If you are like many, the words “tankless water heater” might bring to mind images of dirty tanks and boiling kettles. While this is a classic image, it doesn’t have to be the case. With advances in technology and design, there are many types of heaters that can be more efficient than the traditional model, and some even cost less to operate. In an age of ever-increasing energy costs, you might not think it possible to own a heater that uses nothing but electricity.
There are now tankless heaters available for any area in the home. This type of unit runs on propane or natural gas, which can be purchased at your local hardware store or supermarket. In Orlando, there are several contractors that offer both services, so there is no need to invest in a separate system for each room. These heaters can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Visit samsgas.com for installation and pricing information.
A tankless water heater takes hot water from the kitchen and puts it into a storage tank, where it is kept warm while it is used by the rest of the house. This means there are no hassles when it comes to storing the water, as it does not require a large amount of space. They also do not take up much electricity because they run off of natural gas or propane, which are readily available. In fact, these units use less than one percent of what a conventional unit does to heat water. Because it takes much less energy to operate, a tankless heater can also help you save money over time.
The savings will begin to add up after the first year, which is about the average time it takes for most homeowners to pay off their tankless water heater. The reason for this is fairly simple. As opposed to the tank water heater, it does not store hot water when it is not in use. Instead, it just disposes of the water in the garbage and then replaces it with fresh water from the tap. Therefore, the water that is not used at all is not taking up space and heating water for your home, which means that there is a smaller bill to be concerned with.
What is the downside to a tankless water heater? One possible drawback is that it takes a little longer for the water to heat up when compared to a conventional unit, which can take up to three minutes for the water to heat up. This can be a problem in areas where there is a demand for hot water, since it could be hard for a homeowner to sit in front of the heater for the three minutes it takes to heat up the water. This is especially true if there is no natural gas or propane service in the area where you live.
Finally, is it worth getting a tankless heater? The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are using the tankless model in an area with both natural and propane service, it will likely be cheaper to have this type of unit installed rather than a traditional tank system. However, if your only option is to go with the electric model, you may find that it is less efficient, depending on the number of people in your home and the amount of water that they are using. The final determining factor is your comfort level; if you feel that you don’t need the extra comfort of running hot water, then it may not be worth the money you spend on the unit.