5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Tankless Water Heater in Austin, TX

With rising energy costs and the cost of private water bills steadily increasing, choosing the right home water heater can be a daunting task for any property owner in Austin, TX. Tankless water heaters are quickly becoming a go-to choice for many homeowners looking to save money and reduce energy use. Here, we'll take a look at the five essential things you should consider before selecting a tankless water heater for your Austin home.

1. What Type of Tankless Water Heater?

When researching tankless water heaters, the most important decision is choosing between electric or gas-powered models. While electric tankless water heaters use electricity to heat water, gas-powered units use natural gas or propane. Gas-powered units are often the more cost-effective option, provide more consistent hot water flow than electric-powered units, and are often faster and more energy efficient. However, electric-powered models are generally cheaper to install and require less maintenance.

2. Flow Rate

Flow rate is the amount of hot water that can be provided in a given time. This differs for each tankless water heater, so it's important to select a unit that offers a sufficient flow rate for your water usage needs. The flow rate of any tankless water heater and how long it can produce hot water will vary with the temperature of the incoming water, as well as the size and shape of the unit. Before selecting a tankless water heater, consider how many different hot water uses you have and determine an appropriate flow rate for your needs.

3. Tankless Heater Life expectancy

Tankless water heaters provide a cost-effective long-term solution, but knowing how long a tankless water heater will last is just as important. The average lifespan of both electric and gas-powered tankless water heaters is between 10 and 20 years (compared to the 10-15 year average lifespan of a typical storage tank water heater). The lifespan of tankless water heaters are primarily tied to how well they are maintained and if they are overloaded with too much use.

4. Installation Cost

When shopping for a tankless water heater, cost is a major consideration. While tankless water heaters are initially more expensive than typical storage tank models, they are far more energy efficient and may offer additional tax credits. It's also important to factor in the cost of installation. Expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 to have a tankless water heater properly installed by a licensed professional.

5. Access to Maintenance Services

It's important to find a reliable contractor who offers tankless water heater installation and maintenance services in the Austin, TX area. A licensed professional will be familiar with local plumbing codes, permitting, and other requirements specific to Austin. Additionally, Abacus residential and commercial plumbers are proficient at repairing all kinds of plumbing issues, from gas and electric water heaters, slab leaks, leaky pipes to hydro jetting clogged drains.

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