As plumbers in Laguna Niguel, we offer hear from homeowners that are searching for ways to lower their utility bills. What you may not know, however, is that well over 16 percent of your home’s electric bill comes from heating your water. This is more than the total amount it takes to run all the other appliances in your home combined. Therefore, you may wish to speak to a plumber about replacing your traditional water heater with a tankless unit. This energy-saving option is a particularly good choice if your hot water usage is somewhat high due to multiple family members taking daily showers or if you must regularly do a significant amount of laundry. Below are some of the major differences between tankless water heaters and traditional units.
Understanding Tankless Water Heaters
Also referred to as an “instantaneous” or “on demand” water heater, a tankless unit generates hot water on an as-needed basis. The primary difference between a tankless hot water heater and a traditional unit is that conventional units keep one tank of hot water on standby, thus using more electricity and increasing your risk of flooding if something goes wrong with the tank.
Tankless units, on the other hand, provide hot water at the time it is needed. Water heaters of this kind run on gas or electricity, with gas powered units capable of producing two to five gallons of hot water in one minute. You can even install multiple tankless hot water heaters in your dwelling if there is a substantial demand for hot water in your home. You may also choose to invest in a tankless unit for a specific appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. In addition, certain models come with their own thermostats for precise temperature control. These are all options that are not possible with traditional units.
Tankless Hot Water Heaters Offer Optimum Energy Efficiency
The primary advantage of a tankless hot water heater is its energy efficiency. According to the US Department of Energy, if you use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, a tankless water heater may boost your home’s energy efficiency by as much as 34 percent. Below are some additional benefits of a tankless system:
- Instant hot water always available
- Water temperature consistency
- Average lifespan of a tankless unit is longer than a traditional water heater
- Less space needed for installation
- Reduced risk of flooding
Of course, using energy-efficient appliances, low-flow toilets, washing clothes in cold water and calling a professional plumber in Laguna Niguel as soon as repairs become necessary are also important with regard to maintaining a reasonable energy bill. Professional plumbing contractors are the only individuals qualified to help you determine if switching to a tankless hot water heater is the best option for you. Such an expert can also discuss whether an electric or gas powered unit is the most appropriate choice for your home. Contact a licensed plumber today to learn how a tankless water heater can potentially offer you considerable savings on your electric bill.
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