One way to save on heating expenses is to install a tankless or instantaneous water heater in your home.
Waste from traditional storage tank-type water heaters can account for as much as 10 to 20 percent of a household’s annual water heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. These tanks constantly adjust to the cold water coming in to maintain the water temperature between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The units can be installed for a particular location, such as a sink, or they can be installed centrally for the entire house.
But the tanks do cost more than their conventional counterparts. A small, individual unit costs about $200, while a larger unit can run as much $1,000 or more.
Both the Department of Energy (www.energy.gov) and the Builder’s Websource (www.builderswebsource.com) offer considerations and tips when selecting a water heater. For instance, installing an instant water heater under a sink is as simple as mounting it, connecting it to the cold-water supply line, plugging it into an electrical circuit and connecting the mount to faucet.
Next time, we’ll discuss how to install tankless water heaters in your home.
Do you have an instant hot-water heater in your home? If so we’d like to hear about your experience with it – positive or negative. The home improvement tip runs on Wednesdays. Send your questions and comments to nm*****@**********rs.com or call (408) 847-7216.
