When you think about upgrading your shower, chances are your mind goes straight to the things you can use and see. Maybe you’re planning a new set of tiles for the bathroom or a fancy rainfall showerhead. After all, these are popular upgrades, especially if you pair them with brand-new fluffy towels.
But these upgrades are not going to make a big difference when the water suddenly turns cold. If you’re planning a bathroom upgrade, your water heater deserves some attention too. A tankless system could make a bigger difference than you think.
Your Water Heater Could Last Longer
Conventional water heaters store a supply of heated water inside a tank, so it’s ready for you to use. On the other hand, tankless systems work differently. They don’t maintain a tank of hot water. They heat the water as you need it.
That is why there’s a significant difference in lifespan, as traditional tank water heaters accumulate sediment that limits their lifespan to 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, tankless models can last 20 years or more with the right maintenance.
So, if your current system is approaching the end of its useful life, arranging professional tankless water heater installation is a great way to upgrade the shower experience.
Enjoy Hot Water on Demand
One of the biggest advantages of going tankless is that you aren’t relying on a finite tank of heated water.
Nobody enjoys waiting until the water gets hot enough for a shower. With a tankless heater, you turn on your shower, and the system heats the water as it passes through. As long as your unit has sufficient capacity for your household’s demand, you don’t have to worry about someone using the last of the stored hot water.
Free up Some Valuable Space
Traditional water heater tanks aren’t small. If yours occupies valuable space in a utility room, basement, or garage, switching to a compact tankless unit can give some of that room back.
Tankless water heaters are generally mounted on a wall rather than sitting on the floor with a large storage tank. So, that extra space could become part of household storage or shelving, which can be a great thing in most homes.
Energy Efficiency
A conventional tank water heater has to keep stored water hot even when nobody is showering. Tankless systems avoid standby storage losses because they heat the water as and when you need it, which instantly reduces energy use.
You can even elevate the upgrade by using different heating methods, such as heat pump water heaters, which can transfer the heat from the surrounding air into the water rather than creating it. This can substantially lower operating costs further, especially compared to conventional tank models. Naturally, you will need to consider the installation costs, but this type of system can also come with rebates and federal tax credits to support homeowners.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with dedicating a part of your budget to a luxurious bathroom setup with pretty tiling and premium towels, you also want to look behind the scenes. Your water heater may not be visible, but it is the central element that makes your morning shower enjoyable!
