When it comes to reliable hot water for your San Rafael area home, you have more options than ever before. How can you be confident you’re making the right investment in a product that’s worth the hype? Ask Gotelli Plumbing. We’re here for our customers.
Tankless water heaters are a perfect example of ‘newer is better’. Traditional, tanked water heaters are your ‘old reliable’ option. They work, but there’s another option out there. Upgrading to a tankless water heater has several functions that outpace traditional systems every single time.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
The main difference between the two water heating systems is how they heat and deliver water.
A tanked unit basically functions like a pot on a stove. Upwards of 50 gallons of water are held inside a tank and heated constantly – by either gas or electric power. When you turn on the hot water tap, the tank begins to empty.
In instances when large amounts of water are used – such as during baths and laundry – the tank has a limited amount of hot water for use. Once this water is used up, it can take anywhere from one to three hours for the tank to be completely full of hot water again.
I’m sure you know the time it takes to heat a pot of water on the stove. Now multiply that by 10! It takes a lot of energy to heat that much water!
Tankless systems, as suggested by their name, don’t utilize a tank. So, where do they keep the water? They don’t! These systems do not hold water on standby. Instead, tankless systems have a heating source – gas or electric – much like their tanked counterparts, but the energy from these sources heats a coiled pipe.
When you turn on the hot water tap, water begins to flow through the system. A sensor can tell when water is flowing and signals the heating to begin. As the water flows through the coiled pipe, it’s heated up and delivered to your fixture. When your tap is shut off, so is the heating element inside the water heater.
What Are The Benefits Of A Tankless System?
Knowing how the two systems work allows for a better understanding of which is best for your home.
Efficiency
Because a tankless system heats water as it’s needed, it doesn’t need to use energy all day like a tanked system. The efficiency of heating on demand surpasses the constant consumption of energy the traditional unit demands. There is no question that a tankless water heater will save you energy and perform more efficiently.
Amount Of Water
While a tanked system is limited to how much water it can hold ready for you at all times, tankless systems can provide a virtually endless supply of hot water. In fact, these systems can typically heat 2-5 gallons of water per minute – more than enough to finish your shower with steamy water.
Whenever you need hot water, it’s at your fingertips, regardless of how many people in your home are using water. Not only is this useful for everyday activities, large families will never run out of hot water again.
Cost
Initially, tankless systems are a larger investment than their traditional counterparts. However, the savings will be reflected on your energy bill. Also, the risk of operational costs is much lower. With no tank to maintain or break down, you can be reasonably confident that repair costs will shrink rapidly.
Durability
As if the other benefits weren’t enough, tankless hot water heaters have double the lifespan of traditional units. That’s 20 years if they’re well-maintained! Simply put, the newer materials and functionality are of higher quality.
Are You Ready To Make The Switch?
If a tankless water heater installation sounds like the best option for you, don’t hesitate to contact Gotelli Plumbing! We have a dedicated and experienced team ready to assist you in your home investment. We promise San Rafael, tankless water heaters have our stamp of approval. Give us a call today!
