If you’re tired of dealing with mounting water heater repairs or an aging unit, consider purchasing a new one. Tankless water heaters are a popular option and could be precisely what your home needs. Many people have not heard of them and are unsure of what the benefits are. The below guide will help you find the right product for your needs.

Understanding Tankless Water Heaters

How They Work

Traditional water heaters draw water from your main water line, heat it inside their large tank, and then disperse it throughout the home. Tankless water heaters provide on-demand service. When you turn on a warm water faucet, they immediately engage. A high-powered gas or electric heating element warms water as it passes through your plumbing. Once complete, the system goes into standby without holding water in a tank.

Benefits of Going Tankless

Tankless water heaters are more efficient than traditional systems, which saves money over time. This is because they warm water only when necessary, rather than consistently warming a stored amount. Because they’re less active, they last longer than traditional systems—20 years, on average. They operate faster than tank units and can heat multiple showers and faucets equally at the same time.

While they carry a larger price tag upfront, they pay for themselves through energy savings, a longer life span, and convenience.

Buying Guide

If you want to upgrade after considerable water heater repairs, you should do some math. First, determine how many devices will use the heater. This includes washers, dryers, sinks, and showers. Then, determine the flow rate for these. A toilet, for example, has a 2-3 gallon per minute (GPM) flow rate. A dishwasher has a 2-4 GPM flow rate. If you’re using these at the same time, you’ll need a unit that can handle the combined flow rate of each. Use this data to determine the power your system needs.

Next, consider gas and electric versions. Gas will require a gas line connection, so it may not be possible in your home. They do work faster, however, and better meet high GPM demands. Electric heaters are cheaper and will fit any home. If you’re having trouble deciding, work with a water heater repair professional.

Are you considering a new water heater? The team at Joe Klosterman Plumbing can assist. These professionals have served Cincinnati, OH, and the Tri-State area since 1983. They provide plumbing and water heater repairs, new unit installations, and drain cleaning—all of which you can explore on their website. Call (513) 941-6766 to schedule a consultation.