| On-demand tankless water heaters may be the | | | | Disadvantages of tankless water heaters involve |
| wave of the future as our country looks at ways | | | | installation issues as well as water flow issues. |
| to reduce our energy dependence. This type of | | | | Installing this type of unit may require larger fuel |
| water heater produces instant hot water just by | | | | lines to be installed and, if the unit is improperly |
| turning on a tap. No more storing water in a tank | | | | installed, freeze damage may occur. If your home |
| and hoping it does not run out midway during a | | | | uses untreated water, your unit may experience |
| shower or while washing dishes. Those problems | | | | scaling and water flow will be reduced or blocked. |
| are eliminated with this style of appliance. Not only | | | | There is a minimum required for hot water flow |
| that, but if a whole house model is not currently in | | | | also, usually 1/2 gallon. Last, but definitely not |
| your budget, consider a space heating unit. This | | | | least, they're more expensive at purchase than |
| can be used for just one application within a home | | | | tank models. |
| and can still save a considerable amount of | | | | When you are trying to decide between tank and |
| money. | | | | tankless water heaters, keep this information in |
| Advantages of tankless water heaters include the | | | | mind. Also, consider how your family will react to |
| fact that they produce an endless supply of hot | | | | an endless supply of hot water. Energy savings |
| water. Energy is saved as these units only heat | | | | may be lost if you have family members who |
| water when it is needed, rather than heating it | | | | love to linger in the shower until the hot water is |
| and then losing some to standby heat loss. The | | | | gone. With a tankless model this never happens |
| temperature of the water also remains steady, | | | | and the showers may last for hours. You can |
| which is very nice when you are showering or | | | | avoid this by placing a timer in the bathroom if |
| washing your hair. Heat fluctuations can lead to | | | | your family will cut the water off when the timer |
| burns, especially on small children. These water | | | | goes off. Only you can know the answer to that. |
| heaters also last longer than traditional ones as | | | | Yet, if going green is your goal for the year, |
| there is no mineral buildup from storing water and | | | | purchase a tankless water heater and you will be |
| they are hung on a wall so you will have more | | | | well on your way to achieving that goal. |
| floor space. All positives in most people's view. | | | | |