or two for the water to rise to your desired temperature. As a result, you might encounter cold water for a few minutes before the water is heated sufficiently. This slow heating process can be frustrating for some people — especially if you’re constantly in a rush to get out the door.
How to Choose a Tankless Water Heater
Are you interested in upgrading to a tankless water heater? There are several important factors you’ll need to consider to find a unit that fits your sizing needs, including the flow rate and temperature rise. Flow rates tell you how much water per gallon water heaters can supply per minute.
To determine the flow rate, you’ll need to know how many appliances and faucets are in your home. To determine the temperature rise, you’ll need to calculate the difference between your desired hot water temperature and the temperature of the groundwater.
Although it can be helpful to know what factors can affect the unit size you need, you don’t have to handle the calculations yourself. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional technician for assistance with your water heater in Phoenix, AZ.
Think About the Space in Your Home
If you’re still unsure if you should replace your current water heater with a tankless model, you’ll next want to consider the size of your home. Do you have a larger house with lots of open space? Or maybe, do you have a home that’s on the smaller side? If you have a limited amount of space in your current residence, you might want to switch from a traditional water heater to a tankless water heater.
Since traditional water heaters have bulky tanks, this can take up precious space inside homes. On the other hand, tankless units take up little to no room, as they can be installed on walls, beneath cabinets, and in various other discrete locations.
Consider Your Budget
When it comes to installation costs, traditional water heaters tend to beat out their tankless counterparts. In most instances, tankless units have higher upfront costs. However, the installation costs aren’t the only expenses you should take to heart. You should also consider energy costs. The potential to save energy factors into many homeowners’ decisions.
For some people, a tankless water heater is worth it for the energy savings they provide. Tankless units are known for being much more energy efficient than conventional models. This can be excellent news if you’re looking to waste less money or potentially lower your energy bills. Some of the most energy-efficient systems are Energy Star-certified, so you might want to look for this familiar logo when shopping for your installation.
Service Life
Although costs are a big deal for homeowners, you’ll also want to consider overall longevity. Tankless units can last 15 to 20 years, while traditional units have a service life of 8 to 12 years. Since tankless systems tend to last longer, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to replace your unit less frequently. Longer service lives can have many financial benefits in the long run.
Fuel Source
If you’re used to having a tank water heater that runs on electricity, you’ll want to carefully consider your options before scheduling a replacement. If you decide that you want to install a gas-powered tankless unit, you’ll encounter extra costs with your installation. This is because gas water heaters require you to install a gas line on your property.
When it comes down to it, you should replace your water heater with a tankless water heater if you think it will benefit you in the long run. Although these systems can have higher upfront costs, there are many benefits — including energy savings — to enjoy.
Install the Perfect Water Heater With Bumble Bee Plumbing
For many homeowners, a tankless water heater is worth it because of its small size, energy efficiency rating, and on-demand hot water supply. Despite this, it can be challenging to find the type of water heater that benefits you the most. If you’re struggling to make a decision, turn to Bumble Bee Plumbing for help! We can discuss options with you to ensure your water heater installation meets your specific needs.
Our professional and experienced team can handle all of your plumbing needs, including replacements for water heaters in Phoenix, AZ. Contact us today for more information about our services in Glendale, AZ, and the surrounding areas!
