If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you’ve probably come across tankless water heaters as an option. These systems, often referred to as “on-demand” water heaters, have gained popularity for their energy efficiency and convenience.
But with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional water heaters, you might be wondering: Are tankless water heaters really worth the extra expense? In this post, we’ll explore how tankless water heaters save money over time and why they might be a smart investment for water heater replacement in Lake City, FL.
Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings
The first thing homeowners notice when considering a tankless water heater is the price. On average, tankless models cost more upfront than traditional tank-style heaters. However, the key advantage of a tankless water heater lies in its long-term savings.
Traditional water heaters store and continuously heat water, even when it’s not being used, which leads to a significant waste of energy. Tankless systems only heat water when you turn on a faucet or appliance that requires it. This “on-demand” heating reduces the amount of energy used, which translates to lower utility bills.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily can see energy savings of 24% to 34% with a tankless water heater compared to a standard water heater. Even homes that use more hot water (around 86 gallons per day) can still save about 8% to 14% on energy costs. Over the lifespan of the unit, these savings can more than make up for the higher initial investment.
Longer Lifespan
Tankless water heaters tend to last longer. The typical lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is around 10 to 15 years. In contrast, a tankless water heater can last 20 years with proper professional maintenance. That’s another significant factor that can offset the initial cost over time, as you won’t need to replace the system as frequently.
Though we may need to flush the system periodically to prevent mineral buildup, the overall maintenance and repair costs are generally lower than those associated with traditional water heaters.
Environmental Benefits
Beyond cost savings, tankless water heaters offer environmental benefits. Since they use less energy, they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which makes them a more eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious homeowners. The energy savings not only lower your utility bills but also contribute to a greener household.
Continuous Hot Water Supply
Another perk is that tankless systems provide a continuous supply of hot water. If you’ve ever run out of hot water in the middle of a shower, you’ll appreciate this feature. With a traditional water heater, the tank has a finite amount of hot water, and once it’s gone, you have to wait for the water to heat up again. Tankless systems eliminate this problem by heating water on demand, ensuring you always have a steady supply.
Contact Affinity Gas Services today to schedule an appointment for water heater replacement in Lake City, FL, with our professionals. We’re “The Gas Efficiency Experts.”