Read Before You Buy: The Guide to Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater for Your Austin Home

Making the switch to tankless water heaters in Austin, TX can provide homeowners with more efficient hot water delivery, cost savings and longer-term maintenance requirements. But, selecting the right tankless water heaters for your property and budget is not an easy choice.

Whether you are considering tankless hot water heaters for an existing home or a new construction project, this guide will provide you with insights on the factors to consider when selecting a tankless water heater for your Austin-based property.

What are Tankless Water Heaters?

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand or demand-type water heater, is designed to provide a continuous supply of hot water without the need for a large storage tank. That means tankless water heaters do not run continuously like tank water heaters, so you conserve energy as it only heats water when you need it.

The traditional water heater requires electricity or gas to heat a tank of water which then is eventually used to supply hot water throughout the house and maintain the temperature until the tank has to be refilled and reheated. With a tankless water heater, no storage tank is needed, and instead cold water runs through the heater where it is heated by an electric element or gas burner.

Tankless hot water heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water on demand, with temperatures that are adjustable and variable depending on the make and model. The average flow rate of a tankless hot water heater is around 3 gallons per minute, withflow ratesof 7.5 gallons per minute possible, though you will need to double-check the device for the exact rate for your particular model.

Benefits of a Tankless Hot Water Heater

One of the most significant benefits of tankless hot water heaters is that they can provide long-term cost savings as a result of their efficient operations. Standard water heaters need to use energy and fuel to continually heat and maintain the temperature of the water in the tank, even when you're not using it.

Tankless water heaters have no need for a storage tank, so they only use energy when they are actively being utilized, making them incredibly efficient. This enhanced efficiency can mean a cost savings for you, the homeowner.

Furthermore, tankless water heaters provide you with a greater level of control over your hot water usage. They come complete with thermometers that allow you to adjust the temperature quickly and easily, making sure the hot water delivered is in line with your needs.

A tankless water heater also requires less space than a storage tank, meaning that you can forgo the need for a separate storage room and free up space in your home. Additionally, tankless water heaters have longer lifespans than storage tank water heaters, meaning you will spend less time and money on maintenance than you would with a tank system.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

When searching for a tankless water heater, there are a number of factors to consider in order to make the right selection for your Austin home. These factors can be broken down into two primary categories:

The type of tankless water heaters you select will depend on your requirements, budget and the type of energy available in your area, as well as other factors including the size of your home and the hot water demands from your family members.

When selecting a tankless water heater, the first step is to identify the type of water heater you require. There are two primary types of tankless water heaters on the market: electric and gas-powered.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Electric tankless water heaters don't require a vent in order to work, like gas-powered systems, which means they can be installed almost anywhere in Austin. Electric tankless water heaters produce a constant lowest temperature, and they are ideal for low flow rates, as they require a significant wattage to activate – resulting in efficiency savings.

Gas-Powered Tankless Water Heaters

Gas-powered tankless water heaters activate when gas is ignited within the unit, and they generate heat instantly. Natural gas or propane are the two common energy sources used for gas-powered tankless water heaters, and the flow rate for a gas-powered unit is generally faster.

The second factor to consider when making a selection is the flow rate per minute needed for the unit to work properly. It is imperative to take capacity into account when making a selection, as electric units require a considerable amount of wattage to activate, while gas-powered units also require a certain flow rate to warm the water.

Final considerations

Making the switch to a tankless water heater in Austin can provide numerous long-term cost savings as well as delivering a continuous, constantly-adjustable stream of hot water on demand. By considering factors including the type of power source, the size of your home and the hot water demands of your family, you can make sure you select the right tankless water heater to allow for more efficient hot water delivery at your property.

Tankless Water Heater

Austin

Plumbing