Energy is one of the greatest expenses that homeowners have to pay. Between the cost of heating and cooling and the operation of household appliances and entertainment devices, energy use can quickly skyrocket, causing your utility costs to spike. Taking small steps to improve the efficiency of your home can have a big impact on your monthly expenses, so it’s important to consider the things you can do to reduce your energy use. Consider the following information from a plumber in Grand Rapids, MN about how a tankless water heater can help lower your household energy bill.
What is a tankless water heater?
A tankless water heater heats water instantaneously when it is required, rather than storing up hot water in a tank like a traditional water heater. Because tankless water heaters only heat water when the hot water tap is turned on, these systems use far less energy and create significantly less energy waste. A tankless water heater heats water with a heat exchanger. Water passes through a series of coils in this heat exchanger and then flows out of the hot water tap. While these water heaters still require the installation of a heating unit, the system has a much smaller footprint than a traditional water heater tank.
Tankless water heater efficiency
Tankless water heaters are considered very efficient because they only heat water on demand. Instead of heating water and storing it in a tank until it’s needed, these units expend energy on heating elements that are only activated when the hot water tap is open or a hot water appliance is in use. The energy that you save by using a tankless water heater can make a big difference when it comes to your overall consumption and the amount of money you spend monthly on your energy bill.
Although tankless water heaters offer significant cost-savings benefits, it’s important to consider the capacity of these units before you have one installed. Tankless water heaters can only heat limited volumes of water at a given time, meaning that you might not be able to use multiple hot water fixtures or appliances simultaneously. Typically, tankless water heaters only have the capacity to heat water for one high-volume application at a time, like filling a bath or running a warm washing machine cycle.
Many tankless water heaters offer additional features to offset this limited capacity. Some tankless water heaters automatically reduce the flow of hot water to a single tap when multiple hot water fixtures or appliances are running. Other tankless water heaters come equipped with smart home integration capabilities that enable homeowners to set timers and cycle settings to maximize the performance of their units. You can find out more about these options by contacting a plumber in Grand Rapids, MN.
Hire a plumber in Grand Rapids, MN
At Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc., we know how important it is to find energy-saving appliances that will offer exceptional performance without breaking the bank. We are proud to offer water heater services that are designed to maximize plumbing performance. Learn more by giving us a call today!