Why Should I Replace My Traditional Water Heater with a Tankless One?

Tankless water heaters are among the most efficient water heaters you can buy. Although they typically cost more to purchase than traditional water heaters and require special equipment when they’re installed, they can pay for themselves within just a few years and save you a lot of money in the long run. In addition, they’re convenient, provide unlimited hot water, and take up much less space than conventional water heaters. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to switch to a tankless water heater.

Energy Efficiency

Statistics compiled by the US Department of Energy indicate homes with tankless water heaters can experience a 24–34 percent increase in energy efficiency compared to those with conventional water heaters. A traditional water heater wastes energy because it has to keep water hot and store it in the tank even when the taps aren’t running, which is known as “standby heat loss.” A tankless water heater only requires sufficient energy to heat water when you need it.

Limitless Hot Water

While a traditional water heater stores hot water in a tank to be used at a later time, a tankless water heater heats the water at the precise moment it’s needed. When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water travels through a gas burner or an electric element, and hot water is immediately sent to the tap. 

A tankless water heater can provide a continuous source of hot water at all times. With traditional water heaters, the hot water runs out when the tank is empty, and you have to wait for the tank to refill and heat the water. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, don’t have to store water, so you’ll have access to hot water any time you need it. 

Durability

Typically, a traditional water heater will last for 10 or 15 years, while a tankless water heater can keep going for 15 to 20 years. One thing that can affect the lifespan of your tankless water heater is hard water. If the water in your area is hard, solutions are available, such as a water softening system. San Diego homeowners who want to extend the lives of their tankless water heaters should work with a company that specializes in these types of water systems.

Smaller Size

Instead of taking up a large amount of floor space in your garage or laundry room, a tankless water heater can easily be mounted on an indoor or outdoor wall. If you have a smaller model, you can even mount it on the wall of a closet or cabinet.

Flood Prevention

With a traditional water heater, there’s the risk that the tank could leak or burst and flood your home. As the name implies, a tankless water heater doesn’t have a tank, so there’s no risk of flood damage. This feature alone can save you a significant amount of money since water damage can be extremely expensive to repair.

Although tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase than traditional water heaters, the convenience, efficiency, and long-term cost savings you’ll enjoy when you buy a tankless water heater will more than makeup for the initial expense. When you’re ready to have a tankless water heater installed in your home, call on the experienced pros from Arnett’s Water Systems, the specialists in tankless water heater installation San Diego homeowners trust for high-quality water system 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.