Four Reasons to Offer On-Demand Water Heaters

At JK Mechanical, we’ve been providing smart HVAC solutions to homes, businesses, churches, and more since 1979. When JK added the Plumbing division in 2017, we applied that same philosophy. Tankless water heaters (or on-demand water heaters) are appliances that heat water as it circulates through the device, rather than maintaining a storage tank of hot water. Already more common in Europe, the tankless water heater has gained popularity domestically in recent years as consumers look to shrink their carbon footprint (and utility bills) without compromising comfort or convenience.

Read on for four reasons you should consider choosing a tankless water heater during the plumbing design/build process, or offering tankless as an upgrade option during new construction:

They’re More Efficient

For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. That efficiency translates directly into savings for the end occupant and help improve the overall energy efficiency and sustainability of the residence.

This can be benefit both residential and commercial applications. At a recent project for an event space in Lititz, JK Plumbing manager Casey Blackwell proposed using Navien Tankless Water Heaters instead of traditional tanked heaters. Due to the nature of an event venue, there are stretches of time when no hot water is needed at all, and periods of time when a lot is required. Tankless water heaters eliminate the standby energy loss of maintaining a hot water tank, delivering significant savings during “off” times while easily meeting demand when needed.

They Boost Property Value

On the JK Blog, we’ve talked in the past about how green features are attractive to home buyers and can increase home value. According to a survey from the National Association of Home Builders of 4,000 recent homebuyers or those aspiring to own within the next three years, many buyers prefer green options when presented with information about convenience and utility savings, including tankless water heaters. This can make on-demand water heaters a good investment for both the builder and the buyer, and an appealing upgrade to offer upmarket and environmentally conscious clients.

They’re Space Savers

It isn’t just the environmental footprint that’s small; tankless water heaters take up much less space in a basement or utility room. On average, a tankless water heater is one third the size of a traditional tanked water heater (about the size of a carry-on suitcase), and is typically wall-mounted to save even more space. If you are designing a smaller space, want to take advantage of more space in a basement or mechanical room, or are struggling to make room for all the necessary mechanical elements, a tankless water heater can buy you a significant amount of space.

Better Warranty (& Lifespan!)

Navien Tankless Water Heaters, JK Plumbing’s recommended brand, come standard with a 15-year warranty. In contrast, most traditional tanked water heaters are installed with a 6-year warranty. In addition—largely due to the lack of a tank, which can develop leaks—the expected lifespan of a tankless water heater is much longer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of about 20 years, which is nearly double that of traditional tank water heaters, which only last 10- to 15 years.

Whether you are designing residential new construction or a larger commercial space, a tankless water heater is worth considering. Contact the JK Plumbing team today to learn more.

 

 

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