In the modern world, we have become used to many conveniences that make our lives easier and more comfortable. Access to clean and hot water is one of those major improvements that most of us simply could not live without. But, many people are unhappy with their traditional water heaters, they don’t have enough output, they need a lot of maintenance, and they can be costly to run. In this article, we will look at six good reasons why you should consider installing a high efficiency water heater.
- The Water Heater Needs Replacing Anyway
Like every water using appliance, a water heater has a hard life, and it needs to be replaced from time to time. A more traditional water heater should last for between 8-12 years, and a tankless unit could last for up to 20 years. The length of service will vary a great deal depending on a number of factors, such as the water quality, servicing intervals, and the quality of the water heater. But, no matter what model you have, if your water heater starts to act up, it’s likely that it will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. So, if the water heater is going to be replaced anyway, it’s a great idea to switch it out for a high efficiency unit. This will cost more money initially, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives, and the savings on your energy bill will pay off in the medium to long term.
- You Want Lower Energy Bills
One of the main reasons why people consider installing a high efficiency water heater is the savings that they can make on their energy bills. Over time a traditional water heater will lose a great deal of efficiency; this can be offset with cleaning and servicing for a time. But, eventually, the unit will be expensive to run, and the latest high efficiency water heaters are far more energy efficient. These units heat the water faster, and many people experience energy savings of up to 50% on their water heater. Over 8,12 or even 20 years (tankless water heater) of service, these energy savings add up to a great deal of money saved. So, when you look at the price of a high efficiency water heater, don’t forget to factor these energy savings into your purchasing decisions.
- You Want to Use Less Water
Many modern water using appliances are designed to use less water, and this is a major advantage to choosing high efficiency tankless water heaters. When you install a water heater like this, you can enjoy hot water on demand without storing it in a tank. The system will use less water, and this will help you to keep your water costs low. This is especially true if you source your water from a well rather than from a municipal water source.
- You Want to Help the Environment
It’s become clear in recent years that we will need to conserve our water in the years to come. When you install a high efficiency water heater you use less water and less energy, making it an ideal choice if you want to help the environment. But, there are other environmental benefits to using these types of water heaters that you may not have considered. Firstly, many modern water heaters are built using a high number of recycled components, and these are re-used to conserve resources. Secondly, traditional water heaters create a great deal of air pollution compared to modern high efficiency units. So, if creating a better environment for your family, neighborhood, and the nation are important to you, a high efficiency water heater is a smarter choice.
- You Want to Spend Less on Maintenance
Like any water using appliance, a water heater requires a certain amount of maintenance to make sure it’s working as the manufacturer intended. Over time, a poorly maintained unit will start to fail, and this can lead to repairs or even an earlier replacement. For this reason, it’s a great idea to get your water heater, and plumbing checked out regularly. But, if you have a high efficiency water heater, you don’t need to worry about this as much. Sure, you still need to get these units checked out from time to time, but they require far less maintenance and fewer repairs to keep them running well. Over the useful lifespan of a new high efficiency water heater, the savings made from lower maintenance and repair costs can really add up.
- You Want a Potential Tax Write-Off
Many homeowners are not aware of the potential tax write-off that may be available if they make a switch to a high efficiency water heater system. In certain areas of the country, it’s possible to get a tax rebate if you install one of these units in your home. This can save a significant amount on the initial purchasing cost of a high efficiency water heater. Because the higher entry price is the primary reason why most people don’t install these types of units in their homes, it’s important to factor this potential rebate into the final price. So, after your new high efficiency water heater is installed, you may get some of your money back and then enjoy lower energy, water, and maintenance costs. Ask your local certified plumber if you qualify for a rebate in your area.
As you can see, there are six main benefits to you and your home if you install a high efficiency water heater. When you make the decision to install one of these systems, make sure you use a trusted local plumber that’s fully licensed, bonded, and insured. If you’re going to invest in a high efficiency water heater, it makes sense to get it installed by a professional to protect your investment. Make sure to ask about
your chosen plumber about annual maintenance programs to keep your new water heater and plumbing in great shape.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
