Many American homeowners are discovering the benefits of a tankless water heater. While these systems aren’t the right fit for everyone, they’re often the best choice if you have high hot water demands. If you’re on the fence about a tankless water heater installation, call one of our experts for a consultation.
Sometimes, clogs are so deep in your plumbing system that you need professional drain cleaning to clear them out.
Benefits of an On Demand Water Heater
As mentioned, tankless water heaters aren’t right for every household, but they offer many advantages over traditional water heaters that it’s worth exploring if it’s time to replace your aging system.
Unlike tank-style water heaters, which continuously use energy to heat a water supply so it’s ready for use, tankless water heaters heat water on an as-needed basis, which means you use less energy, and that means less money spent to operate these units.
Another advantage of a tankless water heater is that you can’t run out of hot water like you can with a tank-style water heater, which makes these units ideal for large families with high hot water demands.
Unlike tank water heaters, tankless systems are small and take up much less space in the house, making them ideal for smaller homes, apartments, or people who want to maximize their space.
Lastly, although tankless water heaters cost more to install up front, they last much longer than traditional water heater systems. With proper maintenance, a tankless water heater can last up to 30 years while a traditional water heater has a typical lifespan of about 12 years.
If you’d like more information about tankless water heaters or to find out if this system is right for you, call KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning.
Who Can Benefit From a Tankless Water Heater Installation
A water heater that can’t keep up with your needs can be a major pain in the you-know-what. You might find yourself having to take a cold shower in the morning after everyone else enjoyed a hot one, or you might run out of hot water doing dishes or the laundry.
Though the typical water heater lasts up to 12 years or more with routine maintenance, sometimes your family outgrows your current system’s capacity. The water heater that worked well when you had your first child now can’t keep up with a growing family.
So, while a tankless water heater isn’t right for everyone, think about whether it’s better to purchase a larger tank-style water heater or if you’d be better off with an on-demand system.
With an on-demand water heater, you have the benefit of never running out of hot water, which is perfect for those families that fight over who gets in the shower first every morning because they don’t want to get stuck running out of hot water midway through.
Another thing to think about is your current energy usage. If you have a larger family with high hot water demands, you’re probably going to save money switching to a tankless system that only heats water as needed instead of continuously heating water in a storage tank.
Lastly, if you have limited space in your home, or if you want to maximize the space you do have, a tankless water heater may be the better option because they’re much smaller than their tank-style siblings.
If you experience a severe plumbing problem that requires immediate attention, call us and ask for our 24-hour plumbing repair.
When to Call for Tankless Water Heater Repair
As mentioned, tankless water heaters are extremely efficient and long-lasting; however, like all machines, they can develop problems, especially if they don’t receive routine maintenance. Here are the most common signs that your instant hot water heater needs servicing.
- Sudden Change in Water Quality — If you find that your once crystal clear water is now rusty, cloudy, or filled with sediment, the issue could lie within your tankless water heater. Before you call a plumber, however, check with your municipal water supplier to see if the issue is on their end.
- Your Water Has a Foul Odor or Taste — If your water develops a foul odor or metallic taste, it could be that your water heater is adding in iron, which is unsafe in high concentrations.
- Your Water Heater Makes Loud Noises — If you hear banging or rumbling sounds coming from your tankless water heater, it could be a sign that there’s a buildup of sediment in the system. Homeowners who use water that has a high mineral content would be wise to schedule regular maintenance regardless of which kind of water heater they used to clear out sediment before it can do significant damage.
- Inconsistent Water Temperature — The point of a tankless water heater is that you shouldn’t have to wait for hot water nor should you experience fluctuating water temperature. If your water heater isn’t providing the temperature you desire or if it’s taking too long to heat, call for service ASAP.
