If you live in a home with a traditional hot water heater, you’re probably all too familiar with the issues that can come with this system. Making sure there’s enough hot water to go around can be challenging, and when you have a big family, the energy costs are probably higher than you would like. If this sounds familiar, a tankless water heater might be the solution, as it has a number of advantages over traditional models. Below, learn about this system to decide whether it can benefit your home. 

5 Reasons to Install a Tankless Water Heater

1. Allow More Hot Water

Unlike traditional water heaters, which store heated water in a tank, a tankless water heater heats water on demand. This means that instead of being limited to the amount of hot water the tank can hold, which is typically 40 to 50 gallons, you’ll always have a steady supply of hot water. Don’t confuse “on demand” with “instant” though. It may still take several seconds for hot water to reach the fixture being used.

2. Increase Space

Traditional hot water heaters are normally installed in a utility closet or basement, taking up valuable floor space. A tankless model can be mounted on a wall either indoors or outside, freeing up that space for other uses. We do recommend indoor units, and venting is required so placement can still be a bit of a challenge. Even so, the space required is much less than a traditional water heater.

3. Raise Energy Savings

On average, tankless water heaters are more efficient than those with storage tanks, because they are only heating the water required at any given moment. Because they’re not using energy to keep 50 gallons of water hot while it’s in storage, they can reduce monthly energy bills by 24% to 50%. This results in hundreds of dollars in savings for the typical homeowner. 

4. Improve Reliability

On average, a storage water heater lasts for about 10 to 12 years with average use. A tankless model can last 20 years or longer, and resists the scaling and rust that is common with storage tanks that can affect water quality. In addition, when storage water heaters fail, they can cause flooding and damage. Because a tankless model doesn’t store any water, you don't need to worry about this. There is maintenance that needs to be done annually to keep a tankless water heater in top condition, but the cost of maintenance is significantly less than buying a new storage water heater.

5. Facilitate Control

Many tankless water heaters offer more precise thermostats than older storage models, meaning that you can have more control over the water temperature. You will even be able to raise or lower the temperature by a single degree. They are also equipped with safety features to ensure that scalding hot water doesn’t reach the faucets, improving safety for your family. 

Tankless water heaters offer many advantages, but be aware that retrofitting a tankless heater into existing plumbing offers a unique set of challenges that require a bit a adjusting for proper function. Installing a tankless water heater during construction of a new home is much easier and well worth the investment.

When you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing space, including a tankless water heater is a smart choice, and the talented contractors at Appalachian Contracting Services can help you select and install the perfect model. This locally owned company has offered comprehensive construction services to residential and commercial customers throughout Dahlonega, GA, and surrounding areas for more than 30 years. They provide customers with impeccable craftsmanship and dedicated customer service. Schedule a project consultation by calling  (706) 864-8777 or visit them online to learn more about their contracting services.