Choosing Tankless Water Heaters

Water heaters have come a long way from the large, bulky style water heater that could cost the average homeowner up to 30 percent of their home energy costs. Tankless water heaters will heat water when it is needed, rather than reheating a large tank of water over and over again. This will provide hot water in the amount needed which saves energy costs better than the most efficient tank water heater.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

When a person turns on the hot water tap, or starts any process around the house that requires hot water, a regular gas or electric tank water heater will begin the process of heating water in the tank. With a tankless model water heater the water runs through a heat exchanger that starts heating the water. The water coming into the unit is used to calculate the amount of heat that must be provided to generate water at a hot temperature. This means that the hot water is there when needed, and when the hot water taps are turned off the unit will shut completely down and not use any energy.

This process ensures that hot water will be there when needed, and does not depend on a certain amount of water being available in the hot water tank. There is no need for a tank, which saves considerably on space. Tankless water heaters are environmentally efficient as they produce less energy. This saves the homeowner money in the long run. Plus, family members in a home do not have to worry about how much hot water is left in the tank, as the water coming through a tankless heater is clean, fresh water. Running the dishwasher, washing clothes and taking baths can all be done in a short amount of time with no worry about how long the water will stay hot.

Cost of Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters can be installed inside or outside the home, and are the size of a small suitcase. They are installed on a wall of the home, and generally will last the homeowner around 20 years, almost double the life of a water heater with a large tank.

The cost of the unit is around two to three times the cost of a regular tank water heater, costing between $800 and $1,200. Professionals selling the unit will state that the initial expense of the heater can be made up when the homeowner realizes the savings of up to 30 percent on energy bills, and the average family of four will pay for the unit in a few years. This number actually equates to several years since the cost of installing the heater may require special connections to upgrade the current water heater tank.

Tankless water heaters are better for the environment and mean families do not have to worry about how much hot water is available, but the initial cost and maintenance have to be considered when planning a purchase. Tankless units are also not very efficient in heating water for small hot water tasks, such as shaving.