Unless you enjoy cold showers, water heaters are a necessity. Up until fairly recently, water heaters with a large tank have been the standard for homes. These types of water heaters work by heating water in a tank. Tankless water heaters are becoming more common, and home owners are opting for these smaller, more energy efficient options that heat the water as you need it. Here are some things to know if you are considering trading in the tank!

Tankless water heaters are a long lasting alternative to the old fashioned water heater with a tank. 

There are electric and gas powered tankless water heaters on the market.  Not only will these take up less space in your home, but they have a longer lifespan. They also tend to have a longer warranty.

It may need more attention than a water heater with a tank.

Tankless water heaters tend to be a little more complex than the original water heaters with a tank. You will need to make sure to have electrical outlets nearby (even for a gas powered heater), you will need better ventilation, and you will probably need to get your gas pipes an upgrade. Servicing your new tankless water heater once a year is usually necessary as well.

You will have an endless amount of hot water…most of the time. 

With a tankless water heater, high powered burners are used to heat the water as it goes through a heat exchanger. This means you get plenty of hot water, but it may take some time to warm up. Also, if you are only using a small amount of water, it may not ignite the burner.

You may have to pay a little more, but it can save you money and you can feel good about being "green." 

Yes, tankless options are more expensive. However, they take up less space in your home and you don't have to worry about clogging a landfill with a huge tank when it is time to replace it. Water heaters with a tank need to be replaced more often, which means you may have to dispose of the tanks at least once a decade. Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, and you may even get a tax break if you purchase a certain type. A more energy efficient system also means you are saving money on your bills and helping out the environment. 

To learn more, contact a service like Smedley & Associates, Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning.