Considering Going Tankless?

As energy costs continue to rise, interest in tankless or on-demand water heaters is increasing. These types of heaters are actually nothing new; they've been around for 50 years or more in Europe where energy costs have been traditionally high, and they have also been used in commercial applications. They are definitely something to consider, but whether or not a tankless system will work for you depends on how you and your family use hot water.

Tankless systems heat water directly, on demand, thereby avoiding the standby heat losses associated with heaters with storage tanks. No need to wait for the tank to fill up with hot water. No need to keep a pilot light on to maintain water temp 24/7. According to information at www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com you can increase your energy efficiency anywhere from 8 to 50% by using an on-demand system.

The very important thing to know is that on-demand systems supply hot water at a rate of 2 - 5 gallons per minute, with gas-fired heaters providing higher flow rates than electric heaters. Smaller units may not be able to provide enough hot water for simultaneous use at multiple outlets. It's possible to work around this - with bigger heaters, point of use heaters, or multiple heaters - but it's important to evaluate both your hot water needs and the layout of your home before you decide to go tankless. And keep in mind that a bigger gas heater may require a bigger or dedicated gas supply.

Regular maintenance to keep the heating element clear of mineral buildup can keep your heater working well for years - saving energy in the long run. And that's a good thing. But do your homework, consider your options. The info is out there.

If you have more questions, call or e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing. We have experience with both traditional tank style and tankless models. We can help you decide what's best for you.

:: www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com
:: PG&E energy calculator