On-demand water heaters don’t store and heat water in a tank. They heat water directly from your water supply as you request it, such as from a faucet or showerhead. Tankless systems have been widely available for homes for decades, but modern innovations have made them a compelling solution. Let’s explore why upgrading to a tankless water heater is worth it for your home in Polk County, Florida.
Virtually Limitless Hot Water Supply
Tankless water heaters appeal to many because the hot water is practically endless. Even if you tax the system, you might deal with low water pressure but won’t run out. The key to endless hot water and high water pressure all the time is flow rate. Modern systems range from 2 gallons per minute (GPM) to 10 GPM and more. Our plumber will help you estimate your peak hot water demand. We’ll account for the size of your house and household and the number of simultaneous fixtures and appliances you want to run.
Longer Equipment Lifespan
The average traditional water heater lasts between eight and 12 years. Beyond the 12-year mark, they become inefficient, and operating costs rise. Tankless water heaters last between 15 and 25 years, however. Reaching the 25-year mark is realistic with proper maintenance and soft water. Well-maintained tankless systems don’t become inefficient with age. They cost more to buy and install, but they are usually better values long term. They also come with better warranty protection. Some systems on the market even offer 25-year coverage.
Reduced Daily Water Heating Costs
The other way tankless systems cost less over the long term is through lower daily operating costs. The Department of Energy estimates that savings can be as high as 50%. Homes that use around 40 gallons of hot water daily should experience energy efficiency improvements between 24% and 34%. Even if you use 85 gallons daily, which is a lot, you’ll see a reduction between 8% and 14%. You can save even more by choosing a fuel-burning system and claiming the federal tax credit.
The Option to Size Your Water Heater for Increased Demand
Another great aspect of tankless systems is that you can size them for increased demand, which isn’t practical with tank systems. With a tankless system, you pay initially and then only when you use the additional capacity. That means you can size your system for the holidays, hosting parties, and having college-aged kids home for the summer.
Smaller Carbon Footprint
Hot water can be a significant contributor to a household’s carbon footprint. Most studies agree that a tankless water heater will lower a household’s emissions by at least 14%. If every home in America were to switch today, it would have a dramatic effect. Some trade associations are even campaigning to convince builders to switch from tank to tankless. This would lower the carbon dioxide emissions of new homes by thousands of pounds each.
Compact Installation Footprint
Homes often have an entire closet dedicated to a tank water heater. Even if you install it in the garage and opt for a tall unit, it will take up a lot of space. Tankless water heaters require just a small box mounted on a wall. In a garage, they take up no storage space at all. You can repurpose the water heater closet. You can even install the tankless system in the attic and have it completely out of sight.
Less Maintenance and Repairs
Tankless systems require less maintenance overall, and descaling is the main service all tankless water heaters need. You can lower the frequency of that maintenance with an anti-scale device. Fuel-burning units need the burner cleaned, exhaust checked, and air filter replaced. Repairs are less common because fewer parts can fail overall.
Would You Like to Install a Tankless Water Heater?
Snowbird Heating & Cooling has served Florida homeowners throughout Polk County and beyond since 1991. Our plumbers install and service both tankless and tank water heaters. We also offer a full range of plumbing inspection, repair, and installation services, and our company has an HVAC team as well. We install and service all ducted and ductless heating and cooling systems and installs, repairs, seals, and cleans ductwork. We also perform indoor air quality testing and install and service whole-house air purification systems. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, call us today, or contact us online.
