Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Your Home?

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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Many homeowners are converting to tankless water heaters when the time comes for a replacement. There are plenty of great reasons to invest in these efficient appliances, which can save on energy bills while providing an endless supply of hot water. However, not every household will appreciate the benefits of these newer models. Before you invest in a new water heater, consider whether tankless is the best option for you and your family.

Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Traditional tank water heaters work by heating a large supply of water, storing it for use in a holding tank. There are a few problems with this method which can make it less than ideal for some households. First, the water must be kept hot all the time, whether anyone is using hot water or not. Secondly, there is a limited supply of hot water, which can be frustrating in a large household. Lastly, due to the fact that the water is stored, there is always a chance of a leak in the tank which can cause major damage to the home.

Tankless water heaters address all these problems. The pros of owning a tankless version are:

  • lowered energy costs since water is only heated as it is needed, making them much more efficient
  • no limit to the amount of hot water you can use at one time
  • No tank that can spring a leak and cause a flood in your home

On the other side of the coin are the cons of a tankless heater, These models tend to cost more initially, even though they usually pay for themselves through energy savings. Also, there can be a lag in time while the water is heated, although usually it is a very short time.

If you are considering a new tankless water heater, talk to your local plumber about the pros and cons of these newer models. While they are a good investment for many people, you may be among those who prefer to stick with a tank water heater.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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Save Energy With A Tankless Water Heater

December 3rd, 2013 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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When the time comes to replace your water heater, you can save energy and money off your energy bills for decades to come by investing in a tankless model. These new, efficient models are smaller and more convenient than the old tank-type water heaters, saving space. More importantly, they also shave dollars off your monthly energy bills.

How Tankless Water Heaters Save Energy

Tankless water heaters are designed differently than the old models to save time, energy and space. While tank models require a large area and hold many gallons of water that’s kept heated and ready for use, tankless models are small and hold no water. In fact, many can be mounted on a wall or even located outside of the home, taking up no space at all inside.

These new models save energy over tank water heaters by eliminating the need to keep large amounts of water heated around the clock. Instead, tankless versions heat water only as it is needed. According to some consumer reports, this can save over 20% of your energy bill by heating water only when you need it. Other benefits of tankless water heaters include:

–        No water leaks. Tank water heaters are notorious for water leaks. This can cause a large amount of damage to your home in a small amount of time, where tankless models do not hold water.

–        Go green. Using less energy is always a greener option, making tankless water heaters a better choice for the environment.

When it comes time for a new water heater, save space and energy by choosing an efficient tankless model. Most tankless models are built to last for 20 years or more, and are a great investment in your home.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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Save Money With a Tankless Water Heater

July 18th, 2012 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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Most advertisements for tankless water heaters focus on the joys  of having an endless supply of hot water.  Tankless water heaters heat water as it is needed instead of keeping a large tank of water hot like a standard storage type water heater.

Since tankless water heaters can heat water on demand, they can provide as much hot water as you want as long as you don’t place too large of a demand on the water heater.  Depending on the size of the water heater, it may be able to keep up with two showers or a shower and the dishwasher, but if you try washing dishes while two separate showers are going, you may hear some complaints.

While it is great to be able to take a long shower without being concerned about running out of water, one of the greatest advantages of a tankless water heater is the energy savings.  A standard storage type water heater wastes energy by keeping the full tank of water hot so it will be available when needed.  The problem is that most of the time, the hot water won’t be needed for hours such as overnight or while you and your family are away from home during the day.  The energy wasted keeping the tank of water hot when it is not needed is called “standby heat loss”.

By replacing your existing standard water heater with a tankless water heater, you can eliminate standby heat loss and save up to 30% on the energy you use for water heating.   Your actual savings will depend on many factors including the efficiency of your existing water heater and your hot water usage patterns, but the EPA estimates that an average family of four can save about $100 per year by switching to a tankless water heater.

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Demand Water Heaters Offer Convenience And Energy Savings

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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If you are thinking about replacing your standard storage type water heater with a larger capacity unit because you frequently run out of hot water, consider having a demand or tankless water heater installed instead.  With a tankless water heater you never have to worry about running out of hot water and you save money on your energy bills by eliminating standby heat loss.

Standby heat loss is the main reason that storage type water heaters waste energy.   These water heaters keep a tank of water hot around the clock whether it is needed or not.  During periods of low demand such as at night or while you and your family are away at work or school, the water in the tank of a storage type water heater will lose heat and the water heater uses energy (gas or electricity) to keep the water heated to the desired temperature.

Then, during periods of high demand, a storage type water heater may not be able to keep up.  Once the hot water runs out, it takes a long time for the water heater to heat up a full tank of water.

A tankless water heater solves both of these problems.  It eliminates standby heat loss by only heating water when it is needed.  When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows into the demand water heater where it is heated and then flows to the tap.  This way, a tankless water heater delivers an endless supply of hot water as it is needed without wasting energy on keeping a tank of water hot.

Your local plumber can install a tankless water heater in your home to help you save money and energy for water heating and to ensure that you never run out of hot water again.

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How to Size a Tankless Water Heater

June 5th, 2012 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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If you are considering installing a tankless water heater in your new home or replacing your existing conventional water heater with an energy efficient tankless water heater, you have probably been attracted by a combination of energy savings and the promise of “endless hot water.”  However, properly sizing a tankless water heater is important to take advantage of these attributes of tankless water heaters.  If your water heater is too small, you will end up with “endless lukewarm water.”  On the other hand, buying one that is too large is just a waste of money and reduces your savings.

To choose the correct size demand water heater, you need to know two three thing:  the temperature of the cold water as it enters your home, the temperature you need the hot water to reach, and your flow rate.  Flow rate is the maximum number of gallons of hot water you expect to use per minute.  For example, if you want to be able to take a shower at the same time you are doing laundry, add up the gallons of hot water used per minute by your washing machine and in your shower.

Once you have the flow rate, subtract the temperature of the cold water from the temperature desired for the hot water keeping in mind that the temperature of the cold water entering your home may vary throughout the year.  Use the lowest expected temperature. This calculation will give you the necessary temperature rise.

Look for a demand water heater that can provide the  necessary temperature rise at the desired flow rate.  By choosing an appropriately sized demand water heater, you can maximize energy efficiency without sacrificing performance.

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Tankless Water Heater Considerations

May 2nd, 2012 Posted in Tankless Hot Water
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If you are building a new home or replacing your existing gas storage water heater, now is a great time to consider switching to a gas tankless water heater.  Unlike a standard storage type water heater that keeps a full tank of water hot 24 hours a day whether it is needed or not, tankless water heaters(also called demand water heaters) only heat water when there is a demand for hot water.

According to EPA estimates, gas tankless water heaters can cut energy usage for water heating by about 30%.  For a family of four, this can amount to about $100 per year.  This may not seem like a huge savings, but considering that tankless water heaters have a much longer life expectancy than storage water heaters, the savings can really add up.

Tankless water heaters can be expected to provide endless hot water for about 20 years.  That’s twice as long as a typical storage water heater.  In the long run, a tankless water heater can pay for itself in energy savings.

There are other advantages too.  Since tankless water heaters heat water as it is needed, you never have to worry about running out of hot water.  In addition, a tankless water heater takes up much less space than a storage type water heater which is a significant advantage when space is at a premium.  Also, with a tankless water heater you don’t have to worry about the tank corroding and flooding your home.

Talk to your plumber about installing an energy efficient  tankless water heater in your home.  The initial cost is higher than a storage water heater, but you can enjoy endless hot water while saving money on energy costs year after year.

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Demand Water Heaters

March 30th, 2012 Posted in Tankless Hot Water
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If you are looking for ways to cut your energy costs, consider having demand water heaters (also called tankless water heaters) installed in your home.  A standard tank type water heater wastes energy by keeping water hot 24 hours a day whether it will be needed soon or not.  The energy wasted keeping water hot during period of no demand is called the standby energy loss.

Demand or tankless water heaters eliminate the standby energy loss by only heating water as it is used.  When a faucet is opened or a shower is turned on, the water runs through the heater where it is heated  and then delivered to the tap.  The heating process only takes a few seconds so the supply of hot water is almost instantaneous.  However, just like with a standard tank type water heater, if the tankless water heater is located some distance from the tap it will take a little time for the hot water to make its way there.

The main advantages of tankless water heaters are the elimination of standby energy loss and an endless supply of hot water.  The primary disadvantages are a higher initial cost and a limited flow rate.  The limited flow rate can be a problem if multiple demands for hot water are made at the same time such as running the dishwasher and the shower.  If the demand exceeds the unit’s flow rate, it will not be able to keep up.  One way to deal with this problem is to install multiple demand water heaters that are dedicated to the heavy users of hot water like the washing machine, shower, and dishwasher.

The cost issue becomes less of a concern when you consider that the demand water heater is far more efficient than a storage type water heater.  In the long run, the energy savings will offset the increased initial cost.

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Water Heating Energy Savings Tips

March 14th, 2012 Posted in Tankless Hot Water
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According to EPA estimates, up to 25% of the energy used in the typical home is spent on water heating.  You can save money on your energy bills by implementing a few water heating strategies.

Reducing your hot water usage not only saves money on water heating but also on your water bills.  Fix any leaking water fixtures such as sink, tub, and shower faucets as soon as you notice them.  Low flow showerheads are easy for your plumber to install and can save as much as half the hot water used in a typical shower.

Installing a water heater insulation blanket can reduce standby heat loss by up to 45%, especially on older poorly insulated water heaters.  These insulation blankets are readily available at your local home improvement center.  Installation on an electric water heater is something most homeowners can do, but if you have a gas water heater you should have the insulation blanket installed by a professional.

If you have an electric water heater, you may be able to save money by installing a timer that turns your water heater off at night and during the day while you are away from home.  Timers can be especially effective if your utility company charges more for electricity used during peak demand periods.  You can set the timer so that the water heater is turned off during these peak usage periods and heats water during low demand periods when electricity is less expensive.

Finally, when it comes time to replace your water heater, consider installing a tankless water heater and be sure to look for a water heater with the ENERGY STAR label.  You will save energy throughout the service life of the water heater.

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