Tankless Vs. Traditional Water Heater? Which Option is Best for You?

If you are looking to save on your electric bill, you could be in hot water. Seriously, it just may be that your savings can be found in your water heater and the type you have in your home. If your family takes multiple showers and you’re doing multiple loads of laundry per day, your hot water usage could be high.

Did you know that water heaters can account for up to 17% of your electrical usage? That’s more than all your other appliances. A tankless water heater could be the energy savings you and your family have been looking for.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless system generates hot water when it is needed. A traditional heater keeps a tank of water hot all the time.

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

When you turn on a hot water tap, the water enters the tankless unit. That water is then heated by an electric or gas heater exchanger. A tankless unit heated by gas can produce anywhere from .5 to 11 gallons of hot water per minute. Larger homes can also utilize more than one tankless system connected to meet the high demand. You can also install a tankless water heater to a specific appliance like the washing machine. There are some tankless water heaters that have their own thermostat letting you control the temperature and amount of hot water they produce.

Is a Tankless System Best For Me?

The best way to answer this question is to look at your water bill. If you are using less than 41 gallons of hot water a day, a tankless water heater could be up to 30% more energy efficient than a traditional system, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you’re using 86 gallons or more of water a day, a tankless system can be up to 15% more energy efficient.

The initial cost of a tankless water heater is more expensive, it’s proven to last longer and save you money on your energy bill.

Changing the way you produce hot water is just one factor in reducing the cost of your electric bills. Fixing leaks, washing clothes in cold water, using low flow toilets, and purchasing energy efficient appliances can also help reduce not only your electric bill, but your water bill.

Here Are Some Additional Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater System:

• • Longer lifespan than a traditional water heater
  • Reduced flooding risk
  • Less space needed for installation
  • Tankless water heaters can provide endless hot water
  • Consistent water temperatures

The professionals at Eastern Plumber can help evaluate what type of system would work best in your home and if a tankless water heater is right for you. Call us today for all of your water heater repair and installation needs. Eastern Plumbing offers emergency service 24/7 and serves Pitt and surrounding counties including Greenville, Ayden, Grifton, Bethel, Grimesland, Chocowinity, Vanceboro, and New Bern.