If you're in the market for a new water heater, going tankless is something to consider. Tankless water heaters are not for every household, so we recommend finding out as much as you can about your home’s hot water needs, the true benefits of a tankless unit, and the different models available. Fortunately, Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. is here to help make your decision easier. We provide expert recommendations on the best units to fit your home and will install your new system according to code.
What are the benefits of tankless water heaters?
Tankless water heaters offer a range of benefits that improve efficiency and cut down on your electricity or gas bill. They provide unlimited hot water on demand and last five to ten years longer than traditional water heaters.
Other benefits you can enjoy with a tankless water heater:
- 30 percent more efficiency than traditional units
- Flexible installation due to small size (no larger than a carry-on suitcase)
- Require less power to operate and only requires the amount to heat the water in use at any given moment
- You can save up to 20 percent on your hot water costs
- Electric units do not emit greenhouse gases
- Up to four separate settings and remote operation available, allowing greater convenience
- Risk of leaking or burst tank is eliminated
Read our reviews to see why we have been your preferred Colonial Heights plumbers since 1982!
Are you ready for NAECA?
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act has now deemed that all water heaters need to be more energy efficient, which in turn will help to save you money. Due to a certain set of standards based on the amount of energy it takes to heat your water versus the amount of energy that is lost we have now hit a new era when it comes to conservation. At Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. we sell only the top makes and models for tankless units like Rinnai and Navien and are ready to answer all of your questions when you give us a call today.
What about common problems?
While the benefits are great, tankless water heaters are not perfect. There are a few difficulties most people will encounter at some point while owning one, and these should also be taken into consideration. If you already own a tankless water heater, look out for these common issues:
- Mineral buildup: If you have hard water, we recommend installing a water softener, scale filter, or regularly flushing the heater out with a vinegar solution. Mineral buildup can decrease efficiency and eventually lead to a complete unit breakdown, which is generally not covered by warranty.
- Demand overload: Tankless water heaters are more subject to rationing of water, and doing something as simple as trying to shower while the dishwasher is running could be too much for the heater to keep up with. Many units will shut down if they can't get enough natural gas or propane to meet hot water demands. You may need to install a larger unit or install special natural gas pipes to ensure this doesn't happen.
- Combustion shutdown: Do you have a gas-fired tankless water heater? Unlike traditional tank units, gas-fired tankless water heaters require special ventilation installed to keep them in proper working order. This is due to their extremely hot exhaust systems, which must vent quickly and efficiently.
Is going tankless right for you?
Tankless water heaters work well in smaller households that will be able to take full advantage of the unlimited hot water benefit. Larger households are often able to use up the hot water sitting in traditional tank units, which can serve them better than tankless units.
If you are planning to install a tankless water heater but still unsure if it is the right way to go, contact us for help. We will assess your home’s needs, including how much water your family uses and the current plumbing system you have in place. After taking into account your budget and your current hot water needs, we will recommend the best tankless water heater models and install the one you choose.
