Tankless Water Heaters in Austin
Professional Guidance & Quality Service in Austin, TX & Surrounding Areas
If you’re ready for a replacement water heater for your home, the first question that might come to mind is: Tank or tankless? At Daniel’s Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we not only install, replace, and/or repair both tanked and tankless water heaters, but we can also help you determine which option is right for you. We offer seasonal specials and financing, so you won’t break the bank by installing a new tankless water heater.
How a Tankless Water Heater Works
The idea behind a tankless water heater is very simple. Tankless water heaters use high-powered burners to rapidly heat water. A heat exchanger delivers the hot water directly to facility fixtures without using a storing tank. Tankless heaters are also called “on-demand” water heaters because the appliance does not maintain a continuous hot water supply, but instead heats water as it is needed and does so very quickly. Tankless heaters can be electric, propane, or gas.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Are you considering replacing your water heater with a newer model? In addition to gas and electric tank water heaters, our company also offers tankless water heaters. As the name implies, these water heaters don’t use the tanks you normally see with water heaters.
There are a wide variety of reasons for homeowners to switch to a tankless water heater, including:
Replaceable Parts
Tankless water heaters are designed to have nearly every part replaced. For example, if a tank heater ends up with a leak, potentially the entire unit will need to be replaced. With an on-demand water heater, you’ll only need to replace the parts instead of the entire unit. An on-demand water heater can last 20 years, sometimes longer. Unlike traditional tank water heaters that hold a limited amount of water, on-demand water heaters are ideal for filling large tubs and other large areas with hot water, because of the continuous rapid heating.
Saving Money & the Environment
Tankless gas water heaters let you save on energy bills while also saving the environment. The average tankless water heater has an 80% efficiency rate and an 82% recovery rate. In addition, they also only provide hot water when needed. This means you’ll spend less money on energy bills, while also reducing your carbon footprint.
Cleaner Water
You may not get to see it very often, but the inside of a water tank can look pretty nasty. As water sits inside the tank, the water stagnates and leaves behind hard water stains. Tankless water heaters boil and heat the water as it passes through the pipes, preventing it from sitting and becoming stale.
Longer Lasting with Fewer Breakdowns
Tankless water heaters are much easier to maintain than their tank-based counterparts. On average, a water heater with a tank can last about six to 12 years. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters can last beyond 20 years. This long life also takes into consideration that a tankless water heater requires less maintenance over its lifespan, meaning less costly breakdowns, saving you even more money! In addition, tankless water heaters tend to have longer warranties due to their longer life expectancy.
Save Space
Because they don’t have to worry about having a big clunky tank, tankless gas water heaters take up about a third of the space of a regular tank-based water heater. In addition, they’re designed with modern technology that makes them smaller and lighter than other water tanks, with some models weighing in at five pounds. They can even be mounted to walls so you can save more space. This will free up precious storage in your basement or utility closet.
Hot Water Faster
With traditional tank-style water heaters, you have to “prep” the water by waiting for the entire tank to heat up. This results in wasted water while you let the cold water run. You could avoid this with a re-circulating pump, but then you’re wasting electricity and energy. Your average tankless heater can comfortably provide water to a full-sized home without any of the wait time.
Disadvantages of Tankless
Tankless water heaters do have disadvantages, like the upfront cost. On-demand water heaters cost at least three times more to install, although we do offer seasonal specials and financing options to help offset the cost.
- Cost: The upfront cost is one of the most noticeable. It is important to keep in mind that the smaller units may not have a large enough capacity to serve an entire household, but larger ones do.
- Requirements: Tankless water heaters have special venting requirements due to using high-powered burners. This venting system requires professional installation. The “cold water sandwich” occurs when the tankless heater shuts off after a task. Adding a storage tank resolves some of these problems.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the benefits of installing a tankless water heater in my Austin home?
Tankless water heaters offer several advantages for Austin homeowners, including energy efficiency, which can lead to cost savings on utility bills over time. They also provide a consistent supply of hot water, unlike traditional tanked heaters that can run out. Additionally, tankless units require less maintenance and can have a longer lifespan, making them a valuable long-term investment for your household.
How can I tell if my tankless water heater needs repair?
If you notice a lack of hot water, inconsistent water temperatures, or error messages on the unit's display, it may indicate that your tankless water heater requires repair. In Austin, where hard water is common, mineral buildup can also affect the performance of your water heater. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can ensure your tankless water heater operates efficiently.
Is a tankless water heater more cost-effective than a traditional tanked water heater?
While the initial cost of a tankless water heater is higher than that of a traditional tanked model, the long-term savings can be significant. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient, which means lower energy bills for Austin residents. Additionally, with lower maintenance requirements and a longer lifespan, the overall cost of ownership can be less with a tankless water heater.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require in Austin, TX?
Tankless water heaters in Austin typically require less maintenance than traditional tanked models. However, it's recommended to have a professional perform an annual inspection and flush the system to remove any mineral buildup, especially due to the hard water in the area. This helps maintain efficiency and prolongs the life of the unit.
How long does the installation process for a tankless water heater take in Austin?
The installation time for a tankless water heater can vary based on several factors, including the existing setup and any necessary modifications to accommodate the new unit. In Austin, a professional installation by a qualified technician, like those at Daniel’s Plumbing & Air Conditioning, typically takes a few hours to ensure everything is connected correctly and safely.
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