Many people are surprised to learn that heating domestic water is the third largest energy expense consumed in households. Therefore using a more eco-friendly water heater will help your family to not only save on energy consumption, which in the long run is great for the environment, but also will help you save your family money.
Traditional tank water heaters continuously heat the water they hold, 24 hours every day, whether you need hot water or not. This is a complete waste of energy and money. However, tankless water heaters provide a much more efficient option by heating water only as it is needed. The water is heated quickly and delivered at a steady rate for as long as it is needed, and the heater shuts off automatically when the supply is closed.
Tankless water heaters are also extremely compact when compared to tank heaters, as they can be wall-mounted whereas tanks can require up to 16 square feet of floor space. A variety of different sizes and types of tankless water heaters are currently available on the market. It is essential to find one that will be able
to withstand your home’s demands, depending on the size of your home and family. “Whole House” types are available, or you can install two or more separate units to handle different appliances if necessary. Don’t forget to look for the Energy Star efficiency logo when shopping for the perfect tankless water heater for you and your family.
The initial investment for a tankless water heater might be a little bit more expensive than traditional water heaters, however it will save you plenty of money in the long run. Tankless water heaters can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,150 which seems a little steep when compared with $300 to $480 for the regular storage-tank types. Although the cost may seem a little high, we think that it is a great investment that will help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run!
Sources: Consumerreports.com, (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/water-heaters/tankless-water-heaters/overview/tankless-water-heaters-ov.htm)