Discover If A Tankless Water Heater Is The Right Choice For Your Mission, KS Home
You know it's coming, and there's nothing you can do about it. Your spouse has been in the shower, all your kids have been in the shower, and you find yourself at the end of the line, last for a chance to wash and prep for the day. You step in, turn on the taps - and are blasted with unyielding cold water that starts you off on every wrong foot. A hot water heater that can't keep up with your family's demand is one of the most frustrating things imaginable, but it doesn't have to be that way. A tankless water heater is capable of providing near-limitless, on-demand hot water, whenever and wherever you need it. How do they work? What are their limitations? Should you buy a tankless water heater for your home? In this article we'll take a look at the pros and cons so you can decide if one of these advanced devices is right for you.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
Unlike traditional water heaters that store and constantly heat a large tank of water, tankless models heat water on demand. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through a pipe into the unit. A gas burner or electric element quickly heats the water as it passes through. This means you get a continuous supply of hot water without waiting for a storage tank to fill up.
What Are The Advantages Of A Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater can be a transformative addition to your home. When you have one installed, you'll enjoy benefits like:
- Endless Hot Water: The hot water doesn't stop. That 5 minute shower can turn into a 30 minute luxurious break from it all if you want it to, and the water will be warm the entire time.
- Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters only power up when hot water is needed, instead of holding water at temperature the way a tanked model does, so they can be up to 34% more energy-efficient.
- Space-Saving Design: Tankless water heaters can be mounted on the wall, or even the ceiling, freeing up valuable real estate in your home.
- Longevity: A tankless water heater usually lasts 20 years or more, compared to 10-15 years for a traditional tanked heater.
How About The Disadvantages?
Of course, nothing is perfect, and even the promise of endless hot water comes with a few potential drawbacks, such as:
- Higher Upfront Costs: In general, tankless units are more expensive to purchase and install (though you might save in the long run because of the aforementioned longevity).
- Limited Flow Rate: It might generate endless hot water, but it can't do it for every tap in the house at the same time. If multiple sources are using hot water at once it might struggle to keep up.
- Additional Equipment: You could need electrical or gas line upgrades to make a tankless system work at your home.
- Longer Heat Up Time: Particularly if the heater is far from your tap, you might have a longer delay waiting for the water to heat up once you turn it on.
When Would A Tankless Water Heater Be The Better Choice?
Considering a tankless water heater provides limitless hot water, you might wonder why you'd ever want a tanked model. But there are times they make more sense. If you have a tight budget and can't justify the higher upfront costs of a tankless water heater, a traditional model might be better for you. Also, think about your demand - will you be using multiple taps for hot water at the same time? Some homes would also require extensive modification to make a tankless water heater feasible, and it might not be worth it.
So, Should You Buy A Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters offer an innovative solution for providing hot water on demand while saving energy and space. However, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider your household's specific needs, budget, and existing plumbing setup when deciding between tankless and traditional water heaters. Every home is different, and so each individual needs to consider the details of their situation when making this decision. At LBA Services, we're here to help you make the best choice for your Mission, KS home. Whether you're ready to make the switch to tankless or stick with a tried-and-true tank model, our expert team can guide you through the process and ensure your home always has the hot water it needs. If you have questions, send us a message online or call 913-268-6822 today!
