Have you wondered if it’s time to call a plumber to arrange a tankless water heater installation? If you appreciate long, lingering showers, then your answer should be yes. Ever since they first entered the market, plumbers have sworn by the countless benefits of tankless water heaters. But, some homeowners seem hesitant about replacing their current water heater with this new and improved model. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these innovative water heaters.
Is Installation Difficult?
This is a loaded question. It depends on who is doing the installation. For an inexperienced plumber who is unfamiliar with the new technology, installing this type of tankless heater is tricky. It involves much more than just removing the old unit and replacing it with a tankless model. However, for plumbers who understand the ins and outs of tankless water heaters, installation often only takes a few hours to complete. And, this goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway), you should never try to DIY tankless installation.
What Happens to the Old Water Heater?
Before the plumber installs your brand-new tankless model, they must remove the dated water heater. It is a time-consuming process. First, the plumber must completely drain the tank. After all, you don’t want to cause a flood. The plumber will then unhook all of the wire and pipes, taking care not to damage the electrical or gas connections. Once again, don’t try this at home. It’s easy to electrocute yourself or start a fire if you don’t know what you’re doing.
The plumbing company will remove and dispose of the old water heater for you. No, you don’t have to worry about setting it at the curb on trash day. Neither you nor the trash collectors want to try to pick it up!
What’s the Installation Process Like?
Before scheduling an installation date, the plumber will help you select the right size tankless heater. Even though they don’t hold water, a larger household will benefit from a larger water heater. The opposite is also true. Getting the best size for your family will ensure you have the most efficient water heater possible.
The plumber will determine the ideal location to install your new water heater. For many homeowners, their tankless model fits perfectly where the old water heater resided. However, sometimes the plumber may recommend moving the new system to a different location.
It’s now time to connect everything. This step takes the most time, usually between 2-4 hours. However, in some instances, installation may take up to 10 hours. The plumber will make sure all the fittings, electrical wires, and gas lines are the right size. They may also need to replace some of the connections.
Things start to get more technical and specialized at this point. It’s no wonder why a person must become a master plumber to work on their own. But, as the homeowner, all you need to do is sit back and let the plumber work their magic.
Should You Get a Tankless Water Heater?
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect during installation, you must ask yourself if a tankless water heater is right for your household. Switching over to this new technology isn’t cheap, so you want to make sure the reward is worth the investment. Let’s discuss the top benefits of ditching the tank.
You’ll Save Money!
Ok, we should make this clearer. You’ll save money in the LONG RUN. The upfront costs associated with installing a tankless water heater are much higher than sticking with a standard model. Basic tank heaters run about $800, give or take. Getting a top-end model will cost a bit more, while a smaller tank may come out cheaper. However, the starting price for a tankless heater is around $2,000, while some models cost closer to $4,000. That means you’ll spend at least $1,200 more to go tankless.
Where are the savings?
Here’s the best part. You’ll start saving money as soon as you begin using the tankless heater. According to Energy Star, water heaters are the second highest energy user in most homes. Tank heaters require constant energy usage to keep the stored water hot. But, with a tankless heater, you only heat water on-demand. Because of this, you’re sure to see a drop in your monthly energy bill. In a single year, you should expect at least $100 in savings.
Tankless Water Heaters Age Better
Did you know that traditional water heaters have a lifespan of only ten years, on average? You must invest in a new unit every decade! Now, let’s do some more math. In 30 years, you’ll need to buy three water heaters. Assuming prices stay the same, you’ll end up spending about $2,400 in total.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, live longer. Most models last for 25-30 years. So, the initial amount you spent on installation averages out to about the same price as a tank heater. Combine that with the monthly savings on your energy bill, and you’ll find yourself in the green.
Reduced Risk of Flooding
You’ve probably heard horror stories from your friends about water heaters and flooding. When tank heaters break down, they often take the entire room with them. Leaks are the leading cause of water heater failure, and a single leak can be devastating. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize there is a problem until the water heater floods everything in its path. If you own a 40-gallon tank heater, you’re looking at mopping up 40 gallons of water, never mind the sludge and rust that comes with it.
But, if you go with a tankless model, you don’t have to worry about a leaky tank. Just like the name implies, this type of water heater doesn’t have a tank at all! The water heats up when you need it, instead of storing it for future use. Best of all, you won’t lose sleep worrying about your house flooding because of your water heater.
No More Cold Showers
Have you ever been the last person in your family to get a shower? Did you run out of hot water before you rinsed out the shampoo from your hair? Go tankless, and you’ll never have to take another cold shower!
When you open the hot water tap, it signals the tankless water heater to turn on. As water flows through the pipes, the heating element inside the system quickly warms up the water. Whether you like lukewarm baths or piping-hot showers, you’ll always have more than enough water. Even if you live with a dozen other people, your new water heater will have no trouble producing enough hot water for everyone.
Ready to Trade-In Your Tank? Morningside Can Help!
Now that you know everything about tankless water heaters, you’re probably ready to get rid of your tank heater. The team at Morningside Plumbing is here for you. Our plumber will evaluate your water needs to determine which model is best for your home. We can help you find a new water heater that will provide you with a constant flow of hot water while staying within your budget. As a fully licensed and insured company, you can rest assured your plumbing pipes are in good hands with us.
Are you tired of playing Russian roulette when it comes to hot showers? Morningside Plumbing has the perfect solution for you. Let our plumbers install a brand-new tankless model in your home. Once you give it a try, you’ll never want to go back to a basic tank again. If you’re ready to upgrade your hot water system, click for expert tankless water heater installation in Atlanta.