Helpful Water Heater Information

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Choosing the Right Water Heater

Water heating accounts for 20 percent of your home’s energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). That’s why purchasing the right water heater—and keeping it maintained—can make a significant difference in your energy bills.

Green Home Heating & Cooling can help you evaluate your home and recommend the best water heater for your home. We believe comfort and cost-savings should always go hand in hand.

Here are some points to consider:

Traditional or Tankless?

When deciding between a traditional storage tank water heater and a tankless water heater, there are several factors to consider based on your home’s needs, budget, and long-term goals. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of both systems:

The Pros & Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Pros:

Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so you’re not wasting energy keeping a large volume of water hot 24/7. This can lead to significant savings on energy bills, especially over time.
Longer Lifespan: Typically lasts 20 years or more with proper maintenance, which is much longer than a traditional tank.
Space Saving: They are compact and can be mounted on walls, freeing up space in your home. No bulky tank to store.
No Risk of Leaks: Since there is no water storage, there’s no risk of a tank leaking or flooding your home.
Endless Hot Water: As long as the unit can handle the demand, you have continuous hot water, without the worry of running out, unlike traditional systems that rely on a set amount of stored water.

Cons:

Upfront Cost: The installation cost is typically higher than a traditional tank, both for the unit and the potential need for upgrades to your plumbing or electrical system.
Limited Flow Rate: Tankless systems have a limited capacity to provide hot water at once. If multiple fixtures are running simultaneously (e.g., showering, doing laundry, and washing dishes), the water temperature may drop or the system may not be able to keep up.
Possible Need for Multiple Units: In larger homes or homes with high hot water demand, you might need to install multiple tankless units or additional point-of-use heaters to ensure consistent water flow across all areas.

The Pros & Cons of Traditional Water Heaters

Pros:

Lower Initial Cost: Traditional systems are less expensive to purchase and install, making them an attractive option if you have a smaller budget upfront.
Reliable for High Demand: Storage tank heaters can handle simultaneous water demands (e.g., multiple showers) as long as the tank holds enough water (typically 20-80 gallons).
Simple Installation and Maintenance: These systems are straightforward to install and maintain, and replacement parts are easy to find.

Cons:

Energy Waste: Storage tanks keep water hot 24/7, even when you’re not using it. This “standby heat loss” can significantly raise your energy bills over time.
Shorter Lifespan: These systems typically last 10 to 15 years, requiring more frequent replacement than tankless systems.
Bulky and Space-Consuming: They take up a lot of room, often requiring a large area like a basement or closet. In smaller homes, this could be an issue.
Risk of Leaks or Flooding: If the tank fails, it can cause significant water damage, as it stores gallons of hot water that could leak or rupture.

Considerations for Ohio Homes:

Climate and Energy Efficiency: Ohio experiences cold winters, so a tankless system’s efficiency in heating cold water might be a key factor. On-demand heating is particularly beneficial during months when you need consistent hot water.
Water Usage Habits: If you have a large family or frequently run multiple appliances that require hot water, a storage tank might be more reliable. However, if your household uses water less frequently or you want to save space, a tankless system could be a great choice.
Long-Term Savings vs. Initial Cost: While tankless models have higher upfront costs, the long-term savings in energy bills can make them a more cost-effective option over the years, especially if your household has steady, moderate hot water needs.

Hybrid Solution:

If you’re torn between the two, consider installing a point-of-use tankless water heater in certain areas of your home (e.g., the bathroom or kitchen) while keeping your traditional tank for general use. This combination can help manage both energy efficiency and high demand.

Green Home Heating & Cooling or other HVAC professionals in Ohio can assist with assessing your specific needs, helping you decide which system is best for your home based on your water usage, budget, and energy goals.

Ultimately, your decision should depend on your long-term goals for energy efficiency, upfront budget, and how much space you have to work with. If you’re looking for a space-saving, energy-efficient solution that lasts, tankless could be the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable initial investment with reliable performance, a traditional tank may be the better choice.

A tankless system costs more upfront to install than a tank water heater, but you’ll save money over time through lower energy bills. The life expectancy for a tankless model is 20 years or more, whereas a storage tank model will typically last 10 to 15 years.

Not only do tankless models use less space, but there is no fear of water leaking out and flooding an area of your home.

Tankless models have a limited flow rate, meaning they might struggle with multiple uses. If one person is showering, another doing laundry, and a third person doing dishes—all at the same time—a tankless heater might not be able to keep up.

Your solution? Install a secondary point-of-use tankless heater for one part of your Ohio home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Green Home Heating & Cooling can help you decide the best solution for your home.

Water Heater Installation and Replacement

Are you ready to replace your water heater? Give us a call. Our licensed professionals at Green Home Heating & Cooling install, replace, repair, and maintain all major water heater brands.

Every home is different. That’s why before we perform any replacements, we take a detailed inventory of your water system and make calculations to ensure we find a product that’s right for you. Converting to a newer model might be an upgrade, but it wouldn’t feel like one with an undersized heater.

Work with a team that never takes shortcuts with your next water heater. Call us today for a free consultation.

Water Heater Repairs

Nobody wants to go a day without hot water. Green Home Heating & Cooling offers fast, reliable service to help keep our customers safe and comfortable. Here are some of the more common issues with water heaters:

A leaking tank
A stuck valve
Faulty pilot light
Loose parts
Broken anode rod
Sediment inside tank
Rust on the outside of the tank

Our core values at Green Home Heating & Cooling start with trust and integrity. We are a bonded, licensed, and insured company. You can always count on receiving accurate upfront pricing and a clear scope of the project before we begin any work.

Prevent Unexpected Costs with Maintenance

A small dose of preventative maintenance goes a long way toward extending the service life of your water heater. Scheduling annual tune-ups and inspections allows our team to flush your tank of sediments, check the anode rod, test the pressure relief valve, and check the wiring, along with other tasks.

Service calls also allow our technicians to uncover and address minor issues before they turn into costly repairs. You schedule tune-ups and oil changes for your vehicles—apply that same strategy to your heating, cooling, and plumbing equipment.

Our Protection Plan makes it convenient to schedule service calls and repairs. Join our maintenance plan today to enjoy discounts, priority service, friendly reminders, and other perks.