Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are sometimes called on-demand water heaters because of how these innovative units operate. If you are in the market for a water heater for a new home or to replace your existing water heater, you are sure to have heard one of these terms. And you should also know that the team of licensed plumbers at Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains has years of experience and expertise installing and servicing these reliable and energy-efficient water heaters.
What Does On-Demand Really Mean
Tankless or on-demand water heaters only heat water when there is a need for it. So when you turn on a faucet or shower in your home, this unit begins heating water as it flows toward the fixture, but the rest of the time, the unit is in a stand-by-like mode. And what is most important to understand is that the tankless water heater is not using any power. An on-demand water heater is consuming power only when there is a need for it. When the hot water faucet turns off, so does the power.
How Are Tankless Water Heaters More Energy Efficient Than Conventional Models?
Thinking back to a science class, you might be questioning how a tankless water heater can heat water using less energy than a traditional model. Didn’t science teach us that the energy required to heat water was a constant? The answer is yes. Heating water is a constant no matter how you do it, and tankless water heaters do use the same amount of energy to heat water. With that said, they never waste any energy maintaining hot water in a holding tank. The savings come in eliminating that massive holding tank of water that is constantly being heated, cooling, and reheated.
The Pros And Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Energy efficiency is a significant selling point for tankless water heaters. The average savings on operating cost compared to a traditional water heater is from about 15% to 50%, which can add up quickly. While appreciating the monthly savings, it is vital to understand that you will spend more to purchase a tankless unit. The amount of hot water your household uses will determine the length of time it takes to recover your increased investment in the tankless unit.
The water is heated as it flows through the pipes in your home to the hot water fixture. There is no capacity limitation like you experience with a tank-style water heater. Having this unlimited supply of hot water can significantly benefit a large family who often would run out of hot water. Finally, being the size of an average carry-on suitcase, these compact water heaters can be located almost anywhere, including under a sink, in a kitchen cabinet, or a linen closet.
For a free no-obligation price quote for your home to go tankless, call 612-340-1444. A Paul Bunyan licensed plumber will answer your questions and provide you with a very cost-effective option for your hot water.
Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater
Hot water is a necessary part of every home. You start your day with a cup of hot coffee before taking a hot shower. As the day goes on, you wash dishes and clean the house. Tankless water heaters provide that hot water you need for less cost than a traditional electric or gas water heater. How does that work? The tankless water heater only heats the water as it is used compared to other water heaters that must keep the water heated in a tank until you’re ready to use it.
Other reasons residents in Minneapolis-St. Paul choose tankless water heaters include the following:
- Reduces total energy costs
- Eco-friendly to the environment
- More compact to take up less space in your home
- Lasts longer than traditional water heaters
- Provides cleaner water
If you are interested in knowing more about tankless water heaters, contact Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains. We would love to talk to you about installing one of these water heaters and helping you choose the best solution for your home.
