When it’s time for replacement of the home’s Water Heater in Bellevue WA, the household residents may wonder whether they should have a tankless model installed. They know that the installation costs more than it does for a tank heater, but they really like the seemingly infinite supply of hot water. They may have experienced this while staying at a friend’s or relatives home and thought it was a great feature.
Endless Hot Water
A tankless Water Heater in Bellevue WA immediately starts warming up the water when someone turns on a faucet or an appliance like a washing machine. The liquid flows through pipes to reach the spigot. The process continues until the demand for hot water ends.
People who love taking long, hot showers appreciate this. Families who have been accustomed to running out of hot water if two or more people take consecutive showers also will be glad to have a tankless version. Some tank models can barely fill a bathtub before running out of hot water.
Efficiency
With a tank heater, the only way to come close to effect of endless hot water is to have a very large tank and set the temperature very high. This is definitely not an efficient strategy, as it will cost a lot in gas or electric bills to keep that big container of water hot 24 hours a day. With an on-demand heater, the water is only heated for immediate needs. Gallons of it do not stay hot at all hours of the day. Another issue with the high temperature is the possibility of someone accidentally getting scalded when turning on the tap.
Considerations
The hardness of the water, or its mineral content, must be addressed before choosing a tankless model. A high mineral content is not good for any type of water heater, but is especially bad for on-demand versions. Mineral scale builds up and causes damage. The system may need to be drained or flushed occasionally. The homeowners may choose to have a water softener installed to prevent the need for flushing. Tankless heaters and softeners can be installed by a contractor such as Pat’s Plumbing.
