![Should I Consider a Tankless Water Heater? | San Antonio, TX](https://bluefrogsanantonio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Should-I-Consider-a-Tankless-Water-Heater-_-San-Antonio-TX.jpg)
Should I Consider a Tankless Water Heater? | San Antonio, TX
Photo By Shift Drive at Shutterstock
Many homeowners in San Antonio, TX use a tankless water heater. They are a good solution if you want to use energy more efficiently or supplement your existing hot water supply. Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand systems, produce hot water when you turn on the faucet instead of storing it in a tank. This means that you will have an unlimited supply of hot water. They can be installed in your utility closet or near the main points of use in your home.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two main types of tankless systems: small systems installed near the faucet and larger systems designed to serve an entire house.
Smaller units can be used to supplement hot water from an existing system with a tank. Homeowners often use these systems to supply a bathroom or faucet situated a long way from the main hot water tank. Alternatively, you could install multiple small systems in the areas where you need hot water. The advantage of using smaller systems is that you’ll lose less energy as heat escapes through the piping.
Larger systems lose more heat, although you can minimize this by insulating the pipes. However, they are still more energy-efficient than hot water systems with a tank.
What Are the Benefits of Tankless Systems?
There are various benefits to having a tankless system installed in your home. These include:
-
Longevity
A tankless water heating system can last upwards of 20 years, as long as you take care to maintain it properly. This is roughly double the lifespan of a regular heating system with a tank, and one of the main reasons why they are so popular with homeowners.
-
Reduced Water Consumption
If you have a water heating system with a tank, the hot water will go cold in the pipes supplying your shower and faucets when you’re not using them. This means you will have to allow the cold water to run out when you turn the faucet on and wait for the hot water. Over the course of the year, that’s a lot of water and money flowing down the drain.
-
Cheaper to Run
Conventional hot water tanks store around 40 gallons of water at one time in order to supply enough for a household, and it takes a lot of energy to keep it hot. Tankless water heaters heat up the water as you use it, so they only require energy to run when the faucet is turned on. This means that when you switch the faucet off, the system doesn’t require any energy. This can save a lot of money.
-
Reduced Flooding Risk
When you have a tankless system installed in your home, one set of pipes can supply both hot and cold water to your faucets. This is roughly halving the amount of water pipes in your home. Reduced piping, combined with the lack of a water tank, significantly reduces the chances of your home flooding.
What Are the Drawbacks?
There are some drawbacks to tankless systems which you should take into consideration before you commit to having one installed. One of the main factors that puts homeowners off this type of hot water system is the initial cost. They are generally more expensive to buy and install than regular systems with a tank. However, the cheaper running costs may make this type of system a more economical choice for your family in the long run.
Homeowners with large properties or large families may find that one tankless water heater unit isn’t able to keep up with their demand for hot water. Although one unit is adequate for the majority of households, homes with several bathrooms may require more than one to provide enough.
It’s also possible that you may find yourself with a system that can’t meet your requirements if your maximum usage is calculated incorrectly. It’s a good idea to consult a plumbing agency like bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio, TX to make sure you choose a system that can keep up with demand.
Tankless systems need high-powered burners to heat the water. This means that you will need to have a special ventilation system professionally installed. If you opt for a gas-powered system, you may need a wider gas pipe. This will make the system more expensive to install.
If you opt for an electric system, it’s also worth bearing in mind that you may need to update your home’s electrical panel to accommodate it. Another option is to choose a gas-powered unit if your home is connected to a gas supply.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Easy to Maintain?
Most homes are connected to a hard water supply. This means that the water contains a high concentration of minerals. Hard water is generally tougher on tankless systems than systems with a tank, and you will need regular maintenance to keep your system in good working order and prolong its life. You may also choose to use a water softener to prevent damage to your heater.
However, tankless water heaters are less prone to sediment buildup than other types of water heater.
Is a Tankless System the Right Choice for My Home?
If you’re building a new home, it’s a good idea to talk about the possibility of installing tankless system with your builders. If you don’t have average needs when it comes to quantity of hot water, you should consider a tankless system when your current system needs to be replaced.
The plumbing experts at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio, TX can help you decide whether tankless water heaters are suitable for your home and help you choose the best system for your needs. Although you will need to spend more on the system at the start, the savings in energy and water make these systems a very good option for many homeowners.