Looking to install a new water heater? Have you considered going tankless? Tankless water heaters work a little differently than their traditional counterparts. They provide instant hot water, lowering your energy consumption and utility bills.
At RCL Mechanical, we can help you understand the benefits of going tankless and determine if a tankless water heater is right for you. Our Taunton, MA and the vicinity tankless water heater experts can help you select a proper model and expertly install it. We also offer tankless water heater repair and maintenance services.
Protect your water heater and avoid costly repairs with a backflow prevention device.
What Are Tankless Water Heaters, and How Do They Work?
Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters that heat hot water whether you need it or not, tankless units heat water only when you need it. They don’t use storage tanks to hold heated water. This results in a limitless supply of hot water and little to no wasted energy usage.
When you open a hot water tap or faucet, the water flow triggers an electric heating element or gas burner inside the heating unit to heat the water. Once you close the tap, the heating stops. Because of this, a tankless unit is also known as a point-of-use water heater or on-demand water heater.
How Long Will My Tankless Water Heater Last?
On average, a tankless water heater lasts about 20 years, while a traditional tank unit lasts about 12 years. However, plenty of other factors predict a unit’s life expectancy. In addition to maintenance, conditions that affect the longevity of your tankless water heater include:
- Location: Tankless units in crawl spaces and garages have to work harder to heat water.
- Water quality: Hard water can be rough on plumbing systems and appliances. It can reduce your unit’s life expectancy by two or more years.
Are you looking to improve the quality of water in your home? Contact us to learn about our water filtration services.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing a Tankless Water Heater?
Here’s a list of pros and cons of on-demand water heaters to help you decide whether to go tankless:
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Save space
- Endless supply of hot water
- Versatile
- No rust or corrosion
- Longer lifespan
- Save money
Cons
- Limited hot water for multiple outlets.
- High upfront costs.
- Require electricity, making them nonfunctional during power outages.
