Six Benefits of a Tankless Hot Water Heater

If you're looking to upgrade or change your water heater, consider all your options, including a tankless hot water heater. Also known as demand water heaters, they make use of a gas burner or electric element to heat water when you need it. Each tankless hot water heater usually delivers 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute, with gas-fired heaters producing a higher flow rate than electric heaters. Do your research to determine whether a tankless hot water heater may be the right choice for your household.  

Here are six benefits of going tankless: 

• Continuous hot water. Large families know what a pain it is to hop into the shower – and get blasted with cold water. With a tankless hot water heater, this doesn't happen as long as you install the right size tank. Even if you don’t have a large family, a tankless hot water heater allows you to use multiple appliances at once without running out of hot water. 
• Reduced energy bill. Because tankless heaters are essentially "off" when the water tap is not on, they use less energy overall. In fact, an ENERGY STAR-qualified tankless hot water heater can use 25-40% less energy than a conventional water heater, and save the average family $100 or more annually. 
• Longer life. Get more bang for your buck with a greater lifespan. Specifically, conventional hot water heaters last about 10-13 years compared with up to 20 years for a tankless hot water heater. 
• Less space. Did you know that tankless hot water heaters can be hung on a wall almost anywhere in your home? Plus, at 28" tall by 20" wide and 10" deep, a tankless hot water heater takes up a lot less space than a conventional hot water heater, which is 60" tall and 24" wide. 
• Good for the environment. In addition to reducing the amount of energy used, most propane-fired tankless water heaters are made of recycled materials. Many conventional tanks, on the other hand, go directly to the dump once they've served their purpose. 
• High safety ratings. Conventional water heaters are "always on" and thus pose safety risks more often than do tankless heaters, which only operate when warm water is needed.  

Tankless hot water heaters do cost more upfront than the average conventional water heater, due to piping, venting, and installation costs. Weigh the pros and cons of choosing a tankless hot water heater and make your decision armed with all the necessary information.