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Tankless FAQs

I’ve heard tankless water heaters are unreliable. Is this true?

A: Not at all – in fact, tankless water heaters can last almost twice as long as conventional water heaters! Early tankless water heaters, introduced decades ago, broke down more frequently than conventional water heaters. These days, thanks to continually improving technology, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more – longer than conventional storage tank water heaters!

What size tankless water heater do I need?

A: Since every home is different, it’s impossible to estimate the exact size tankless water heater you need without seeing your situation. To get a rough idea of the size (gallons per minute capacity) you’ll need, think about how much water you use every day – how long are your showers? How often do you wash dishes or clothes? Do you ever run the dishwasher and the washing machine at the same time? Try to get a rough estimate of how much water you use, then call Barker & Sons to install a tankless water heater that meets your family’s needs.

What is the average payback period on a tankless water heater?

A: Energy savings are so high on most tankless water heater that on average, you can recoup the cost of a tankless water heater in about three to seven years. When you consider that well maintained tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more, your investment will pay you back for years to come!

How hot is the water from a tankless water heater?

A: While you can set and adjust the temperature on your tankless water heater, they are typically set to 120 degrees – the same temperature as a conventional water heater!

The best thing is, with a tankless water heater you can set the thermostat lower and still get hot water! Conventional water heaters usually need to be turned up higher to keep all that water warm. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so you can keep the temperature lower and still have water that feels hot!

What are some of the benefits tankless water heaters offer over conventional heaters?

A: One benefit of tankless water heaters is unlike conventional water heaters, they never run out of hot water. While storage tank water heaters have a limited capacity (usually between 40 – 60 gallons), tankless water heaters heat water as it passes through the system, meaning you’ll never run out of hot water – especially important when the whole family is in town!

Another benefit is that since there’s no stored water, there’s no risk of an untimely leak (flooding from water heaters is one of the most common homeowner insurance claims!). And, since you’re only heating the water you’re using, you’ll see major reductions on your energy bills.

What are the advantages of tankless water heaters over traditional tank-type water heaters?

Tankless water heaters help you save money and provide you an endless supply of clean water. Barker & Sons Plumbing outlines all the advantages tankless water heaters have over conventional tank-type water heaters.

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