Water heaters are the most neglected appliances in our homes. We do not pay much attention to their maintenance and only worry when they stop working. Water heaters play a significant role in our daily lives, especially in winters. People who prefer taking a hot shower or bath can vouch for it. Usually found somewhere in the garage or backyard, you water heaters require as much attention as any other electrical or gas appliance.
Traditional Water Heater VS. Tankless Water Heater
- Traditional water heater
Storing up to 40 gallons of water, this heater runs automatically whenever someone takes a shower, washes clothes or dishes. After usage, it preheats water and stores it again on its own. Though this conventional water heater system has a cost-effective installation and maintenance, it increases utility bills and takes up a lot of room because of its size. Chances are that your water heater tank might run out of water which can be challenging during winters.
- Tankless Water Heater
Comparatively efficient, tankless water heater does not store water in its tank, rather it provides and heats water when it is needed. It can be powered by electricity or gas and works on demand. Their initial installation cost is a lot more than a traditional water heater, but the long-term benefits of this system are far greater. Homes which use up to 41 gallons of hot water on a daily basis can benefit from it as it can save up to 34% of energy cost, lowering their utility bill. It is much smaller in size and occupies less space and adding to that it has a lifespan of more than 20 years. Not only this, these systems are eco-friendly, emitting lesser CO2 and have recyclable parts which means less landfill waste.
Factors to consider before Tankless water heater installation
Tankless water heaters in Fort Worth, TX seem far more promising than traditional water heaters but there are some key factors you should keep in mind before making a choice:
Size of the system
To ensure that your water heater system runs efficiently, it is important to choose the right size for your house. Your tank’s size can vary. Depending on how many devices you want to use for hot water at the same time.
Type of fuel
Depending on the availability of the fuel type in the area you reside in, your water heater options might get narrowed down. The type of fuel your heater uses directly affects its operational cost as well as its efficiency and size. Electricity, geothermal energy, propane, natural gas, solar energy and gas are the types of fuel you can choose from.
Efficient system
Your system’s efficiency directly depends on how much water is heated and consumed. When you’re choosing a water heater system consider the annual cost of its operation. Once you do that, it will help you make a better choice and you can opt for much efficient systems.
Getting a tankless water heater: is it the right choice?
Commonly placed in your home basement, a water heater system works on a demand base technology. It can heat up to 80 gallons of water which is enough for simultaneous household activities. When you turn on the tap, water is heated there and then as it flows through the pipe. When you make an efficient decision of only using hot water when it is required, you can significantly reduce your energy loss by 50% compared to conventional heating systems.
Myths about Tankless Water Heaters debunked
While you may read how efficient these systems are, you will also hear how installing this system isn’t a smart choice. Here are some common myths about tankless water heaters
- Venting problems
These systems do require proper ventilation systems but it is not as difficult as it may seem. To make things simpler, you can place the system alongside your HVAC condenser on the exterior of your house. That way it will not require any separate ventilation system. If our system cannot be placed outside then all you need to do is create an outlet using cheap PVC pipes through the roof or wall.
- Thermostat must always be 120F
This is far from truth. Many people believe that a tankless system requires a thermostat set up to 120-120F but that is not necessary. In fact, it is advisable to keep your thermostat low in order to conserve energy. As no water is wasted in this system, you can adjust the temperature accordingly to your liking.
- Tankless systems only work with city water
Whenever water is heated inside the tank, scale builds up with requires cleaning often in order to maintain good performance of your system. Tankless systems have been used with both, city water and well water and no difference in performance has been noted. This proves that the benefits of tankless system can be enjoyed anywhere.
Now that you know the truth about tankless water heaters, you will understand better how they can be much more beneficial than conventional systems. If you need help in choosing a tankless water heater in Fort Worth TX then get in touch with a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing expert.
Benjamin Franklin Fort Worth is a family-run business, serving people of Forth Worth with years of experience in the field. Benjamin Franklin understands that their customer’s time is important which is why they are the best option if punctuality is your concern. With the policy of “if there’s any delay, we pay”, they have been serving people of Forth Worth, TX with their high quality services. To get a detailed quote on your tankless water heater system, get in touch with a technician today.