Is a tankless water heater right for you?

Why should you pay to heat the same water twice?

That’s the question that designers of the first tankless water heaters asked themselves back in the 1930s, and the same question that today’s sophisticated and super-efficient propane tankless water heater models answer with a defiant, “heck no, we’re not doing that!”

Instead, a tankless water heater skips storing hot water altogether, opting instead to heat water instantly whenever you turn on your tap or hot water appliance. By operating this way, a tankless system enjoys some important advantages over a storage-type water heater, including:

• Unlimited hot water – With a right-sized tankless water heater, hot water will flow continuously for as long as your main water line keeps feeding it.
• Much greater efficiency – By working only when needed, not using a pilot light, and never having to reheat water, a tankless water heater can improve efficiency by 40 percent or more.
• Quality components – The more durable components of a tankless water heater system fail less often and can often be repaired rather than replaced.
• More placement flexibility – Since it lacks a storage tank, a tankless water heater is small – about the size of a suitcase. It can also be wall mounted, which means a tankless water heater can be placed just about anywhere in the house, including closets and crawl spaces.
• Longer equipment life – The primary culprit in the limited lifespan of a conventional water heater is the corrosive water stored in its tank. Because it doesn’t store water, a tankless water heater will last an average of 50 percent longer than its storage model counterpart.
• More value for your home – A tankless water heater will improve your Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and LEED scores, which means a home with a propane water heater will be worth more if you plan to sell it.

Should you ever choose a storage-type water heater?

As you can see, the advantages of a tankless water heater are clear and substantial. So why choose a storage-type water heater?

Mostly, it comes down to the upfront purchase price, which can be twice as high as a conventional storage water heater or more. Of course in the long run, the energy savings and equipment longevity could very well offset or even exceed that initial outlay.

Another consideration is maintenance: a tankless system should be professionally serviced every year, while a storage-type system could be a bit more forgiving if you skip your tune-up.

With all of this in mind, here are some rules of thumb for choosing between a storage or tankless water heater:

• For singles or couples – If you don’t use large amounts of water and are replacing a storage water heater, investing in a conventional water could be a better choice.
• For new construction, or for larger families and efficiency-conscious / space-challenged homeowners, tankless heaters are absolutely worth the investment. Just make sure to get a professional to help you size and install your tankless heater for years of trouble-free service.

A tankless water heater can be a great option – as long as it’s the right choice for your Hudson Valley home, and as long as it is sized and installed by professionals like the ones you will always find at Bottini Fuels. Contact us today to talk with our water heater experts!