You use your hot water for myriad household tasks, from washing dishes and laundry to bathing. It's important to have a hot water heater that's up to the job of providing enough hot water for your family's needs. In addition to choosing from a variety of brands and models, you may be given the option of a tankless water heater. So how does the tankless version differ from the traditional water heater designs that have been available for homes for over a century, and how do you know if one is right for your home? Talk to your technician about the pros and cons for your specific situation and consider what matters to you: energy efficiency, cost and monthly bills, hot water capacity, or other factors.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Traditional water heaters keep a supply of hot water in a reservoir, the size of which can vary depending on your hot water needs and the size of your home. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand. They have long been more popular in Europe than in the U.S., but over the last few decades more Americans have become interested in transitioning to tankless technology for their hot water needs. Whether you can easily upgrade to a state-of-the-art tankless unit may depend upon your building's existing pipe structure; older buildings in the U.S. may not be equipped for tankless water heating without a major plumbing overhaul.
Benefits of Going Tankless
While traditional units can run out of water if you decide to shower, do laundry, and run the dishwasher all at the same time, tankless water heaters are designed to provide a continuous supply of hot water, but only when it's called for. This eliminates the energy being used to keep water hot and ready 24/7, which can lower your energy bills. Additionally, tankless units are much smaller than their tanked counterparts, so they don't take up valuable real estate in your home. Tankless units are available for use with gas and electric power, and your water heater technician can advise you on the right unit or units for your hot water needs.
Cons to Consider
Tankless models aren't appropriate for all climates, particularly very cold areas. They also tend to cost more than their tanked counterparts, which means it could take you a while to recoup the extra money in energy bill savings. Installation itself is also more expensive, as you'll need to find a technician who specializes in tankless technology. Retrofitting a building with old plumbing for a brand-new tankless model only adds to the cost. If you want to upgrade your old water heater to a more energy-efficient and effective model without spending a fortune, it's possible to do so without going tankless; speak to your water heater installation contractor about your options. A professional, experienced, and reliable technician should be honest with you about what's best for your home.
The moral of the story is that while tankless units use is on the rise--and for good reason--there's no one-size-fits-all solution for every building. You have to do your research and hire a plumber or water heater expert who will advise you on the best course of action for your needs. Whether you go tankless or stick with a traditional unit, the end goal is to have enough hot water without breaking the bank either initially or on monthly energy bills.
Kelly Robertson is a home improvement buff and a senior Internet marketing strategist at the SEO firm Prospect Genius.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_R_Robertson
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