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Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Tankless or Tank? That is today’s question!

Calls come in everyday with people enamored with the idea of installing a tankless water heater in their home. The idea of not heating water unless you’re using hot water–and the idea of not running out of hot water or wait for the tank to refill with hot water–is rather alluring. It’s especially interesting when you add electricity savings to the equation.

There are definite upsides, but the are some downsides too.

You see, the great savings is only realized when a gas-powered tankless water heater is installed. Sorry if this is bad news for your application! The electric tankless water heaters use a great deal of electricity. Here’s something few people consider: an electric tankless won’t ever run out of hot water. Your electric meter will just keep spinning, and spinning, and spinning as that teenager takes her 2-hour shower. Heaven for her, but for your electric bill: not so much!

Additionally, you have to be careful about the amount of power running to your home. Make sure to have a professional check the available breakers and the service coming into your home against the requirements of the tankless heater. You might find that an electric tankless just doesn’t make sense.

If you already have natural gas service, a tankless may be just the ticket! If you don’t, there are ways to make a tankless work, such as propane. The major manufacturers like Rinnai make tankless water heaters in propane and natural gas and many gas companies even provide leasing options.

Both tankless propane and natural gas are great performers, use very little electricity and require the installation of a combustion air vent. They will use up gas or propane, but it should be kinder to your pocketbook than the conventional electric appliance would be!

If you’re interested in a tankless water heater, don’t sweat, call the professionals at Bayonet and get a solid estimate on the installation today.

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