Tankless Water Heater Technology has been pumping hot water into American homes for a surprisingly long time now. The units came into wide use in the United States back in the 1990s. Since then, it’s proven to be efficient and reliable and it definitely provides all the hot water a family can demand.
Tankless water heaters also last a long time, sometimes 20 years and more, but at some point, you will have to replace your trusty hot water producer.
Time for a New Tankless Water Heater
The good news is, if you already have a tankless system, swapping it out for a current model should be a painless process for your plumber. It’s especially easy when compared to the harder task of removing a bulky, old storage-tank water heater and trying to hook up a hi-tech tankless machine in a home that might have older gas lines and electrical wiring. You may have already been through that process when you installed your first tankless unit.
You’ve already made the switch over to tankless efficiency and your second purchase should come with a very smooth install. The process may take a single morning of work if there are no major upgrades involved.
Things to Consider When you Replace a Tankless Water Heater
Times change and technology improves. So if you’ve had your tankless water heater for two decades or longer chances are your next unit will be a little different. One positive is that you may be looking at even more efficiency with a more modern machine. Your needs as a family may be different too. Here are a few things to consider before you buy a new tankless water heater.
- Tankless Hot Water Heater Capacity — Your first tankless water heater may have provided everything your family hoped for in terms of hot water. But if there were times when your model couldn’t keep up with demand you many need to consider installing a bigger unit. These models can handle several people in different bathrooms all showering at once with no problem. And the opposite may be true. Your family may be getting smaller as children move out, and you may need less hot water on demand. A smaller option may be your best bet.
- Efficiency – Tankless Hot Water Heaters are improving each year and if you want more savings on your gas and electric bills you can level up to a super-efficient model. Today’s condensing tankless models typically rate around point-8 EF (Energy Factor). The more efficient non-condensing models rate even higher up to point-9 EF. That translates to putting in a dollar’s worth of energy and seeing 90 cents converted into hot water with only 10 cents lost to inefficiency. That may be a huge advance over your first unit.
- Price – Today, purchasing a new tankless unit and having it installed will start at around 3500 dollars. Bigger units and more efficient models will add to the cost. This may be more or could be much less than you spent the last time around.
- Luxury Upgrades – You may want a few modern add-ons this time around. Some tankless water heaters now feature wi-fi communication to allow control from your smartphone. Another nice upgrade is a hard water filter. If you live in a region with hard water you may see more build-up of impurities in your unit. This can reduce capacity and efficiency and result in less and less hot water. A water softening filter can keep a unit running longer. Flushing the unit may also be needed less often.
Evaluation from an Experienced Phoenix Plumber
When you’re considering a modern unit an experienced plumber will need to visit your home and check your gas and power lines. Your new model may require more electricity or fuel to work properly. These are all upgrades a plumber can help you schedule.
The venting method your old tankless water heater utilized may differ from the new model you’re considering. A plumber can also help you plan for a change or find a new unit that requires the same hook-ups as the last one for minimal fuss during a switchover.
Tankless Water Heater Consultation
If your family has already enjoyed the luxury of endless hot water from a tankless water heater, there’s probably no turning back. When it’s time to replace your unit another tankless system is the only smart option.
If you have a tankless water heater in your home ready for replacement or if you want to try the reliability and comfort of a tankless water heater for the first time, talk over your choices with an experienced, local plumber.
If you contact us today, we will be happy to provide you with a consultation to discuss the best option for your house and your family.
