Tankless Water Heaters

More and more Sacramento area homeowners are inquiring about tankless water heaters. The benefits of installing a tankless water heater in your home are several. You need to determine whether one is right for you.

Here are some key considerations for installing a tankless water heater:

• An endless supply of hot water. This is great for larger families who may have large hot water needs.

• Energy savings. You are only heating the water you use, not continually heating the water in the tank.

• Space. Tankless water heaters are smaller than tank water heaters. Models are also available for exterior installation.

The above benefits are dependent upon a quality install of a unit that is specified for your needs.

There are also other considerations if you are thinking of a tankless water heater.

• Endless hot water does not mean instant hot water. For instant hot water, you need a re-circulation system, and possibly a small holding tank. Hmmm. For more on Instant Hot Water, see below.

• There are no water savings with a tankless water heater. And you actually may use more water if your habit is to take a hot shower as long as the hot water holds out. This, of course, also bites into energy savings.

• More maintenance. Although there isn't a tank to flush, burner assemblies or heating elements require ongoing maintenance to maintain peak efficiency.

• Installation cost for a tankless water heater are higher than a tank water heater. Not only is the equipment more expensive, but the work required to retrofit a tankless water heater is extensive.

Is a Tankless Water Heater right for you? Take this simple test.

Below are six items of importance in determining whether a tankless water heater is right for you. Rate each item with a priority from one to six, with six being the highest priority to you and one being the lowest.

1. Save energy
2. Payback
3. Endless hot water
4. Maintenance
5. Space limitation
6. Time to get hot water

Add together the priorities given to the odd numbered items (1,3,5). Do the same for the even numbered items (2,4,6). If the odd numbered items total is higher than the even numbered items, a tankless water heater may be right for you.

Whatever your hot water needs, we will be happy to help you find the solution that fits your needs.

Instant Hot Water

How long do you have to wait for the hot water to arrive in your bathroom each morning? One minute? Two? Three? No matter how long, it can be annoying, time consuming and a water waster.

There are two basic solutions to get hot water quicker. You can put the hot water source closer to the need, but that may be expensive. The more common solution is to have a re-circulation system on your hot water lines.

A re-circulation system consists of the periodic pumping of hot water through the hot water line so hot water is available upon demand. The excess water is returned to the heater via a return line. Many re-circulation systems have a timing device, which only runs the system during times of normal usage.

Your home not plumbed with a return hot water line? Shouldn't be a problem. Alternative solutions are available.

If you are interested in having instant (on demand) hot water, we will be happy to review your needs.
 

If you are looking for a water heater contractor in the Sacramento or Placer area, please call us today at 1-888-SLOW-DRAIN or complete our online request form.