More and more homeowners are trying to reduce their daily carbon footprints by installing all-electric appliances. One trend that’s picking up steam is the switch to electric water heaters—usage has jumped from 39% to 46%. You’re in the right place if you’re still using a traditional water heater and thinking about going electric but aren’t entirely sold yet. This initial curiosity means you’re already moving in the right direction!
Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of an electric whole home tankless water heater and some things to consider before making the switch to a greener home.
What is an Electric Whole Home Tankless Water Heater?
For those of you who may not be familiar with an electric whole home tankless water heater, it’s a type of water heater that provides hot water on demand. A tankless water heater, hence the name, doesn’t store hot water in a tank, unlike its traditional counterpart, so you don’t have to wait for the storage tank to fill up with enough water before using it. A slight ‘but,’ though, is that it has a limit on how much water it can flow out each time.
An electric whole home tankless water heater has several essential components: flow sensors, a temperature sensor, a control board, and, more importantly, heating elements and water pipes. If you wonder how it works, simply put, when you turn your hot water tap on, cold water will run through the cold water pipe and pass through the heating elements. Once the desired temperature is reached, the water will be delivered for your use.
Key Benefits of Electric Whole Home Tankless Water Heaters
Energy Efficiency
The trend of people ditching other means of heating their water is backed by these stats shared by the Department of Energy. If your home’s daily hot water use is up to 41 gallons, you can save 24-34% more energy than a traditional water heater. Even with much more hot water, around 86 gallons, an electric whole home tankless water heater is still 8% to 14% more energy efficient.
Endless Hot Water Supply
A tankless system provides hot water on-demand, meaning you will never run out of hot water when you and your family need it. However, there is a term and condition to it. For instance, if you have a larger home with multiple simultaneous hot water uses, you may choose a water heater with higher voltage as it tends to have higher flow rates. Otherwise, you’ll get a weak stream that may disturb your household’s daily activities.
Space Saving
Unlike traditional water heaters, which have a bulky appearance, electric whole home tankless water heaters have a compact design that can be mounted on walls or installed in smaller spaces. This design will free up valuable space in your home, which is especially necessary if you have a small home.
Longer Lifespan
Even though an electric whole home tankless water heater can be more expensive than a traditional one, most tankless water heaters last longer. Some may even have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. Additionally, it has fewer parts that can fail compared to traditional tanks, further contributing to its longevity.
Environmentally Friendly
You can start taking part in making the world a greener place to live in from the comfort of your own home without having to sacrifice comfort itself! When you opt for an electric whole home tankless water heater that is more efficient energy-wise, the byproduct is inevitably reduced carbon footprints. It’s such a win-win for your family and the world, indeed.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Professional Installation
Before you head in the right direction, the next question you’ll probably ask is, ‘Should I just buy one and install it myself, or should I go with a professional?’ Consider this: this water heater usually requires specific electrical setups, especially water heaters with higher voltage, plumbings, and permits. While it can be quite costly, professional installation ensures your system operates efficiently and prevents unwanted safety hazards.
Electrical Requirement
Now, check your home to see if it can handle this additional load of electronic appliances. Most electric tankless water heaters need a reliable 220-240 volt power source. You can find that information on your home’s electrical panel or consult a qualified electrician for a more reliable answer. The other thing you need to make sure of is that you have a dedicated circuit ranging from 30 to 60 amps.
Maintenance and Care
Choosing a good water heater and installing it correctly is crucial, but maintenance and care are no less critical. One simple thing you can do is flush your system regularly using a mixture of white vinegar and clean water to remove mineral buildup that can cause clogging and check your cold for obstruction or debris. However, to make sure everything is functioning properly and identify potential problems, it’s wise to leave it to the professional.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here, we also list for you the most common issues that people face and how to troubleshoot your electric water heater:
1. Hot Water Quality Problem:
The first most common issue is no hot water coming out at all. Before you panic, remember that this issue is caused mainly by a lack of power supply, inadequate water flow, or blockage. So make sure to check the receiving power, circuit breaker, water supply, and any filters for clogs.
Low water pressure is another annoying problem that can ruin your relaxing me-time in the bathroom. Before it affects your mood, you can check whether your water pressure regulator is in the correct adjustment to allow optimal flow and clean your water heating component if necessary. However, low water pressure can also be caused by inadequate plumbing infrastructure, which is why it’s better to ask a pro to install yours.
This next problem, water feeling too hot, can be dangerous rather than just annoying. It is usually caused by malfunctioning temperature sensors or thermostats. If that happens, your first instinct should be to check your set temperature and try to reset it. If that fails, call a plumbing service to fix it ASAP.
2. Noise from The Water Heater:
A weird sound coming out of your water heater is never a good sign, as you may be facing sediment buildup or a loose component. Firstly, you can try to tighten the loose component and flush the unit regularly. If that doesn’t stop the sound, call a professional.
Cost Analysis
Initial Investment
So, how much is the investment we are talking about here? Well, whole-house tankless water heaters fueled by electricity generally cost around $200 to $2300. The installation cost is around $500 to $3,000, depending on the system and power used. This may sound a bit much compared to other traditional water heaters. But we’ll tell you this: it’s worth every penny you pay for, and you’ll thank yourself for making this investment in the future.
Long-Term Savings
Should we talk, a tankless water heater can save up to $44 – $108 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Over time, these savings add up, making an electric whole home tankless water heater a smart investment that reduces not just your utility bills in the long run but also your household’s carbon footprint.
How Johnson’s Heating & Cooling Can Help
If you’re in the area of Westmoreland County, look no further than Johnson’s Heating & Cooling. You can trust our Registered Master Plumbers to complete your electric whole home tankless water heater installation, maintenance, and even repair. Best of all, we’ll charge you by the job (not the hour) and straight with you about the total cost from the very beginning.
End Note
There you have it—the information you need about electric whole home tankless water heaters that may give you a little kick for taking a step toward a greener world and greener pocket. Choosing to switch to an electric whole home tankless water heater will provide your family with an endless hot supply, lower energy consumption, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional ones—all that while also being environmentally friendly.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us for more info.
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