Remember the days when if you were in the shower and someone flushed a toilet you’d get the shock of your life? Happily, water heaters have come a long way since then. If the temperature of your water is leaving you cold it may be time to upgrade to a new one.
Most homes have standard 50 gallon tanks. However, if your newly remodeled bathroom includes a large soaking tub, installing an 80 gallon tank is probably right. You don’t want to have to fill the tub twice just to have enough hot water. Before you decide to size up, make sure you have enough space to accommodate the new tank. Your plumber will know to increase the size of the vent as larger tanks emit a larger volume of carbon monoxide. Also, if you have a choice between gas and electric units, note that many utility companies encourage residents to use gas heating. Good news, because on average, gas tanks produce more hot water per hour at a faster rate.
Unlimited Hot Water?
Rather than heating water in a storage tank, tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand. This does not mean that the water is hot the instant you turn on the tap, but it does mean that you’ll have more of it while saving up to 60% of your current energy costs. In addition to being more energy efficient, tankless heaters use no floor space because they are wall mounted. You can now reclaim some of that garage or basement space. The unit can handle up to two showers plus one dishwasher at a time, depending on the flow rate. The life expectancy of a tankless heater is about twice that of a traditional unit. Finally, it can increase the value of your home.
Initial Investment
The cost of buying a tankless water heater ranges between about $2,000-$4,000, including installation. Installation requires special piping, a dedicated gas line and dedicated power. In the event of a power outage you will not have hot water without a backup battery.
Conclusion
If it’s time to look for a new hot water heating unit, consider the convenience of having all the hot water you need, when you need it. This can be achieved by sizing up to a larger capacity water heating unit or going all-out and investing in a tankless heater. Browse the site for more information.
