Have you heard people talking about tankless water heaters in Atlanta? It’s for a good reason. These energy-efficient and ever-ready marvels are just what you’re looking for!
Wondering about tankless water heaters in Atlanta? Not sure whether a tankless water heater will work for you, or what to expect from installation?
This is natural. As we become more aware of green options, many people want to know how best to save money. (Fun fact: Look for toilets with the EPA’s “WaterSense” label. You’ll save yourself about $130 a year in water bills when replacing your throne. But hey, we’re here to talk about water heaters.) Tankless water heaters offer similar savings and easy installation.
Today, we’re here to cover all your questions about just that, including:
- What a tankless water heater is
- How much it costs compared to regular heaters
- How you can find the right one
- What installation involves
- Who can help you with a new heater (hint: us, duh)
So lay those questions to rest about what a tankless water heater involves. Let’s get you started with a newer, more comfortable existence. Read on.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
So just what is this “tankless” business all about? It’s basically what it sounds like. It’s a water heater that doesn’t store the liquid in a tank but instead heats water as it comes into the house. A tankless water consists of a small box through which water runs, heated by gas on an on-demand basis. This means that when you turn on the hot water tap, the tankless heater fires up. It heats the water until you turn off the tap.
This saves energy because you don’t have to keep a full tank of water constantly hot. It also means you don’t run out of water, because the size of the tank no longer limits your hot water. It’s a great way to keep a large family or lots of guests happy during get-togethers. It’s a great deal, especially when you tally up costs as well.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay Compared to a Regular Heater?
A quick cost comparison shows the tankless water heater is competitive with the traditional storage tank heater. Let’s run the numbers:
It’s important to understand that a tankless water heater does cost significantly more upfront than a standard heater. Tankless heaters run between $2,000 and $4,000 on average, while tank heaters are only $500 to $800. If we take the average, that’s $3,000 compared to $650.
However, that doesn’t take into account the fact that tank heaters need replacing every 10-15 years. That’s as opposed to every 25 years or so for the tankless version. If we again assume an average, that means tankless heaters need replacing every 12.5 years, costing $650 each time. We’ll save you the math. A tankless water heater will last through roughly two tank heater lifetimes. Therefore, the cost difference is really $3,000 to $1,300, or $1,700.
What about daily use costs? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can save their owners about $100 in operating expenses every year. If you multiply that out by 25 years, the time period a tankless water heater will live, that’s $2,500 saved. The increased cost of a tankless heater is more than compensated for by that. Good deal.
Note that these numbers include installation costs. The main reason a tankless heater is so much higher is that plumbers have to install extra electrical outlets and tanks on your home. However, they won’t have to do that next time – saving you even more money. So overall, it’s a great deal. Now, how do you get the one for you?
How Do You Find the Right Tankless Water Heaters in Atlanta?
Choosing the right tankless water heater is a matter of occupancy, water use, and desired flexibility. If you live in a household of five, for instance, you need more hot water than you’d ever use with just two people. On the other hand, if you have guests frequently, then it might prove worth it to have enough hot water for five or even ten people when you need it. Discuss your needs with the other members of your household before deciding.
You must also decide how many faucets you want to run at the same time. Do you want to take two showers at once? Would you like to do the dishes and shower? Do you want to shower and use the sink in the same bathroom, for a couple’s morning preparations, for instance? These questions will determine if you need a large heater or even more than one.
In large households, it’s often useful to install a water heater upstairs and down. That way, the kids can all shower comfortably while you get dinner prepped. Or everyone can get ready for the day at once. The main limiting factor of tankless water heaters is the flow rate. Because tankless heaters heat water as it comes in, you don’t have access to an entire tank of hot water all at once. That means you don’t run out. But it also means you might need more heaters to accommodate large families or gatherings.
It all comes down to flow rate. You need to know the flow rate of all the faucets you want to run at once. Total them up and get a heater that can accommodate that. The exact size and number of heaters is something with which your plumber can help you. They can also assist with installing low-flow fixtures if you want to save money and energy.
What Should You Expect from Installation?
Installing a tankless water heater involves several steps. But your plumber can complete them all for you. In a nutshell, here’s what needs to happen:
- Turn off and remove your old tank water heater
- Install a gas line to the site of your tankless water heater or heaters
- Install new water lines to the same site
- Mount the water heater on the inside or outside of your home, depending on your plumber’s recommendations
- Install a vent to the outdoors if your tankless heater is inside
- Seal the vent completely with shingles and sealant
- Plug in the water heater
- Insulate all pipes carrying water
- Turn on the gas to the heater so it can warm water when necessary
- Read all instructions for the water heater’s initial startup and servicing
As you can see, it’s quite a lot of steps. Don’t let those DIY posts convince you this is something you can do yourself. Most laypeople do not have the expertise to install gas and water lines safely, protect their homes when working indoors and out, and ensure the tank will last its full life. Plus, if you install something incorrectly, you might void the warranty, which would be a real bummer.
Who Should You Call for Help?
This is a trick question, of course. Morningside Plumbing is the obvious choice for anyone who lives in Midtown Atlanta and wants excellent service backed by decades of experience. Our experts have the 411 on tankless water heaters. Plus, we can not only give you the rundown on whether they’re right for you. We can also help you choose the best heater for your needs. If you’re not quite sure your existing heater is kaput, we’re also happy to give you an honest appraisal, so you make the most of your budget.
Ready to stop messing around with that old, rusty, pinging water heater? We’re ready to help. So, click or call 404-873-1881 for tankless water heaters in Atlanta.