Have you considered upgrading to a super-efficient tankless water heater? Many of Oakland, CA-area homeowners still have older tank-style water heaters in their homes. When they need replacing, many folks take a second look at tankless water heaters for their energy efficiency and endless hot water.
Traditional Tank Water Heaters Use Lots of Energy
First, let’s review how traditional tank style water heaters work. Every day, all day, the water in a hot water heater tank is heated to maintain a minimum set temperature. When you turn on the hot water tap, the tank supplies its hot water. If the hot water is needed for a big water event (like a load of dishes in the dishwasher), the tank will draw down its hot water supply until the water is gone. The tank then refills and the water needs to be heated until it reaches the right temperature. If you need more hot water before the tank reheats, you’ll have to wait or it’s a cold shower!
Why Are Tankless Water Heaters Super-Efficient?
Tankless water heaters offer homeowners some great features that make them an improvement over conventional tanked water heaters. Tankless water heaters work by heating water as it is needed. The cold water passes through a series of coils and condensers to flash heat the water only as it’s needed. When tankless water heaters are sized to match the normal needs of your household, you’ll find that on-demand hot water will keep your family happy. Plus, an average household can save as much as 30% on hot water energy costs with a tankless water unit!
Additional Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
On-demand heaters save energy by only heating water when you need it. These instant water heaters can improve water conservation if installed close to bathrooms or kitchens by reducing the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach to faucet, which is an essential feature in Alameda and Contra Costa county areas subject to drought conditions. Most people run the faucet 2 to 4 minutes before water reaches the faucet. Cutting down on that wasted running water can save time and money!
No Tank, No Problem!
Removing a 30-plus gallon tank of water from your home to install a tankless electric water heater has other benefits. One of the most expensive problems with hot water tanks is when they fail and flood the surrounding area. All that water can damage floors, carpet and furniture and create a big, expensive mess! Because tankless water heaters don’t store water, there’s no danger of flooding. Second, tankless water heaters are generally small and usually mounted on a wall, so you can expect to free up some space in your home.