The Department of Energy says the average American family pays $2,060 every year on energy. Out of this, $268 is used for heating water for showers, dishwashers, and other uses. So, home and business owners are increasingly looking for energy saving solutions that would save money on energy and water bills.
Among the energy saving options available, tankless water heaters have emerged as a popular choice. The big question, however, remains: How much will you save by switching to a tankless system?
Here are some factors that affect how you save energy in your household:
The primary determinant of your energy savings is the volume of hot water your household consumes daily. A family that frequently uses hot water—for showers, laundry, dishes, and more—will have a different savings profile than a single individual living alone.
Unsurprisingly, the number of people residing in your home plays a pivotal role. Larger families usually have higher hot water demands, which can affect energy savings from the system.
The capacity and specs of the tankless unit you opt for can significantly sway your energy savings. For instance, a unit that’s too small for your household might work overtime, reducing its efficiency, while an oversized unit could mean you invested more than necessary.
Tankless water heaters deliver on energy savings in a number of ways:
Traditional storage tank water heaters heat a large tank of water and keep it hot all the time, even when you’re not using it. This wastes energy because the heat constantly dissipates from the tank. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, only heat water when you turn on the faucet. This means that there is no standby heat loss, which can save you a significant amount of energy.
Tankless water heaters use heat exchangers to heat water very quickly and efficiently. This is because the heat exchanger is directly in the path of the water flow. Traditional storage tank water heaters, on the other hand, heat the water through the tank walls, which is less efficient.
Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20-25 years, while traditional storage tank water heaters typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years. This means that you will need to replace your tankless water heater less often, which can save you money in the long run.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households that consume 41 gallons or less of hot water daily can expect their tankless heater to be between 24% and 34% more energy efficient. For homes with a more substantial usage of about 86 gallons daily, the efficiency gain stands at 8%–14%.
The implications of this efficiency can be seen in tangible monetary savings. An average family can pocket savings of $100 or more annually by choosing an energy-efficient tankless water heater. While the actual savings will depend on individual household factors, this figure provides an encouraging starting point for those contemplating the switch.
There are numerous considerations to make when deciding whether to switch to a tankless water heater. But you don’t have to decide on your own. The plumbing experts at Vossler Plumbing are licensed and trained professionals with years of experience providing customers in Houston and surrounding areas with fast and reliable solutions they can trust.
We provide access to high-quality plumbing solutions at an affordable price. If you are ready to save on water bills, call our specialists at 346-712-0050, or you can request an estimate
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