Sometimes referred to as an “on-demand” unit or an instant hot water heater, tankless water heaters take up less storage space and are considered an upgrade for every home. With a tankless water heater, cold water will travel through a pipe and into the heater, where it is then heated by an electric element or a gas burner. This allows you a constant supply of hot water. Just take a look at some of the numerous benefits that tankless water heaters offer.
Energy Efficiency
Traditional water heaters heat water continuously, while tankless water heaters heat the amount of water that is needed when it’s needed. Because of this, tankless water heaters use about 24 to 34 percent less energy than traditional units. This energy savings will result in a lower utility bill; ENERGY STAR® estimates that tankless units can save the average household hundreds of dollars each year.
Endless Hot Water
There’s nothing worse than standing in the shower, enjoying the nice hot water, as it slowly turns to freezing sheets of ice, and you realize that you’re out of hot water. A tankless unit heats water continuously, rather than being limited to a predetermined supply. This means that whether your shower is 10 minutes or 10 hours, you’re guaranteed hot water throughout its entirety.
Extended Lifespan
Tankless water heaters last longer than their traditional counterparts — five to 10 years longer. With proper maintenance, a tankless water heater can serve your household for up to 20 years. What’s more, tankless units often require less upkeep. We generally recommend an annual cleaning to remove any mineral buildup that may occur near the heating element. Simply use a vinegar solution to flush the unit for about 60 minutes, which will remove any lingering sediment.
Space Saving
Traditional water heaters are large, at about 60 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Tankless units are 28 inches by 20 inches, meaning they will fit just about anywhere in your home. They’ll even mount right on a wall.
If you’re considering replacing your water heater with a tankless unit, it can be helpful to talk with an expert about what unit they think will best fit your needs. At First Chicago Plumbing, we are more than happy to guide you through the process and make a recommendation. To learn more about our services or speak with an expert, give us a call at (773) 661-7069.
