Tankless water heaters have become more popular and in demand in recent years due to their increased efficiency, on-demand hot water, and space-saving benefits. When you’re looking into purchasing something or making a change, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the product, which is exactly what we’re going to do today. All Year Cooling and Plumbing is going to break down what tankless water heaters are, how they work, and if they are right for South Florida homes, where there is an intense climate and extreme heat.
What Are Tankless Water Heaters?
One of the main differences between tankless water heaters and traditional water heaters is the water reservoir. For tankless heaters, there is no need to have a water reservoir as it only heats water when needed. Whereas traditional water heaters have a large water reservoir that stores and heats the water consistently.
How Does it Work?
Tankless water heaters work when the water is turned on, instead of it heating an entire container of water. The water flowing to the faucet goes through the tankless system and is heated by a gas burner or electric element as it passes through it. Then, the heated water flows to the faucet and gives you the hot water that you’d normally get through any heated water system.
The Popularity of Tankless Water Heaters
Recently, the popularity of tankless water heaters has grown due to the benefits of getting one instead of a traditional water heater. One benefit that comes with a tankless heater is energy efficiency, which is a growing concern for many people across the globe. They avoid standing heat loss, thereby reducing their utility bills. Another factor that has contributed to the popularity of these heaters is their tankless design, which occupies significantly less space. If you’ve seen a traditional water heater, they can be very bulky, and they often have their own space in a closet or in the basement that is not very aesthetic, but also takes up quite a bit of room. The last main benefit that has people wanting this type of water heater is the endless hot water, which means that you don’t have to worry about two people using the hot water at the same time and dealing with it running out on you. Tankless systems have an unlimited amount of hot water, which makes it ideal for large families or families that tend to use hot water simultaneously allowing for fewer water heater repairs due to overuse.
Is the Tankless Water Heater Fit for the Florida Climate?
If you live in Florida, then you might be wondering if this type of water heater is ideal for your home in the intense climate of Florida. When it comes to deciding if a tankless water heater is right for a Florida home, it’s important to look at the different factors that come with that.
Utility Rates: South Florida has a very hot and humid climate, meaning that these conditions could reduce seasonal energy savings that you normally would get. Knowing this, it’s important to look at the cost versus the benefit when it comes to choosing the tankless system over a traditional system.
Water Demand: Every family is different when it comes to hot water demand and whether or not a tankless system is truly necessary. If you find that your family has to avoid using the hot water at the same time or if they have to wait for more hot water before being able to take a shower or do the dishes, then it may be necessary to replace your water heater for unlimited hot water.
Water Quality: Hard water in Florida can affect he tankless water heaters, which could potentially require softeners. Hard water can cause mineral buildup and cause efficiency problems if you’re not using a water softener.
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters in South Florida
Let’s break it down more on the pros and cons of having a tankless water heater in South Florida to help find if it’s the right choice for your home, or if you should consider staying with a traditional water heater.
Pros of Tankless Water Heater
- Endless hot water
- Lower energy costs
- Space-saving design
- Lower operating costs
- Energy efficiency
Cons of Tankless Water Heater
- Higher upfront cost to install
- Complex installation
- Possibility of needing upgrades
- Hard water considerations
- Possible temperature flexibility
Is a Tankless Water Heater Ideal for Your South Florida Home?
After looking at the pros and cons of a tankless water heater and how it differs from a traditional water heater, there is still the question of whether or not it is the right choice for your home. Here are some ideal scenarios that would be ideal for having a tankless water heater:
- Homes and families with high hot water demand
- Households looking for long-term energy cost savings
- Homes that prioritize energy efficiency
- Homes that have good water quality
- Homes or renovations where the space for a water heater is limited
How All Year Cooling and Plumbing Can Help
If you’ve decided that a tankless water heater is the right choice for you, we’re here to help. At All Year Cooling and Plumbing, we have a team of licensed and experienced plumbing specialists who understand the Florida climate and can install a tankless system that works for your household. Not only that, but after the initial installation, we can take on any maintenance that you may need following the installation. With plumbing support like leak detection, water filtration, hydro-jetting, and emergency plumbing, we have you covered on every aspect you may need for your tankless water heater. Contact us today if you are interested in having a tankless water heater installed in your home.