You’re not using hot water 24/7, so why should you be paying to heat your home’s water supply around the clock? The truth is for households in St. Louis, MO, that use less than 41 gallons of hot water in a day, a traditional water heater might be a waste of money. Tankless water heaters, which may also be called “on-demand” or “instant-on” water heaters, have experienced an increase in popularity as more people are looking for ways to maximize their home’s energy efficiency. Keep reading to learn how they work and what advantages and disadvantages come with owning one. At Academy Air, we’re here to help you decide which water heater option is the best fit for your home.
Tankless Water Heaters—How They Work
With a traditional water heater, water is stored and heated around the clock in a large storage tank that can hold 40 gallons or more at a time. When hot water is needed, an immediate supply is available, and in most cases, more water can be heated for on-demand use before the current supply is exhausted.
With a tankless water heater, no water is stored. Water is heated quickly and on demand so that it’s available for showers, dishwashers, and washing machines as needed. When you turn on your water faucet to “hot,” cool water is drawn into the water heater and then begins to circulate. This activates the heat source, which then warms up the heat exchanger. The water is quickly warmed to the set temperature, and then it goes out into your home’s pipes.
Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have several advantages. The primary advantage that motivates many homeowners to make the switch is their energy efficiency. Because water is only heated as needed rather than around the clock, the unit uses considerably less power. Tankless water heaters are also ideal for small spaces, as they have a much smaller footprint than traditional water heaters. Because there is no tank that stores water, tankless water heaters eliminate the risk of flooding and water damage that is associated with traditional models. When you think about all the advantages of switching to a tankless water heater, it’s important to consider how it will increase your home’s energy efficiency as well as its safety. If you’re interested in making this investment for your home, please consult with our experts at Academy Air to discuss your options and determine if a tankless water heater would be suitable for your needs.
Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
While tankless water heaters are a good option for many households, they’re not without their drawbacks. These types of water heaters generally cost more and are difficult to install. Despite their energy savings, they may not pay for themselves before they wear out. Additionally, if the unit has electric controls, then no hot water will be available during a power outage. Finally, a limited supply of hot water is available at any given time, and there may be a lag in hot water flow. No system is without its disadvantages, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons of every investment. Is a tankless water heater right for your home? Will it be worth the initial cost and serve your home’s needs consistently? All these questions and more can be answered by consulting with our team of professionals at Academy Air.
Our Professional Advice
Tankless water heaters aren’t for everyone, but they can be a good option for smaller households or homes that have a limited amount of space. Our experts at Academy Air advise you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you make your decision. Consider your current water heater and make a note of how much it is costing you each month so we can compare that with what you can expect to spend with a tankless water heater. Come up with a list of questions so we can answer them and help you decide if a tankless water heater is right for your home. To learn more about tankless water heaters, contact Academy Air.
For the best service with tankless water heater installation and repairs, call Academy Air at (314) 798-7002. Our technicians are available during business hours Monday through Saturday, and we also offer 24/7 emergency services, so we can be there for you when you need us most. Contact our team today!
