Hot, relaxing showers are the best way to feel refreshed after a long day at work. It is just one of the many benefits water heaters can offer homeowners. Simply put, a water heater is a luxury we all want in our homes to make our daily grinds and routines less stressful.
Unfortunately, with daily use, common types of water heaters can break down over time. If your water heater at home is at the end of its lifespan, you may want to consider getting a tankless water heater as a replacement. Read on to find out why it’s highly recommended.
Why Should You Get a Tankless Water Heater
Many people have tankless water heaters as their preferred units–and that’s for a good reason. Below are some of them.
1. Savings
A tankless water heater is good for the environment and can also help you save money. According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters only provide hot water when you require it. They do not generate standby heat that can be wasted eventually. With that, many homeowners who switched to tankless heaters enjoyed lower water bills as compared to when they were using their old “tanked” ones.
2 . Compact Size
The early water heaters were heavy and bulky. Nowadays, there are smaller heaters available. Some tankless units can even be mounted on a wall, while others can be stored in kitchen cabinets.
3. No Flooding Problem
Tankless water heaters operate without the proverbial tank, which can leak or burst and result in floods, making the tankless model safer.
4. Increased Home Value
These days, many home buyers prefer houses with several amenities installed because it saves them the hassle of moving in with their own home appliances. A tankless water heater can help make your house more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell it.
5. Longer Lifespan
Traditional water heaters typically last between 10-15 years, while tankless models can be functional for as long as 20 years. However, according to a Denver plumber, tankless water heaters may be more durable, but they don’t fair as well with hard water.
6. Energy-Efficient
Tankless water heater systems are also known as on-demand water warmers because they heat water only when needed. This should result in lower electricity costs and energy savings.
7. Low Maintenance
A tankless water heater shuts off automatically when you don’t use it. It keeps its parts safe from premature wear, allowing the unit to last longer. Simply put, tankless water heaters are easy to maintain because they can care for themselves.
On the other hand, standard water heaters need to be inspected every year to ensure that they are in good working order. Failure to bring your heater in for a scheduled inspection may void your warranty, even if the unit is still covered.
Common Problems of Tankless Water Heaters
Although it is highly efficient, there are some issues when using a tankless water heater that can affect its performance. Below are some of them.
1. System Overload
A system overload could occur if your tankless water heater is warming several home areas simultaneously. This will usually depend on the capacity of your heater. To avoid system overload, you should determine how many family members require hot water simultaneously and make the needed adjustments. Alternatively, you may consider upgrading to a tankless water heater with a larger capacity. A second unit is also possible–budget permitting, of course.
2. Cold Water Sandwich
When you turn on the heater, it produces a warm gush first, followed by a bit of cold water, then hot water again. This is the so-called cold water sandwich effect, and it often happens when people take a shower one after another.
Although the cold water sandwich effect can’t be stopped, you can reduce its frequency. Simply avoid jumping into the shower area immediately after someone has used it.
3. Mineral Buildup
Hard water, which comes with high levels of minerals, can cause heater malfunctions. It is thus important that you check your water source. If it’s a well, this could be the buildup source and make it harder for water to flow through your heater’s narrow passageway and towards the heat exchanger.
4. Flame Failure
If your heater suffers from flame failure, two common causes are faulty electricity and gas pressure issues. Other contributing factors are regulator failure, incorrect venting, and small gas lines.
5. Blocked Exhaust
If your tankless water heater displays an error code, it means that either the exhaust or the air supply is blocked. The problem can usually be traced to the vent pipes. These will need to be inspected for potential puncture holes.
Key Takeaway
Tankless water heaters make great home investments. They offer several benefits that are not readily found in traditional or standard heaters.
However, tankless water heaters also have their share of issues. Their parts can suffer damage, especially if the units are not regularly maintained. If your heater stops working, it’s best to have this checked to determine if it can still be fixed or if you need to buy a new one.
