Many a homeowner looking to save money on energy costs has looked into using different methods of water heating to shave a few dollars of their utility bill. One such popular way to maximize the efficiency of a household is through the use of tankless water heaters. What are they and how do they work? It's pretty simple, actually. Unlike a conventional water heater which heats larger amounts of water and stores it for later use, a tankless heater supplies hot water on a tighter schedule, only using energy when required as hot water is needed.
You may be aware that up to 30% of a home's energy budget is expended on heating water. Here's a slightly more involved description of what happens in a tankless unit and why it's more energy efficient. When you turn on the hot water, the heater uses gas-fired or electric burners to power a heat exchanger, running water through it to deliver it to the end user. That means that water heated hours ago isn't just sitting around, losing energy while waiting for someone to use it. Both gas-fired and electrical water heaters have their own advantages and drawbacks compared to traditional water heaters.
While tankless heaters are more efficient than traditional heaters, they do involve higher up-front costs to install. They will typically require an upgrade either to existing gas lines or the electrical system of a home to work properly. In addition, these heaters may require more fan and ventilation hardware that traditional ones. They also generally cost at least twice as much as traditional storage water heaters. On the other hand, a tankless system can last anywhere from five to seven years longer depending on the type and model that you buy.
In terms of installation, upfront costs and maintenance, a quality tankless heater will usually cost around $1,000. A traditional water heater would cost anywhere from $300 to $500, not including installation. When you consider the fact that energy prices are probably only going to go up in the future, saving up to $100 a year in energy costs becomes far more attractive. It's difficult to accurately predict how much a tankless system can save you over the long haul because installation costs vary widely depending on your own unique circumstances.
For those who are building a new home or renovating an existing building, it's a no-brainer. On older homes that may require a plumbing, gas line or electrical overhaul, it may not be such a clear cut decision. Overall, a tankless solution makes a lot of sense. If you're not up to the task yourself, any company specializing in plumbing, drain cleaning, water heater and sewer repair can do the job for you properly for the lowest price. You'll save a lot of money in the end in energy bills, and help protect the environment by utilizing less energy and reducing the pollution of the atmosphere. Both in financial and ecological terms, choosing a tankless water heater is a sound decision.
Author Resource:-
At Done Plumbing we can handle all of your residential and commercial Denver Plumbing needs. Our services include drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, and sewer and water line repair. We offer 24 hour service and we'll arrive in 2 hours or less or you get $25 back.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlesbacklink.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
