Tankless Water Heaters: Hype-full or Hopeful?
We often get asked by our Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky plumbing customers about the latest innovation in water heater technology, the tankless water heater.
People sometimes hear that they can quickly recoup their investment in a tankless water heater with the money they save. Other people hear that it’s all hype.
So which is it? Hope for a lower water bill, or hype?
The truth is, it’s a little of both.
Yes, a tankless water heater is more energy-efficient than a traditional water heater. That’s good for the environment, so if you’re going green or planning a new construction plumbing project, a tankless water heater may be the way to go.
Also, the major advantage of a tankless water heater can be summed up with four words “endless hot water supply”–if you frequently find yourself running out of hot water in mid-shower, it may be worth upgrading for that benefit alone.
That said, an average family may save $70-$100 per year versus a traditional water heater. When you add up the cost of the unit ($2000-$2500, depending on which brand and capacity), modifications you’ll need to make to your gas, yearly maintenance to remove scale and calcium buildup on the inside of the burners, and consider the average life of a tankless water heater is about 20 years, the math may not work out that you’ll recoup the cost of switching. Also, it’s important to note that a tankless water heater provides 4-6 gallons of hot water per minute, so for a larger sized home with multiple baths, you may need more than one unit.
At Dauenhauer Plumbing, we want to be your trusted resource when it comes to all things related to residential plumbing in the Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky areas. That means giving you honest answers about the costs and benefits of plumbing fixtures, so that you make the best choice for your family.
