Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Are Tankless Worth the Investment?
When we are talking about benefits of tankless water heaters we are trying to see is tankless worth the investment, their advantages over other types, and how do they compare to conventional tank-type models, which are cheaper and used for many years before the introduction of the tankless. This article is about gas-powered heaters.
Once you go through the tankless benefits, you will be able to answer the question “which one is better, tankless or tank-type?”, and make the right decision.
Here are the benefits of tankless water heaters that make the difference:
Tankless water heaters are small and lightweight. No more, bulky storage water tanks that occupy too much of the floor space. Tankless are designed small, they have a size of a small suitcase (some models are only 10" X 20" X 30") and weight from 30-70 pounds, which allows easy transport, handling, and wall installation, leaving the floor space free.
Tankless heat water on demand. As opposed to tank-type water heaters that heat and store water even when it is not needed, tankless use the heat exchanger to heat water only when it is required – on-demand when water is running through. This is what makes them very efficient, putting less stress on the components, providing fresh and clean hot water for less.
Tankless delivers hot water in endless supply. While tank-type heaters have a limited capacity to store hot water (usually from 20 to 100 gallons), tankless can deliver hot water in endless supply, as long as there are water, gas and electric supply.
Energy savings. According to the US Department of Energy, tankless can provide savings of up to 50% than tank-type. The maximum energy efficiency of the gas tankless type is found on Navien, Rinnai, and Noritz and can reach up to 98% efficiency rate.
More savings. It is proven that tankless water heaters could save over 40% on the gas bill, while those that utilize the condensing technology are known as ultra-efficient providing even more savings to its owners. If you are buying a new unit, check are they eligible for your local utility company saving programs and federal tax credits which help offset high purchase cost.
Tankless are “green”. Most of the tankless water heaters are equipped with the eco-friendly gas burners, which allows them to reduce the emission of green gases significantly.
Variety of models available. There are many types of tankless available; gas-powered and electric operated type, condensing and non-condensing, point-of-use or whole-house, power-vent or direct-vent.
Many brands available. While the North American market is already familiar with the top three domestic brands; AO Smith, Bradford White, and Rheem, there are also some of the imported brands that are truly amazing and present on the market for many years; Rinnai, Takagi, Noritz, Bosch and other.
Easy maintenance. While tank-type often needs draining, flushing an emptying the large storage tanks due to bad odor, deteriorated anode rod or sediment build-up, tankless are much easier to maintain, which mostly includes cleaning the parts and occasional flushing. If the water is not hard, you could go without maintenance for a few years.
Tankless venting is flexible. They can be installed indoors or outdoors, based on the model. The venting options (horizontal and vertical termination, power and direct venting) and pipe lengths are what gives more options to the user.
Tankless water heaters are designed with advanced components:
- Electronic control board allows programming, computer monitoring, control and diagnostics.
- Recirculation system allows faster water delivery.
- Advanced electronics makes the use of heaters smart as they can use WiFi and voice recognition technology, including the home management system.
- Electronic ignition replaces the old pilot lighting, for better flame control, reliable operation, and long work.
- Tankless is equipped with several sensors for safety, efficient, and reliable work.
- The remote controller brings convenience so that users can have better comfort.
- Modulating gas control valve and power makes the water heating efficient, so only the right power is used for the present water flow or needs.
Cascading option available. Some manufacturers provide an option to connect two or more units into one system and therefore provide more power and water flow, making it ideal for high demanding applications, or homes. This is how you will have an unlimited supply of hot water to multiple showers and appliances, simultaneously.
Safe. While they are equipped with many safety features, tankless is not prone to leaking, corrosion, and rotten egg smell, as the tank-type.
Less waste onto the landfills. Every component inside the tankless water heaters can be replaced, which extends the life of a heater, so you don’t have to buy a new one every 10 years or so.
Longer life, better warranties. Most of the manufacturers provide warranties of 12 to 15 years on the heat exchangers and up to 5 years on other components, while the life expectancy is over 20 years.
Great investment. A tankless water heater can increase the home resale value as they are modern, safe, save on energy, green, and have a longer lifespan.
By getting familiar with the benefits of tankless water heaters, choosing the best type and model for your home is now much easier. Buying a cheaper or low efficient heater, which can also heat the water, is not always the right choice. Knowing that one household consumes approximately 20% of the entire home’s energy use is not something to neglect. Modern homes are using large bathrooms, hot tubs, whirlpool tubs, multiple showerheads, so the demand for hot water is rising, and with the higher fuel prices, the expenses are increasing every year, making the significant impact on your wallet.
So make a smart choice – buy a tankless. If you are looking for the best, get one of these: Rinnai RUR98, Takagi T-H3 or Nortiz NRCP, all of them condensing, ultra-efficient and ultra-low NOx. Except for the energy and cost-saving benefits, they bring flexibility, reliability, comfort, and durability.
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