Water heating accounts for approximately 18% of a home’s energy usage, making it the second largest energy expense for homeowners. In order to reduce this cost, many people are switching to tankless water heaters. This type of water heating system is designed to provide hot water on demand, only when it is needed, rather than continuously heating a large tank of water. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to tankless water heaters Ventura County and the benefits they offer.
What are Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, are designed to heat water as it is needed, rather than continuously heating a large tank of water. They are relatively small units, typically mounted on the wall, that use either gas or electricity to heat the water. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe and into the unit, where it is heated either by a gas burner or an electric element. The hot water is then sent to the fixtures, such as a shower or sink until the tap is turned off.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters:
- Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional tank-style heaters because they do not waste energy heating and maintaining a large tank of water. Instead, they only heat the water that is needed, reducing energy consumption and costs.
- Endless Hot Water: One of the biggest benefits of a tankless water heater is that it provides an endless supply of hot water. Since the water is heated on demand, there is no limit to the amount of hot water that can be produced, making it perfect for households with high hot water demand.
- Space Savings: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional tank-style heaters, making them ideal for homes with limited space. They can be mounted on a wall, freeing up valuable floor space.
- Longevity: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank-style heaters, typically lasting 20 years or more. This is due to their lack of a storage tank, which is a common source of corrosion and leaks in traditional heaters.
- Better for the Environment: Tankless water heaters use less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional tank-style heaters. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater:
When choosing a tankless water heater, it is important to consider several factors, including the size of your home, hot water demand, and fuel source.
- Size of Your Home: The size of your home will determine the size of the tankless water heater you need. Homes with larger families and higher hot water demand will need a larger unit, while smaller homes may only need a smaller unit.
- Hot Water Demand: The amount of hot water your household uses will also affect the size of the unit you need. If you have a high hot water demand, such as a large family or frequent use of hot water for multiple showers, you will need a larger unit.
- Fuel Source: Tankless water heaters can be powered by either gas or electricity. Gas-powered units are typically more energy efficient, but they require a gas line to be installed. Electric units are more convenient, as they can be installed anywhere, but they are typically less energy efficient and more expensive to operate.
Maintenance
In order to ensure that your tankless water heater operates at peak efficiency, it is important to perform regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the unit annually, as well as replacing filters and other components before they become clogged or damaged.
