It’s still the beginning of the year, and the cold weather will be lingering for a few more months in Northern Virginia. Since we have to deal with the cold outside our homes, we shouldn’t have to deal with it while standing under our showerhead!
In homes with several occupants, there is always a fear that you’ll be the last person to shower every morning, leaving you vulnerable to that burst of cold water that tells you your shower is over! Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to beat your family members to the warm water? No more frigid showers; it’s too good to be true!
But it doesn’t have to be. With a Tankless Water Heater, you’ll never have to hear the words “There’s no more hot water!” yelled throughout your home again…there’s a solution for that.
What’s Wrong With My Old Water Heater?
There may not be anything wrong with it, it simply can’t hold the amount of water in the tank that will provide enough hot water for everything in your home over long periods of time. A regular heater holds and stores hot water in a tank. As you use the heated water, the cold water flows back into the tank, exchanging hot for cold. Eventually, when the hot water runs out, it flows cold and has to start the entire reheating process before any more hot water can reach the fixture. Not only is the lack of hot water inconvenient and uncomfortable, but tank heaters store hot water 24/7, heating and reheating it, even when it’s not in use. This process is a huge waste of energy.
How Are Tankless Water Heaters Different?
As the name suggests, they don’t have a tank that holds the heated water. Instead, they use a small compact system to function at an entirely different level than a tank heater.
When any appliance, sink or shower is turned on to a warm temperature, the cold water enters the tankless system. The system goes into operation mode and the burners ignite, heating the cold water as it passes through the heat exchanger. Hot water then automatically flows to your fixtures.
As soon as you shut it off, the Tankless reverts to standby mode, saving energy until the next time you turn it on. This system provides endless hot water at a constant temperature. It’s as simple as that. And unlike conventional water heaters, which can take up to 16 square feet in your home, Tankless heaters are about the size of a carry-on suitcase. With their compact design, they can be installed virtually anywhere inside or outside of your home.
Is A Tankless Water Heater A Smart Investment?
The answer is: absolutely! With a life span of over 20 years, it puts a conventional water heater’s 6-year life span to shame. Tankless is also a safer option for your family since traditional water heaters often build up rust and scale inside the tank where the hot water you use for bathing and drinking is stored.
In contrast, water is heated on demand with the Tankless option, so you can be sure that your water is clean and fresh. Most importantly, you save up to 40% of your energy! With their automatic standby design, they are highly efficient and can save you a bundle on your energy bill each month!
As always, F.H. Furr can install your new, more efficient Tankless Water Heater with ease and can give you a simple consultation and fee estimate! Be sure to give us a call for all of your plumbing needs!
