Summer Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

While many homeowners naturally don’t think about their water heater as much during summer as they do during winter, that doesn’t mean this item is no longer a home concern. In fact, it’s during the summer that certain modern upgrades in this realm, namely tankless water heaters, often show the largest increases in efficiency over older, more traditional models.

At Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re proud to offer water heater installation or replacement that includes the latest in tankless water heaters at your disposal. Here’s a look at tankless versus traditional water heaters, whether they’re truly able to save you money, and a couple tricks to keep in mind here.

Traditional Vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters work by storing a supply of constantly hot water, in amounts ranging from 20 to 80 gallons depending on tank size. When hot water taps are turned on, this water is released – and cold water replaces it within the tank, which begins to re-heat immediately. This heating process takes time, which is why homes can “run out” of hot water when using too much at a time.

Tankless heaters, on the other hand, work without a storage tank. They feature a heating element that directly warms the water anytime a tap is opened.

Do They Truly Save Money?

Simply put, yes they do. Tankless water heaters are anywhere from 24 to 34 percent more efficient for homes that use under 41 gallons of water daily, per the US Department of Energy. For homes that use larger amounts of water, over 80 gallons per day, tankless heaters offer energy improvements between eight and 14 percent. Much of this is due to the lack of a major power source constantly heating the water.

In addition, tankless water heaters tend to last a long time. They can work for up to 20 years with strong maintenance – some parts may begin to fail after 12 to 15 years, but models are designed in a way that makes replacement and standard upkeep very simple and affordable.

Summer and Tankless Heaters

There are a few areas where tankless water heaters truly separate themselves during the summer months:

• Lack of constant use: For those who take vacations or even short trips during the summer, a tankless water heater simply lies dormant during these periods, using no energy. Traditional heaters, on the other hand, have to use enough energy to maintain the full tank of water through the entire period while you’re gone.
• Space: Tankless water heaters are also a great choice for vacation homes or secondary properties, as they take up far less space in the basement, attic or other location where they’re installed. And again, you’re not using any energy or incurring related costs when you aren’t at this location.

Lower Temperature Trick

One tip we can offer you to save even further on water heating costs in the summer: Reset the temperature setting on your heater, whether tankless or otherwise. Most homes have the standard temperature here set at about 120 degrees, but this often isn’t necessary for showers and other water usage during the hot summer months. Turning the system down to 110 degrees, for instance, can shave a significant amount off your monthly energy bill.

For more on why tankless water heaters are a great summer option, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.