You and your family rely on hot water in your Bethlehem, PA home for things like cleaning, bathing, cooking, and more. If you currently have a traditional tank-based water heater, then you likely know that it’s possible to run out of hot water during high-demand times.
Also, these units generally last for only eight to 12 years before requiring replacement. Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular in the Bethlehem area, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® is happy to share some of the benefits of this option.
Tankless Water Heater Basics
Instead of using a tank to store heated water, a tankless system heats water on demand. The system activates as soon as you open a faucet and begins heating water immediately. Depending on your plumbing layout, it may still take a few seconds for hot water to reach the fixture.
Tankless water heaters run off electricity, propane or natural gas. The type of model you choose should take into account the price of these power sources and how much hot water you use each day.
Gas and propane tankless systems are available in both non-condensing and condensing models. Non-condensing units vent hot exhaust directly, while condensing systems reuse that heat, making them more energy-efficient.
A heat exchanger will quickly heat water, venting exhaust fumes to the exterior of your home. Non-condensing gas models tend to cost less upfront than condensing models. Still, they are often more expensive than electric tankless systems or basic tank units when installation and venting are considered.
Electric tankless models tend to cost less upfront but may be more expensive to operate in some regions. Gas-powered condensing models offer greater energy savings over time, especially in homes with high hot water demands.
The Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
A tank-based system doesn’t always provide you with fast access to hot water. You may be used to waiting several minutes before hot water reaches your fixture. While tankless units heat water on demand, it may still take a few seconds for the hot water to reach your faucet, depending on the pipe layout. Installing a recirculation pump can reduce wait time.
When it comes to efficiency and cost savings, tankless systems are ideal. You don’t need to run your water heater periodically to maintain the temperature of the water inside the tank. The heating process only occurs when you demand hot water. Tank water heaters are less efficient due to standby heat loss, as they maintain hot water in the tank even when it’s not in use.
Even if you’re at work for the day or on vacation, your equipment will run to maintain a set temperature. You have the option to lower the temperature of the water in your tank, but there will still be some degree of inefficiency.
Not all homes have a lot of square footage to work with for the installation of a water heater. If you have a tank-based system in your home, this can take up quite a bit of room.
Instead, consider a tankless system. The unit is installed onto the wall and doesn’t take up a lot of space. It’s perfect for small utility closets, basements or attics. It also takes up minimal space and requires only occasional maintenance, such as descaling, to maintain peak performance.
Regardless of the time of day and how many people are using hot water in your residence, you shouldn’t run out of hot water with a tankless model. Keep in mind, you’ll want to work with our team to ensure that you’re investing in the right-sized unit.
We can help you determine your hot water demands and the type of unit to purchase and install. If you have a large home or have high hot water demands, it may be necessary to invest in two tankless systems.
A tankless water heater can last for many more years than a tank-based model. Instead of just 8 to 12 years of use, your tankless system can provide approximately 20 years or more.
Just make sure that you’re keeping up with routine inspections and maintenance of your system. This can help us spot issues early and protect the interior components of your system to reduce malfunctioning.
Tankless Water Heater Considerations
It’s important to note that a tankless water heater will be more expensive upfront compared to a tank-based model. However, the money you save with its efficient operation covers the difference in a few short years. There may also be tax incentives and rebates available to offset the cost of your new tankless model.
Flow rate is something you want to consider with a tankless model. A high flow rate can be beneficial if you have substantial hot water demands in your home. However, it may cost you more to run your tankless water heater. Flow rate impacts how many fixtures can run hot water simultaneously. Choosing the right capacity ensures comfort without compromising performance.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?
If your current water heater is nearing the end of its useful life, it’s a good idea to start planning for its replacement. Having enough time to budget is ideal.
However, there may be sudden signs that indicate it’s time to replace your water heater. This includes a sudden spike in your home’s energy consumption. Your current heater may be malfunctioning or working harder to provide you with hot water, driving up your monthly bills.
Your hot water heater should function rather quietly. If you’re noticing loud or abnormal sounds when it’s running, there may be issues with sediment or mineral deposits on key components. There may be a problem with the pressure relief valve or heating element as well.
During an inspection of your water heater, we look at the condition of your tank and related equipment. Any rust or corrosion that is present on the exterior of your tank usually indicates the same wear and tear on the interior. This damage can cause issues with the safety of your hot water supply and reduce system efficiency.
While a tank-based hot water heater may eventually run out of hot water, you should experience consistent water temperatures the rest of the time. An aging or unreliable heater may struggle to maintain consistent water temperatures or fail to reach your preferred settings.
Also, watch out for extremely hot, scalding water. This indicates a problem with your heating element. While slight warmth is normal, the exterior of your tankless unit should never feel excessively hot. If it does, it may signal a malfunction. This is something to keep an eye on.
Make sure that the water coming out of your faucets doesn’t have any sediment or rust in it. If you see contamination in your water, don’t consume it and call for professional support. We can check the quality of your water as well as inspect your heater to diagnose any potential problems.
If you would like assistance with selecting a tankless hot water heater for your Bethlehem home, reach out to our team here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®. We can also take care of the installation process for you, adhering to local code enforcement and ensuring efficiency.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in Bethlehem today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
