Did you know the first tankless water heater was patented in 1929, giving homeowners the ability to have hot water on demand for the first time? While storage tank water heaters remain the most common type of hot water heater, there are other options available such as solar, heat pump, condensing and tankless. Solar, heat pump and condensing each have very specific applications, so let’s consider the benefits of choosing a tankless water heater for your Alabama home.
THE POWER SOURCE
Tankless water heaters can be powered by natural gas, by propane or by electricity. The inner workings of an electric tankless water heater are a lot different than gas, but the gas tankless can accommodate either natural gas or propane. Typically, a gas tankless water heater is more energy efficient than an electric one, so if natural gas is available to your property or you’re not opposed to bottled propane, you might want to consider investing in a gas tankless water heater.
THE BENEFITS
Before we talk about the wonderful attributes of having a tankless water heater in your home, there are a couple downsides. The upfront installation cost tends to be higher and since even a gas tankless needs electricity to operate as well, a power outage means no available hot water.
The benefits of having a tankless water heater are many. Let’s take a look:
Very Energy Efficient – Department of Energy statistics state that tankless water heaters are 24% – 34% more efficient than storage tank water heaters. Even if the golden amount of 41 gallons a day per household is exceeded, the tankless units are 8% – 14% more efficient.
Hot Water When You Want It – A tankless water heater heats water on demand, meaning you’ll have it when you need it. No more waiting for water to heat up.
Money Saver – Since a tankless uses less energy, homeowners will spend less on hot water heating costs. No wasted money endlessly heating water that just sits in the tank.
Space Saver – A tankless water heater is wall mounted, so no floor space is taken up by the unit.
Great Longevity – Storage tank water heaters usually last 10 – 15 years. Tankless water heaters typically last 20 years!
Call Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air to learn more about how a tankless water heater can help save you money on utility costs and add to the overall comfort of your home. Just Call Dixie, and It’s Done!
