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7 Essential Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

When it comes to keeping your home warm and cozy, nothing is more important than hot water. After all, you can’t take a shower or get clean in any other way. But traditional water heaters, compared to tankless water heaters, are energy-intensive appliances that use about 20% of the natural gas consumed throughout the country every year. Moreover, they are prone to maintenance issues and shorter-than-expected lifespans. So if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly alternative to a standard gas water heater, a tankless version might be perfect for you. In this article, we are going to explore the pros and cons of tankless water heaters and show you how they work.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater is a device that heats up water as it is being used. It doesn’t store water in a tank, so it can be an excellent solution if you have a limited amount of space in your home. It can also be a great option if you want to save energy and money because tankless water heaters use less energy than traditional models. A traditional water heater stores water in a tank until it’s needed. It then gives off that water at a steady temperature. A tankless water heater only heats up water as it is being used, so it can’t provide hot water for a group of people at once. But that could be a good thing, as it can reduce the risk of scalding accidents.

Pros of Using a Tankless Water Heater

– Smaller Footprint – Since a tankless water heater only heats up water as it is being used, it has a smaller footprint than a traditional water heater. This can be useful if you don’t have a lot of room in your home for appliances.

– Less Waiting Time – With a traditional water heater, you have to wait for the water to heat up before using it. You don’t have to do that with a tankless option. You can get clean water as soon as the heater starts heating up the water.

– Eco-Friendly – Traditional water heaters use natural gas, which releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide can trap heat in the atmosphere, which can cause global warming. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, uses electricity. Electricity can also contribute to global warming, but a tankless option uses much less electricity than a traditional water heater.

– Save Money – Traditional water heaters use a lot of energy, which can cause them to increase your energy bills. Tankless uses less energy, so it can help you to save money.

Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

– Higher Initial Investment – Since a tankless water heater uses less energy than a traditional water heater, it doesn’t use as much electricity. That means it doesn’t generate as much money for your utility. To make up for that difference, the tankless water heater costs more than its traditional counterpart.

– Smaller Capacity – While a tankless water heater can heat water faster than a traditional water heater, it doesn’t have as much capacity. That means you will have to wait longer for enough hot water if you have a big family.

 – Can’t Handle Huge Amounts of Water – Some tankless water heaters can’t handle large amounts of water all at once. That could be a problem, especially if you have a big family. A tankless water heater simply can’t heat up that much water in a short period of time, so it might fail to keep up under the pressure.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Tankless Water Heater

– Amount of Water You Need – If you have a big family, you might need a tankless water heater with a large capacity. If you live alone or have small children, a smaller-capacity tankless water heater might be more than enough for you.

– Source of Electricity – If you buy a tankless water heater, you will want to make sure your utility provides electricity. If your utility uses natural gas to power your home, you won’t be able to use a tankless water heater.

– Plumbing – The plumbing in your home could be a problem if you decide to buy a tankless water heater. You have to have the right kind of pipes to make the tankless water heater work properly. Otherwise, it might not draw water properly and could break down.

How to Install a Tankless Water Heater

– Mark the Location of the Water Heater – The first thing you should do is mark the location of the water heater. In most cases, the water heater should be placed in a warm spot above the ground.

– Keep the Water Line Clear – Water tanks use a pipe to connect to the water heater. That pipe should be kept clear so that water can flow through it easily.

– Install the Water Heater – You can now install the water heater. Simply follow the instructions on the water heater box to do so.

– Connect the Water Line – You can now connect the water line to the water heater. If you’re unsure about how to do it, you can call a professional to do it for you.

Final Words

Tankless water heaters can help you save money on your energy bills. They also help to reduce water waste since they only heat up the water that is needed. However, you have to consider some factors such as the amount of water, the type of electricity, and the plumbing in your house.

Trust Palo Alto Plumbing

Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is a company that is proud to serve our California customers and provide top HVAC services. We understand that all customers have different concerns, so we will be there to make sure your home is comfortable. Our team of professionals will quickly arrive to help with troubleshooting that solves all of your problems. Please call us today!

Winter Preparation: Tips on Optimizing Your Heating System

The colder the weather gets, the greater your indoor heating requirements become. An inefficient heating system can put a significant dent in your monthly utility budget. In this blog, heating and air conditioning repair service contractor Palo Alto shares tips on optimizing your heating system for winter.

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Palo Alto Plumbing

Keep Up With Scheduled Maintenance

One of the worst things that could happen in the winter is a heating system breakdown. We may not have below freezing temperatures in Palo Alto, but it can get very uncomfortable without heat. Depending on your heating system, it can take several days to complete repairs, especially if parts need to be ordered.

Take the preventive route by keeping up with scheduled heating maintenance. This enables your HVAC technician to spot minor problems and fix them before they develop into bigger ones. In addition to maintenance, have your air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years.

Change the Air Filters

Air filters help maintain indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen and other indoor air pollutants. They require replacement every few months, or as often as once a month if you happen to be located in a dusty area. Make it a point to inspect the air filters every month so if you’re not sure how often you should replace them. A dirty, clogged air filter can block airflow in the vents, which could place additional strain on your heating and cooling units that could result in high energy bills.

Don’t Shut Down Your Heating System

Instead of turning your heating system off when you leave the house, go ahead and leave it on, as this consumes less energy. The upcycling and downcycling stages use up more energy, which is why you should leave it on until it’s time to switch over to your air conditioner.

If you have a set daily routine, program your thermostat so the temperature drops by about 10 degrees or so when you leave the house, then goes back up again a few minutes before you return home. You can do the same at night, as lower temperatures are found to promote better sleep quality. You’ll probably sleep better overall anyway knowing you can save on your utility bills just by changing your daily heating habits!

Call Palo Alto for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

Palo Alto is your leading provider of heating repair, maintenance and installation services. Give us a call at (650) 856-3400 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Palo Alto and nearby areas.

HVAC Best Practices

As with most other upgrades, your HVAC system is an investment, which means you’ll want it to last for as long as possible. One way to make this happen is with proper operation and regular maintenance. However, there are other good practices that can help keep your system in top condition.

Let our experienced heating and cooling specialists at Palo Alto show you what to do and what not to do when it comes to your HVAC system.

Thermostat Care

Every once in a while you might notice that your HVAC system isn’t providing the same quality of heating or cooling that you’re used to. While this could mean problems with the unit itself, more often than not the thermostat simply needs recalibrated. Have a professional calibrate the thermostat as part of your annual or seasonal HVAC maintenance to avoid future problems.

Changing Filters

Air filters are your first line of defense against dust, pollen and other contaminants in the air. Unfortunately, because of the way they function, they’re extremely prone to clogging up. Visually inspect your furnace or air filters and make sure to change them at least once every 30 to 90 days, or more often if needed.

Removing Obstructions

Your outdoor unit is the primary supply of fresh outdoor air for your HVAC system. Covering it up or blocking it in with shrubbery can greatly affect your air circulation, so it’s best to keep any landscaping or debris that might cause damage clear of the unit. In addition, try not to place anything too close to the condensers to prevent problems and potentially expensive repairs.

DIY Fixes

You might think you’re saving money by attempting to repair your HVAC system yourself, but it’s very likely you could actually be making things much worse. Always trust a professional to handle all your heating and cooling concerns. They’ll have the right tools and training to properly perform repairs, inspections and tune-ups.

Call Palo Alto Today to Get the Best HVAC Service

Keep your system running efficiently and problem-free with the help of our professionals at Palo Alto, your trusted heating and air conditioning service provider. Give us a call at (650) 856-3400 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Palo Alto.