Advantages and Disadvantages of Having Tankless Water Heaters

Are you sick of your shower that becomes cold even before you end washing? Or are you tired of always attempting to ration the amount of hot water among your several household members every day? Maybe you need to think about having a tankless water heater.  

Instead of maintaining a limited volume of heated water in-store, similar to what conventional water heater does, a tankless heater can heat your water whenever you want. This is done through flowing cold water through a pipe that’s heated with a gas or electric-powered unit. To help you decide whether this type of heater suits your lifestyle, let us try to weigh in some advantages and disadvantages of having this appliance.  

ADVANTAGES 

Extended lifespan 

If you decide to install a tankless water heater, it can possibly last for nearly 20 years. While its old versions can still last for about 10 years. 

Saves energy 

A traditional water heater can only heat the water in it to a particular temperature level and keeps it there regardless if you need or don’t need it as of the moment. Because of this, maintaining the water at that regulated temperature always during the day will be required to consume energy.  A tankless heater will only operate once you actually utilize it. With this, you can save up to 50 percent of the energy, which often leads to reduced energy consumptions.  

Smaller footprint 

Since this type of heaters doesn’t have a large holding tank, they can better fit into more compact areas. When you are planning to build a new house and you wish to save some space, it would be best to get a tankless heater.  

Hot water on demand 

When your household members simultaneously shower within a similar time of the day or you just usually like to take long showers, then having a tankless water heater is for you. This heater is perfect since it can give a constant hot water flow for as long as you want and need it rather than only giving you a limited volume of hot water. 

Disadvantages 

Bigger families require bigger units 

Even if a tankless heater can work on demand, a small version cannot usually keep up with the number of water demand at the same time. Even if a bigger heating unit can cost more, you should definitely consider getting one especially if you have high hot water demands or you have a large family. 

Higher starting expenses 

Compared to the traditional water heaters, the tankless water heater is more costly to buy and install. Yes, you can surely save some money on your energy consumptions during the entire year. Meaning, you can actually recoup the additional cost. However, the initial price tag is just higher.  

Do you need assistance with your water heater? 

Regardless if you are now opting to have tankless heaters or you just want somebody to help you with your needed water heater repair in St. Charles, we are ready to serve you. Give us a call today for more details. 

Common Indicators That Your Water Heater is Acting Up

During a nice winter morning, imagine enjoying the moment as you drink your hot coffee. To start your day, you head into your bathroom to switch on your water heater only to find out that it’s acting up. If this happens, try to recall when was the last time you have had your water heating systems inspected. To know whether you really need to have it checked and repaired right away, it’s only reasonable to learn about the possible warning signs that there’s something wrong with your water heaters and what they need to be fixed. Here are some of the common signs to pay attention to: 

Strange sounds 

Modern water heaters are perfect for those who want to heat water without any sound. When you can see that your water heater’s noise level changes, this could possibly mean that there is already an existing or developing issue going on. The longer you choose to delay fixing the issue, the more expensive and extreme it gets.  So, if you can hear weird and loud noises from your device, make sure to immediately switch it off and book for a water heater repair in Campton Hills today. If interested, you can visit our page or call us directly.  

Leakage 

Though this may appear as an apparent sign, the part of the task of water heaters is to keep water in the pipes and tanks. While the water heater becomes older, the water will tend to be more prone to leak. Once your water leaker has leaks, it won’t just minimize the volume of hot water that it can transfer to your house, but it can also cause an unwanted boost in your water bill. Make sure to replace the leaking hot water heater ASAP. But, still, keep in mind that you need to inspect the issues before you conclude on the errors and faults. For instance, you need to check the surrounding pipes for leaks.  

Changing temperature 

The water seems to be very hot in one second while sometimes too cold. Water temperature changes and fluctuation are simple to neglect. However, take note that this can possibly result in major issues with your water heater, which will just become worse sooner or later.  

When the water’s still either too cold or too hot, even if the temperature of our thermostat is set, you wouldn’t be sure about what the indications of your bad water heater are. Hence, once you observe this issue, make sure to immediately change your water heater.  

Almost no hot water 

After having a brief hot shower, you still cannot almost notice any water left for other tasks. Commonly, quality water heaters provide sufficient water to endure and make it through the entire day. Regardless if it’s for any activity or washing dishes that are impossible to be done using cold water. Eventually, when this water crunch won’t be solved, you can possibly experience one of the top signs that your water heater is not working properly anymore. 

Reasons to Examine Your Water Heater’s Anode Rod

For those who don’t know, water corrodes a lot of types of metals. This is a fact of nature. However, with the invention of the water heater, there is a bit of cleverness that comes with it. If you present a rod that can be corroded easily, the water will react with that and will leave the steel alone. 

This is the main purpose of the anode rod of your water heater. It is a metal rod used in a water heater storage tank. If you do not have an anode rod, your water heater will rust out quickly. 

If you want to avoid costly water heater repair in Indianapolis, here are several reasons why you have to regularly check the anode rod of your water heater: 

Examining and Replacing the Anode Rod 

The anode rod’s lifespan greatly depends on whether you’ve got hard or soft water. Typically, soft water tends to rust metal easily. Because of this, your rod will probably dissolve within a year.  

You need to examine your water heater’s anode rod every year. You might be able to do this yourself if you’ve got a water heater model with a rod that is easily accessible. But, perhaps it is ideal to hire a professional water heater repair technician if you aren’t able to locate the anode rod or you aren’t sure about your model. This will help avoid accidents and damages.  

It is time to replace the rod if it has deteriorated to the point where big parts of the wire are showing the core.  

Aluminum and Magnesium 

You can buy anode rods at almost every home improvement shop. You can also contact your plumber to buy one from him. Usually, the price of an anode rod runs around $10-$60. The material the rods are made from is one of the biggest differences you will see among them. Aluminum and magnesium are the most common materials. Here are their benefits and drawbacks: 

  • Aluminum 

Oftentimes, it is combined with zinc in anode rods. These rods have a tendency to be cheaper and last longer. However, they do not offer the same level of protection. Aluminum rods can actually neutralize odors in water, unlike magnesium. Several homeowners are worried about aluminum levels in their drinking water. However, people usually do not drink water from the water tank. 

  • Magnesium 

This provides better protection overall. However, it has a tendency to have a shorter life. Aside from that, it is not cheap. Magnesium can occasionally poorly react with particular water chemistry to generate a sulfur-like odor.  

Since anode rod dissolves, where do the dissolved metals go? Well, most of the dissolved metals will end up at the bottom of the water heater tank as sediment. This can affect the performance of your water heater if you allow it to accumulate for too long. To avoid this type of problem, you will have to contact a professional water heater repair technician to perform a water heater flushing service regularly. Once a year is enough.