From rinsing dishes to washing clothes, house cleaning to bathing, we rely on hot water for the most routine daily activities, many of which we don’t even give a second thought. Your water heater is responsible for providing the constant supply of hot water your family requires day in and day out. According to the EPA, the average American family uses approximately 400 gallons of water per day. To put this into perspective—if a shower uses 5 gallons per minute (USGS), 400 gallons of water is enough to shower for 5 minutes, 16 times a day.
Let’s face it, our behaviors and habits promote major water consumption. This has an impact on not only on energy bills, but how well your water heater performs and its overall efficiency—especially if your equipment is old or poorly maintained. If you feel like you’re spending too much on energy bills or your equipment is unable to provide for your family’s hot water needs, it may be time to schedule water heater maintenance. Our experienced plumbers are able to repair most water heaters, but we may find that you would benefit from the comfort and energy savings of a new unit. Luckily, there are a variety of choices, including traditional tanks, tankless and hybrid models.
Overwhelmed by the options? R.J. Tilley is here to help!
During your service call, our team is happy to help you decide the best option for you and your family. We will assess your hot water needs, available space for the unit, budget for equipment and discuss other factors to narrow down your options. If you’re curious about the trend towards energy efficient, compact models, read on to find out all the benefits of going tankless…
Energy Savings
Unlike traditional tanks which run constantly regardless of need, tankless water heaters only operate when you demand hot water. This greatly reduces energy consumption. According to the DOE, tankless water heaters are up to 35% more efficient than traditional tank models. Most newer models have much higher energy ratings which means the equipment is more efficient, but you’ll also see a drop in cost.
Reliability
Just like any piece of cooling or heating equipment, a water heater must support the size of your home and meet the needs of those that live there. If the unit is sized properly, it can easily provide a continuous supply of water at preset temperature levels. The DOE estimates that tankless water heaters can deliver up to 5 gallons of hot water per minute.
Related: Questions to ask yourself before going tankless
Life Expectancy
Although the initial cost is greater, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years—sometimes more. That’s nearly twice the lifespan of traditional storage tanks. The investment is offset by lower energy and operating costs. What’s even better is that if you ever need a water heater repair, the parts on tankless models are extremely easy to replace.
Low Maintenance
Traditional water heaters require maintenance to flush the tank of sediment and buildup which can have an adverse effect on operation and efficiency. A tankless water heater works differently in that instead of minerals and scale collecting on the bottom of the tank, the unit pushes most of it out through the system. Maintenance for a tankless unit is largely based on the hardness of your water.
Space Saving
There’s no doubt that your big water heater takes up real estate in your home. Whether it’s in a closet, laundry room or basement, they are bulky and unsightly. Tankless models can be installed virtually anywhere and take up literally no floor space. Depending on the model, you can choose to have it installed in your crawlspace, attic or even on your home’s exterior to really save space.
Looking to switch? Trust in Richmond’s best plumbers!
Water heaters are a huge energy consumer—and you pay for it! Accounting for as much as 30% of your home’s energy expenses, your water heater is a great place to turn when considering how you can save money. Energy conserving hot water solutions, like tankless water heaters, can reduce bills, improve comfort and provide greater reliability for your family for years to come.
Thinking about a water heater replacement? Interested in finding out why tankless models are so popular? Contact R.J. Tilley today and our experienced plumbers can help you decide if a tankless water heater is a cost-effective solution for you.
