Most water heaters come with a 12-year warranty. If you have been using yours for 15, it’s high time to replace it. Homes with soft water may need to replace heaters earlier than usual because the anode corrosion is faster than homes with hard water.
Today, there are more energy efficient water heaters. If you haven’t replaced yours for long, you need to do your homework to end up with one. Energy efficient regulations have made it possible have products that save your money spent on energy bills.
In most American homes, water heating accounts for approximately 20% of energy costs according to the US Department of Energy. Modern water heaters are more efficient than previous ones. The heaters are made with state of the art technology capable of reducing utility bills by about 40%.
Tankless water heaters have gained popularity recently for many reasons. If you are thinking of replacing your old heater with it, you need to look beyond what meets the eye.
Here are the pros and cons of tankless water heaters you should know.
Pros
Convenience and Comfort
Tankless water heaters ensure there is a constant flow of hot water hence no compromise when it comes to usage for you and your loved ones. Also, they require little space since they are just mounted on walls. In fact, small units are installed in closets, under cabinets or somewhere close to the point of use. Remote controls control most of them.
Energy Efficient and Eco-friendly
Tankless water heaters are capable of reducing energy consumption by 40% making them healthy for your pocket and the environment. Electric models don’t generate greenhouse gases.
Reliability and Longevity
Most tankless water heaters last for approximately 20 years. This gives you the peace of mind with 12- year warranty. Also, most manufacturers provide five-year parts warranty and one year on labor.
Clean and Safe
The era of using stored water with accumulated rust is gone. Tankless water heaters heat clean water as it flows. Moreover, cutting-edge safety features are used to prevent scalding water.
Tax Rebate
When you buy tankless units, you enjoy federal tax refund of about 300 dollars.
Cons
- Cost: they cost three times more than that of tank water heaters.
- Hot water output is shared among all your household appliances.
- If you are using natural gas, you may need to acquire large gas line, annual servicing and managing greenhouse gases produced.
- For electric models, you need additional circuit in your home. Also, some of them require more of energy than others.
- To activate heat exchanger, they require at least 0.5 GPM flow rate.
- Lag time may result in water wastage as you have to run to get to get hot water.
Replacing an old water heater is an opportunity to move to high-end models such as tankless options. It saves you money and makes your home cozy, comfy, convenient and environmentally friendly. However, you have to choose a model that suits your needs. If you need help, consult Capital Care Plumbing experts.
Hazel Colleen is a hippie at heart she enjoys blogging about ways to make the environment green. She loves spending her free time out in her garden.