Your Guide to Buying a Tankless Water Heater

Few problems in life are more frustrating—and more solvable!—than getting caught in a cold shower. You know the feeling! You’re lathered up, whistling your favorite tune, enjoying a brief moment of “me time” when BAM! That steam shower turns toe-curling cold.

That’s one of the many reasons today’s homeowners are turning to tankless water heaters for their superior energy efficiency and endless hot water.

Curious what all the hype is about? Here’s what you need to know about this popular water heater replacement:

Tankless water heaters heat on-demand

A tankless water heater pulls cool water over an incredibly efficient heat exchanger, powered by natural gas or electricity. As the water passes over the heating elements, it instantly reaches your target temperature—creating the endless hot water effect that makes tankless heaters so popular.

Because these heaters don’t have a big storage tank to refill, you don’t have to wait for your water to reheat. They never need flushing and ongoing maintenance is minimal.

Tankless water heaters are incredibly efficient

While your old storage tank water heater kept gallons of water at a constant temperature of up to 140 degrees, a new tankless water heater only turns on when your water does. Without that “standby” energy loss, your savings can add up quickly.

If your home uses around 41 gallons of hot water a day, (the average shower uses about 16 gallons) a tankless water heater can be up to 34% more efficient than a traditional tank unit. If you install a few tankless water heaters around your home, each serving a different room, your energy savings can be even higher.

Electric tankless water heaters are the most efficient model, though gas tankless water heaters can be nearly as efficient if they have an intermittent ignition device, instead of an ongoing pilot light.

Tankless water heaters may cost less than you think

A tankless water heater does typically cost more to purchase and install than a traditional storage water heater. A new tankless water heater can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $3,000 or more, while a traditional storage water heater is around $500 to $800.

The up-front cost of purchasing a new energy-efficient water heater may be higher, but tankless water heaters can last longer than traditional units. Storage water heaters have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, but tankless systems can operate for 20 or more years with proper maintenance. Replacement parts are also easy to find and fairly affordable, extending the lifespan of these systems by many more years.

Plus, some tankless water heaters are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $600! That takes a huge bite out of the cost of this energy-efficient upgrade.

Ready for a cost-effective water heater replacement? Call the trusted team at Blue Dot!

We’ve served homes and businesses across the greater Topeka area for 65 years—and we’ll proudly care for your family or customers, too. When you call for a free quote on your new water heater, don’t forget to ask about our best-in-Topeka parts & labor warranty! Call 785-272-1633 or request service today.

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