You’re not using hot water around the clock, so should you really be paying to heat your home’s water supply around the clock?
The truth is that for Collinsville, IL households that use less than 41 gallons of hot water in a day, a traditional water heater might be a waste of money. Tankless water heaters, which may also be called “on-demand” or “instant-on” water heaters, have experienced an increase in popularity as more people are looking for ways to maximize their home’s energy efficiency. Keep reading to learn how they work and what advantages and disadvantages come with owning one.
How They Work
Traditional water heaters store and heat water around the clock. When hot water is needed, an immediate supply is available. In most cases, the unit will heat more water for use before the current supply runs out.
With a tankless water heater, no water is stored. Water is heated quickly and on demand so that it’s available for showers, dishwashers, and washing machines as needed. When you turn on your water faucet to “hot,” your unit draws in cool water to heat up. This activates the heat source, which then warms up the heat exchanger. The water is
quickly warmed to the set temperature, and then it goes out into your home’s pipes.
Advantage of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have several advantages. The primary advantage that motivates many homeowners to make the switch is their energy efficiency. These units use less power because of how the function, by heating water around the clock. Tankless water heaters are also ideal for small spaces, as they have a much smaller footprint than traditional water heaters. Because there is no tank that stores water, tankless water heaters eliminate some risks.
Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
While tankless water heaters are a good option for many households, they’re not without their drawbacks. These types of water heaters generally cost more and are difficult to install. In spite of their energy savings, they may not pay for themselves before they wear out. Additionally, if the unit has electric controls, then no hot water will be available during a power outage. Finally, a limited supply of hot water is available at any given time; there may be a lag in hot water flow.
Tankless water heaters aren’t for everyone, but they can be a good option for smaller households or homes that have a limited amount of space. To learn more about tankless water heaters and to find out if they’re right for you, reach out to Morrison Plumbing today.
