Today's homes are all about saving energy. The standard hot water
tanks that are installed in most homes provide hot water, but at a
cost. True, the newer units are more energy efficient but now there is a
way to reduce your energy bills and provide a way to
never run out of hot water at the same time.
There is another option and that is the Tankless Hot Water
Heater. These units do cost more than a hot water tank but they also
provide a savings in energy of up to 20%. You eliminate the cost of the
so-called standby energy loss because there is the hot water tank to
fill.
Here is how they work. When a hot water valve opens,
there is a sensor that detects the flow of water and triggers a
powerful heating element that instantly heats up the water. Of course
depending on how far away from the unit the plumbing fixtures are will
determine how quickly the hot water gets to that point.
The
other advantages are that these tanks can't rupture and flood your home
like other traditional hot water heaters. Your water bill is reduced
because you won't have to run the water as long waiting for it to get
hot, they last about 20 years compared to 10 to 15 years for a standard
hot water heater but they do cost anywhere from two to four times more
to install.
So if you are building a new home or if it is
time to replace your old water heater, the initial cost of the Tankless
Water Heater will be more but over the years the saving will mount up
and you will be far ahead plus you will never run out of hot water
again.
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