You may be wondering what is a tankless water heater, and how they differ from their storage counterparts.
There are pros and cons to both types of water heaters, and you’ll want to consider all of them before you make your decision. A tankless heater is smaller than a traditional water heater and can usually be mounted on a wall, usually in the basement. It can save you a lot of space, which is a plus in small homes. However, a tankless water heater requires a separate water softener, which adds to its price and occupies space beside the heater, and it may even take up more space than a traditional water heater.
When determining the right size of a tankless water heater for your home, you’ll need to consider the number of fixtures to be served by the unit. Another factor to consider is the temperature of groundwater in your area. Groundwater in Michigan and Florida is roughly equal in temperature, so a tankless water heater in Michigan will have to be 33 to 50 percent larger than one in Florida to provide enough hot water for your home’s demands.
To keep your tankless water heater working properly, it should receive regular maintenance. While most tankless water heaters last for up to 20 years, maintenance is essential to its optimal performance. In areas with hard water, it’s recommended that you flush the unit at least once a year. If your area is particularly hard, you may want to have it flushed twice a year. If you are unsure about the maintenance schedule for your tankless water heater, a professional plumber can help you.
