Tankless Water Heaters
If you’re interested in tankless water heaters in Pensacola, Florida you’re in luck! The conditions here are great for a tankless water heater. Further north, where groundwater is a bit colder, they may not be able to keep up with hot water demand. Not in Pensacola!
Maybe you’ve never had a tankless water heater or maybe you’re just looking to replace your old one. Whatever the case, this article is a perfect primer for what to look for, and what to expect. We’ll explore what tankless water heaters are, if they’re right for you, reasons to upgrade, the differences between electric and gas, and what to look for in a plumber if you decide on a tankless water heater.
What are Tankless Water Heaters
Also known as “on-demand water heaters” or “point-of-use water heaters”, tankless water heaters have been around for almost a century! However, they didn’t hit the mass market until within the last forty years. Instead of heating a tank of water, water flows through a heat exchanger and is rapidly heated. The only time the water heater actually heats the water is when there is demand, say you open a faucet. As water flows through the heater, a sensor detects the flow and the heater activates.
This is both a plus and a negative, depending on how you see it. We’ll talk more about that in the pros and cons.
Why Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater:
- Energy Efficiency: Natural Gas Tankless water heaters are highly efficient! Saving on average of 22% on your utility bills.
- Endless Hot Water: Tankless heaters heat water as long as the home calls for it and will only stop when the water stops flowing.
- Space-Saving Design: No tank= more space!
- Longer Lifespan: The average lifespan of a tankless water heater is 20 years!
- Less liability: Tankless water heaters by definition, have no tank. This means no chance of a tank leaking causing water damage.
Natural Gas VS Electric Tankless:
- Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters: These units use a gas burner to heat water, making them suitable for homes with access to natural gas. They typically have a higher flow rate and are more suitable for larger households or commercial applications.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: electric models are typically smaller, have a lower flow rate, and are not high efficient. They are necessary at times though!
Tankless Vs Tank
Tank or no tank? What’s the better option? Well, the simple answer is… it depends. Your budget, available space, current water heater situation, household size, and maintenance all need to be considered. If you already have natural gas then a tankless water heater is simply a matter of a higher upfront cost for installation. If you don’t have natural gas, and it’s not available, we’d recommend sticking with an electric storage tank or perhaps a hybrid option.
Tankless Water Heater
Pros:
- Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters only heat water when needed, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
- Endless Hot Water: Since tankless units heat water on demand, there’s no risk of running out of hot water during showers or baths.
- Space-Saving Design: Tankless water heaters are compact and can be installed in smaller spaces, freeing up valuable storage space.
- Longevity: Tankless units typically have a longer lifespan than storage tank water heaters, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Less Risk of Water Damage: With no storage tank to leak or burst, tankless water heaters pose less risk of water damage to your home.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Cost: Tankless water heaters tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to storage tank units, including installation expenses.
- Limited Flow Rate: While tankless units provide continuous hot water, they may struggle to meet high hot water demand in large households simultaneously.
- Specialized Venting Requirements: Gas-powered tankless water heaters require proper venting to expel combustion gases, which may require additional installation complexity.
- Cold Water Sandwich Effect: Some tankless water heaters may experience a brief burst of cold water when turning on hot water, known as the cold water sandwich effect.
- Electricity Dependency: Electric tankless water heaters rely on electricity for heating, making them susceptible to power outages if not equipped with backup systems.
STorage Tank Water Heater
Pros:
- Lower Initial Cost: Storage tank water heaters are typically more affordable upfront, including installation costs.
- Familiar Technology: Many homeowners are familiar with storage tank water heaters, making them easy to understand and maintain.
- Stable Flow Rate: Storage tank units can handle simultaneous hot water demands in larger households without fluctuations in water temperature.
- No Special Venting Required: Unlike gas tankless water heaters, storage tank units don’t require specialized venting systems, simplifying installation.
- Backup Hot Water Supply: Storage tanks store hot water, providing a backup supply during power outages or system malfunctions.
Cons:
- Standby Heat Loss: Storage tank water heaters constantly heat water in the tank, leading to standby heat loss and higher energy consumption.
- Limited Hot Water Supply: Once the stored hot water is depleted, you may experience a wait time for the tank to refill and reheat the water.
- Space Requirements: Storage tank water heaters are larger and require dedicated space for installation, potentially limiting storage space in your home.
- Risk of Leaks and Water Damage: Over time, storage tanks may develop leaks or corrosion, leading to water damage and the need for repairs or replacement.
- Shorter Lifespan: Storage tank water heaters typically have a shorter lifespan compared to tankless units, requiring replacement every 10-15 years on average.
What to look for in a plumber?
When looking for a plumber, the first thing you should do is to source at least three quotes. For us, it’s easy because we have a flat rate of $4,000 for a tankless natural gas installation. For other companies, they may want to do an onsite estimate. Although they already know what they’ll charge, this is so they have the opportunity to sell you on why you should choose their company. Hear their pitch, get the quote, get the next one!
The next thing to ask is are they certified with the manufacture of the tankless water heater you’re buying? Every tankless manufacturer has a certification program because each one is different. Make sure that the actual plumber coming to your house has the right certification! Often, a company will hold the certification and send someone who isn’t certified to do the installation because it’s much cheaper for them.
Why Choose S.E. Tradesmen Plumbing & Gas?
When choosing S.E. Tradesmen Plumbing & Gas for your tankless water heater installation in Pensacola, Florida, is a decision that guarantees expertise, reliability, and customer satisfaction. With our skilled technicians, top-quality products, and commitment to excellence, we ensure a seamless installation process and optimal performance of your tankless water heater. Trust us to enhance your home’s efficiency, comfort, and energy savings with our unparalleled plumbing services. Contact us today and experience the difference with S.E. Tradesmen Plumbing & Gas
Best Plumbing service near Pensacola, Florida!
At S.E. Tradesmen, we combine military precision with plumbing expertise. As a veteran-owned company, we bring integrity, dedication, and unmatched skills to every job.
Our commitment to excellence, prompt service, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. When you choose S.E. Tradesmen, you’re choosing the best in Pensacola.
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