Tankless Water Heaters - Saving Money Over the Long Haul
Are you interested in purchasing a tankless water heater? If so, then you want to make an informed decision based on both the pros and cons.
Uses Less Energy
The obvious reasons for getting one is that it will save you money as it uses less energy. Tankless water heaters average a 98% efficiency compared to 80% for a standard water heater, and some models can cut your water bill by up to 50%. Keep in mind that it is going to take some time to reap those savings because a tankless water heater costs anywhere from three to ten times what a conventional water heater costs. You will find them between $500 and $1,000. However, some tankless water heaters qualify for a Federal tax deduction of up to $300. Keep this tax credit in mind if you are in the market for purchasing a tankless water heater as this can really reduce the overall cost of the purchase.
Endless Supply of Hot Water, but Not Too Much At A Time
The other obvious pro is that tankless water heaters offer an endless supply of hot water. This is great if you have a large family with plenty of showers taking place, however the water won't start getting warm until you turn on the faucet. While it does heat up rapidly, water is often wasted while you wait for it to heat up. However, keep in mind that a tankless water heater can only produce a set amount of hot water at one time. For those of you who like to multi-task, make sure you calculate the overall amount of water you'll need to shower, wash clothes, and run the dishwasher so you have the right sized system(s) to handle all your needs at one time. Although they burn gas to heat the water, they have electronic controls, so in the event of a power outage you will not be able to get hot water...something to think about.
Takes Up Less Room
A tankless water heater doesn't take up much room, so storage room isn't a big concern. Many people find attaching their tankless water heater to the wall is an excellent way to maximize the space they do have available. Since there is no tank to worry about, you also won't have to deal with coming home and finding that your conventional water heater tank has sprung a leak.
The decision to install a tankless water heater is a personal choice. While it may be an additional investment, it is certainly one that will pay for itself over time. You will also have the convenience of always having plenty of hot water. The downside is you won't have the supply to operate several water demanding appliances at once. Some people already find that to be true with their conventional water heater and therefore don't consider it to be a negative feature.
Hot Water Demand Systems - An Alternative to Tankless Heaters
For homeowners who don't want to invest in switching from a traditional water heater to a tankless one, there are other green options, in the form of "hot water on demand." Because water in the hot water pipes of a traditional plumbing system cools down when not in use, water is wasted when you turn on the faucet and wait for the cooled water to flush out. By eliminating the need to leave faucets on as you wait for hot water, hot water demand systems such as Metlund D'MAND are one of the best green solutions. These systems utilize a small but powerful pump to move hot water rapidly from the heater to sinks and showers at the push of a button. In a few seconds, cooled-down water is returned to the heater (via the cold-water pipes, eliminating the need for new plumbing) while hot water is simultaneously pumped quickly to the fixture. Once the hot water reaches its destination, the pump instantly shuts off, saving electricity. The result? Near-instant hot water at the tap without having to turn on the faucet to wait for it. To activate the hot-water pump, a doorbell-like button can be installed (easy in new construction), or a wireless remote can be set up to avoid new wiring. An efficient pump will utilize less than $2 a year in electricity in addition to saving water, making the whole deal environmentally sound.