Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, have become more popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency and space-saving benefits. But are they better for the environment than traditional tank water heaters? The answer is yes. Below, we explore the environmental impact of tankless water heater vs tank heater systems.
How Traditional & Tankless Water Heaters Work
First, let’s take a look at how a traditional tank water heater works. This type of heater stores a large volume of water in a tank and heats it continuously to maintain a constant temperature. This means that even when hot water isn’t being used, the heater is still using energy to keep the water hot. This results in energy waste and higher utility bills.
In contrast, tankless water heaters heat water on demand as it’s needed, and there’s no need for a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows into the unit and is heated by a heat exchanger. As soon as the tap is turned off, the unit stops heating the water, resulting in energy savings.
Energy Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. A traditional tank water heater can waste a significant amount of energy by continuously heating a large volume of water even when it isn’t being used. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, only uses energy when hot water is needed. This results in significant energy savings, which translates to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be up to 34 percent more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters. This is because tankless water heaters don’t have standby losses, which is the heat lost from the water sitting in the tank when it’s not being used. Tankless water heaters also use less energy overall because they don’t have to constantly heat a large amount of water.
Longer Life Span
Another benefit of tankless water heaters is their longer life span. Traditional tank water heaters typically last between 10–15 years, while tankless water heaters can last for 20 years or more with proper maintenance. This means tankless water heaters need to be replaced less frequently, resulting in less waste and a reduced environmental impact.
Space-Saving Design
Tankless water heaters have a compact, space-saving design compared to traditional tank water heaters. This means they take up less space in your home, which can be beneficial if you live in a smaller house. The space-saving design also means there’s less material used in the manufacturing process, resulting in a smaller impact on the environment.
Less Water Waste
Traditional tank water heaters can waste a significant amount of water due to the time it takes for the hot water to reach the faucet. This is because the water has to sit in the pipes and warm up before it reaches the tap, resulting in the need to run the tap for a longer period to get hot water. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, provide hot water on demand, which reduces the amount of water waste.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Finally, tankless water heaters have a reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional tank water heaters. This is because they use less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. By using less energy, tankless water heaters reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. This means that by using a tankless water heater, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change.
When you’re ready to replace your current water heater with a tankless water heater, call on the experienced pros from Arnett’s Water Systems, the specialists in tankless water heater installation San Diego homeowners trust for high-quality products and exceptional service at a reasonable price. Call one of our friendly team members today at (619) 223-1209 to learn how a tankless water heater can be the perfect choice for you and your family.