There is one system in your home that you use on a daily basis that you might not think about very much, but it’s vital to modern living—your water heater. You may not know much about how the water heating process works or how that water makes its way to the point of use where it’s needed, but you do rely on it!
Water heaters are a standard feature of any home with modern plumbing, and they’re designed to last a very long time. You may likely still have the one that came with your home when you bought it. However, just like any other system in your home, eventually your water heater will wear out, and you’ll need to replace it.
Choose Your Water Heater Type
So, should you replace it with a gas-powered system, or electrical? If you’re already using a gas-powered system, then you may choose to go this route to continue paying less to heat your water, as gas is a more affordable fuel choice. Though, many people go electric for safety reasons (gas-powered system are not inheritably dangerous, but some people choose to forgo the risk altogether).
The next choice you have to make is between the traditional tank system, or a tankless water heater. More and more homeowners are opting for the latter, and for good reason, which we will get to below.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Expensive?
This is often the first question homeowners have about tankless systems, and sometimes why they choose to overlook it altogether when shopping for a new water heater. Tankless systems do cost a significant amount more than tank water heaters to install, and the cost of any home comfort or plumbing component in your home should absolutely be a serious point of concern.
However, we’d encourage you not to brush off the tankless system due to installation cost, since there are other factors to consider. For instance, tankless systems cost less to run than their storage tank counterparts, due to their high efficiency.
Tankless Systems and Efficiency
No matter what type of appliance or home comfort system you’re having installed in your home, efficiency should be a consideration. After all, no matter how efficient a storage tank water heater may be, it’s subject to standby energy loss.
This means that heat from the water inside the tank transfers out into the air surrounding it, resulting in the need to reheat the water stored in the tank. Since tankless systems don’t utilize a tank and instead operate “on-demand” when a hot water tap is turned on, you don’t need to worry about this.
Lifespan is another factor—a decent storage tank water heater that’s well maintained over the years can last you about 12-15 years, which isn’t bad at all! But a tankless water heater can extend this lifespan into the 20-25 year range. If you’re in your home long term, then it can definitely benefit you financially to go with the tankless water heater.
Contact IERNA’s Heating & Cooling for professional Tampa water heater installation.