It's Winter! Go Tankless with a Tankless Water Heater

Any time of the year is an excellent time to upgrade your water heating system, but it becomes especially apparent in the cold winter months. On a cold winter's day, all you want to do is hop in a steaming hot shower or wash your hands under warm water, but if your water heater isn't up for the challenge, it can leave you feeling chilled down to the bones.

Here's the good news: Tankless water heaters provide unlimited hot water, are much more energy efficient than traditional systems, and can be installed virtually anywhere in your home. On average, home water heating systems can last around 8-12 years, sometimes longer, depending on the use, installation and maintenance. On the flip side, tankless water heaters, on average last around 15-20 years and provide you with more consistent results.

Do They Work?

Tankless water heaters heat water directly and on demand without the need for a tank to store hot water. When a faucet is turned on, cold water travels through piping in the unit and is heated by either an electric element or a gas burner. Tankless water heaters can provide endless hot water at a flow rate of two to five gallons per minute.

What are the Benefits?

Tankless Water Heaters Take Up Less Space

If you have a traditional or older water heater, you know how much space they can take up and how difficult it can be to access them when they're placed in small closets or tucked away in the corner of your basement. Tankless water heaters are more compact than standard water heaters, taking up very little room. They can even be mounted to the wall, which is ideal for homes with limited space. Gas-fired units can measure in the 30-inch high by 20-inch wide range, while electric units are in the 10-inch high by 7-inch wide range. No more tall storage tank taking up space in your garage or basement.

Tankless Water Heaters Use Less Energy Waste

Did you know that traditional tank-type water heaters are the second highest source of energy used in the home? Since water is only heated on demand or when a faucet is turned on, a tankless water heater has no need to stockpile hot water, unlike the standard water heater. This means a tankless water heater can use up to 80% less energy to heat your water than a traditional system! That can mean huge savings on the annual energy costs for your home.

Tankless Water Heaters Cost You Less in the Long Run

The initial cost of a tankless water heater may be a little more than that of a traditional tank-based water heater, but tankless water heaters will typically last much longer. The average lifespan of a tankless water heater is more than 20 years, and it saves you money in terms of less energy spent heating your water.

Tankless Water Heater Installation

Installation depends on factors like fuel type, climate, building code and safety issues. First things first, your old water heater must be removed. A certified plumber should inspect your setup to ensure there are no issues. It is best to have a qualified plumbing and heating contractor like Bradley Mechanical install your tankless water heater.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Maintenance on a tankless water heater is relatively low. It all depends on the hardness of your water. If you live in an area with very hard water, you may need to service the unit once a year. However, in an area where the water is softer, you could go four or five years without any maintenance.

Enjoy Heated Water All Winter Long

Whether you have a large family and need consistent hot water for multiple showers or enjoy a long soak in the bathtub, a tankless water heater can provide you with all the warmth you need during the colder months. And when spring and summer arrive, you'll have access to reliable warm water that doesn't fluctuate intensely with the temperature changes.

If you are ready to upgrade your home to a tankless water heating system, Bradley Mechanical is here to help. We offer a variety of different systems to choose from and can help you find the right one for your home. Our knowledgeable experts can also help you learn more about the installation, repair and maintenance of a tankless water heater. Give us a call today at (804) 748-6728 for more information.