Learn the Difference between Conventional and Tanked Water Heaters
Did you know that Arco Comfort Air also installs tankless water heaters? They want to be your one stop shop for all things in-home comfort, and their expansion is starting with tankless.
Not sure what a tankless water heater is or why you should get one? No problem – Owner Brian Friedman gives some insight into these systems in hopes to make your water heating decision easier.
How does a conventional water heater work?
In a conventional, tanked water heater, the cold water supply enters the tank and the burner heats the water inside it. In order to maintain temperature, the burner constantly turns on and off.
What are a conventional water heaters limitations?
Because the burner is always turning on and off to heat the water, you pay for that availability. This type of water heater consumes energy even when there is no demand for hot water. Also, the availability of hot water is dictated by the size of the tank. When the demand is higher than the supply of hot water that’s stored in the tank, your family will run out of hot water. Realistically, conventional water heating is 100 year old technology and you pay for a limited amount of hot water that you can’t always rely on.
Why do conventional water heaters deteriorate and lose efficiency over time?
Let me walk you through the process:
- Stage One – Even if you have a new water heater, heat and pressure will accelerate corrosion.
- Stage Two – As the sludge in the bottom of the tank increases, so will your utility bills. By the end of the water heater’s life, its energy efficiency will decrease by half as the tank fills with sediment that blocks the flames heat from reaching the water.
- Stage Three – On most conventional water heater, the manufacturer’s warranty is 6 years at best. The manufacturer indicates that the life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, but it could really be as few as 6. Eventually, the pressure and corrosion will cause the unit to leak.
This is what eventually happens with nearly every tank water heater. The cost to heat the water rises as the sediment builds until the unit flat out fails. And, a failing unit usually results in leaking water and potential damage to your home.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
Homeowners say that they enjoy the endless hot water, the fact that the water they get is cleaner, and that multiple people can be using the faucets in the home without interruption. But, you’ll also notice that a tankless unit can be sized for adequate hot water demand and that you will not be at risk of flood damage because the tank won’t fail.
How will I save money by switching to tankless?
Truthfully, conventional water heaters are the second largest guzzler of energy in the home. Tankless heaters don’t diminish in efficiency like conventional ones do, so you utility bills will remain pretty low every month for the next 20 years. So, that adds up to be about a 40% savings over the course of a tankless water heater’s life because you are paying for only hot water used, not stored.
How much space will I save with a tankless water heater?
Because of the smaller size, a tankless doesn’t have to be installed in the same place as your existing conventional one. The tankless is a small box that can be hung on the wall. These systems are smaller and don’t hold water, so it’s easy for them to be located in out of sigh places like in attics and between walls.
Are there any additional safety features of a tankless?
Tankless water heaters come with precise temperature controls that never allow water temperatures to go higher than you make it. So, if you have young children or just quickly turn on the tap, you won’t be surprised with scalding hot water coming out of your faucet,.
Is a tankless water heater environmentally friendly?
Yes – by investing in a tankless you can feel good knowing you’re going green. These systems emit 35% fewer greenhouse gasses than conventional water heaters. By taking a few simple steps in reducing greenhouse gas, we can all make a difference and reduce the effects of global warming which is obviously hugely important.
If I am interested in buying a tankless water heater, or would like to learn more about Arco Comfort Air, how can I contact you?
We can be reached through our website: www.goarco.com, or by phone at (216) 220-2566.