Most homes in the area use traditional tank water heaters, which use a large cylindrical tank to heat the water before sending it into the pipes of your home. They work extremely well, which is why they’re so popular, but they’re not the only type of water heaters out there. Tankless water heaters do the job just as effectively and bring some benefits to your home to boot. How do they work, and what do you stand to gain by having one installed? Read on for the answers.
On-Demand Hot Water
Traditional tank water heaters use the tank to heat the water, usually with a gas-fed burner or electrical coils providing the heat. It works, but it does have certain drawbacks, as anyone who’s run out of water in the middle of a shower can attest.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, use heated electrical coils to warm up the water instantly as it passes through the pipes on the way to the outlets. That eliminates the need for bulky tanks while still providing you with plenty of hot water on demand.
Are There Drawbacks?
Tankless water heaters don’t make an ideal fit for every home, which is why you should always consult with a trained plumber before having one installed. For starters, they tend to cost more to install than tank models, since they need to be integrated with your plumbing system more thoroughly than tank water heaters. They also have a more limited workload, and larger homes may need to install multiple units to provide comprehensive coverage.
What Are the Benefits?
In exchange for those drawbacks, however, tankless water heaters provide a number of significant benefits.
- Instant Hot Water. Because they heat the water instantly as it passes through the pipes, tankless water heaters give you hot water instantly. There’s no waiting for the water to “heat up” like there is with tank models.
- Endless Hot Water. Similarly, since tankless systems don’t depend on a set amount of hot water, the supply is usually limitless. You won’t have to worry about the water in your shower suddenly going cold or running out of hot water while washing the dishes.
- Lower Costs. Because you’re not paying to keep the water warm, tankless water heaters tend to cost less to run than tank models from month to month. Furthermore, you’re not wasting water waiting for it to heat up, which lowers your monthly water bills as well.
- Longevity. Tank water heaters tend to last about 10-15 years or so, though the exact length may vary. Tankless systems tend to be more durable, however, and can often last for 20 years or longer.
- Less Space. Tankless water heaters take up much less space than tank models. That makes them a good fit for smaller homes where space may be at a premium.
If you would like a tankless water heater installed in your Plano, TX home, give the professional plumbers at Hutchins Plumbing & Air Conditioning a call today to set up an appointment!
