Upgrading to an on-Demand Water Heater: A Homeowner's Guide

Every year, thousands of homes in the United States experience plumbing issues that inconveniences and can cost homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Homeowners in Austin, TX, particularly those in the zip code 78757, have the added detriment of heavily mineralized water due to the arid climate. One of the best ways to address plumbing issues related to water heaters and other plumbing fixtures is with an on-demand water heater.

On-demand water heaters are gaining popularity among homeowners and are quickly becoming the preferred choice for new construction, electric and gas water heaters, and replacement of existing water heaters. On-demand water heaters are also referred to as tankless, point-of-use, or instantaneous water heaters. These water heaters provide hot water on demand, which eliminates the problems caused by traditional hot-water storage systems.

This article will explain why an on-demand water heater is a better choice for a homeowner in Austin, TX and will provide detailed instructions on how to upgrade to one.

Benefits of an On-Demand Water Heater

This type of water heater has many appealing benefits, extending beyond the fact that it requires significantly less space than a traditional hot-water storage system.

Reduced Energy Costs

Traditional hot-water storage systems waste energy. Water is continually heated in the tank, using electricity or gas, even when it is not needed. An on-demand water heater only heats water when it is needed. This results in a dramatic decrease in energy costs, as energy is only used when water is actually being used.

Unlimited Hot Water

On-demand water heaters provide an unlimited supply of hot water, which means there is no more waiting for the hot water tank to fill after it runs out. This can be especially beneficial for larger households or those that take long water-heavy showers because they will never have to face the frustration of running out of hot water again.

Longer Lasting Water Heaters

Hot-water storage systems are prone to corrosion damage due to the water sitting in the tank, while on-demand water heaters are not. This means on-demand water heaters will last longer, saving you money in the long run.

Environmentally Friendly

On-demand water heaters are more efficient than traditional tank-style water heaters, meaning they use less energy. This makes them much better for the environment since they will produce fewer emissions than traditional water heaters.

How to Upgrade to an On-Demand Water Heater

Upgrading to an on-demand water heater does require some expertise in plumbing, so it is always recommended that homeowners contact a professional plumber to help with the installation. Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers is a team of experienced professionals who can handle all of your plumbing needs in Austin.

Step 1: Select the Right Water Heater

Before beginning the installation process, you'll need to select the right size water heater for your home. The size of the water heater should be based on the number of bathrooms and occupants in the house, the time of year, and the altitude. When in doubt, consult a professional to make sure you get the right size for your needs.

Step 2: Install the Heater

Once you have the right size water heater, installation can begin. This process can vary depending on the location of the water heater, but most on-demand water heaters can be installed relatively quickly.

Step 3: Check That Everything is Working

Once the installation is completed, you should test the system to make sure it is working properly. If you hire a professional plumber, they will perform all of the necessary tests to make sure your new on-demand water heater is working correctly before they leave.

Final Thoughts

Installing an on-demand water heater is a great way to reduce energy costs and ensure you'll have hot water whenever you need it. While the installation process does require some expertise in plumbing, it's not overly complicated and can be performed by a professional in a relatively short amount of time. For those in Austin, TX, be sure to contact Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers for all of your water heater needs.

On-Demand Water Heater

Hot Water Tank

Austin TX