Do Tankless Water Heaters Work Better in Florida Homes?
Long popular in Europe and Asia, tankless water heaters are increasingly the choice of Florida homeowners as well. The hot, humid climate in Florida means homeowners spend a lot of money cooling things down, and this makes finding energy-efficient options particularly important.
However, whether a tankless system is better for your Florida home depends on a few factors. We’ll take a look at them below.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
You may have heard tankless water heaters described as providing hot water “on demand.” This refers to the fact that instead of storing hot water in a large tank as traditional water heaters do, tankless water heaters only do so when you turn on a tap or appliance. In other words, it only heats water when you need it, and it only heats as much as you need.
Your unit may be powered by gas or electricity. In many cases, gas is the better choice because it can provide more hot water more quickly. In addition, electric tankless water heaters use a great deal of electricity.
Determining tankless water heater efficiency means looking at climate and demand. In the warm Florida climate, tankless water heaters do not have to use as much energy to heat water as they would in colder climates. If you use hot water at multiple fixtures throughout your house at the same time, a tankless water heater may be a more efficient choice than a traditional water heater.
Why Florida’s Climate Favors Tankless Water Heaters
Several factors in Florida’s warm climate make tankless water heater upgrades a good choice.
Warmer Groundwater Temperatures
As mentioned above, a warmer climate means warmer groundwater. This in turn makes tankless water heaters in Florida more efficient since they use less energy to heat the water.
Faster Hot Water Delivery
The short heating time as a result of warmer groundwater means you’ll get your hot water faster than someone using a tankless water heater in a cold climate.
Reduced Strain on the System
Even in winter, tankless water heaters in Florida will not have to use as much energy to heat water because the weather tends to be mild.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters for Florida Homeowners
Tankless water heaters can offer a number of additional advantages over storage water heaters.
Endless Hot Water
If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water for other reasons, you’ve probably become used to a routine of waiting for your storage water heater to heat up another tank of water. With a tankless water heater, this isn’t an issue.
Lower Energy Bills
Storage water heaters waste energy through something called “standby heat loss.” This refers to the fact that you lose a lot of energy as your hot water tank has to keep the water warm until its use. Tankless water heaters eliminate this cost. In addition, the warm Florida climate makes them particularly efficient since they need to do less heating.
Long Lifespan
Storage water heaters may only last for 10 to 15 years. Tankless water heaters can last for 20 years or more if they are properly maintained.
Space-Saving Design
Tankless water heaters are small and wall-mounted. You don’t need space for a large tank, and this makes them ideal for condos, townhouses and small homes.
Reduce Risk of Tank Leaks
Tankless water heaters won’t eliminate leaks entirely, but if they do leak, you won’t have an entire tank’s worth of water damaging your property.
Considerations Before Switching to Tankless in Florida
Although there are many advantages to tankless water heaters in Florida, they aren’t the right choice for everyone. If you’re considering a water heater replacement, you should think about the issues below.
Gas Lines or Electrical Upgrades
If you are switching from a storage model to a tankless water heater, you may need upgrades to your gas or electrical lines. In addition, you may need a venting system for gas models. It’s important to have a professional perform this work for safety reasons and to ensure that you have the right capacity for your new water heater.
Installation Cost
Tankless water heater installations cost more than storage water heater installations. You’ll save money over the long run with a tankless model, but you need to consider how long you plan to be in your home to determine those savings.
Flow Rate and Household Size
“Flow rate” refers to how much hot water your unit can produce at once. You’ll need to make sure that yours is the right size to meet your demands, and if your home is large, you might need more than one unit. We’ll help you determine the size and number of units that you need.
Water Quality Concerns
Florida’s hard water means that there can be sediment buildup in your unit, which can affect its operation. Routine descaling keeps your unit operating efficiently. Another solution is a water softener.
Ideal Florida Homes for Tankless Systems
A tankless hot water heater may be the right choice in the following situations:
- High hot water demand
- Coastal homes prioritizing flood-resistant options
- New builds looking for energy efficiency
- Homeowners who want lower electric bills
Why Professional Installation Matters
Even if you’re an avid DIY-er, it’s important to hire a professional to install your tankless water heater. They can ensure the right tankless water heater size and placement for maximum efficiency. In addition, you’ll need a professional to make sure that your gas or electrical line has the required capacity to operate the hot water heater. Finally, the manufacturer’s warranty may require professional installation.
Get Help From Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Mild winters and warm groundwater make tankless water heaters a more efficient choice for many Florida homes. If you’re looking for long-term savings, endless water heating and reduced maintenance risks, a tankless water heater may be the right choice for you.
A licensed plumber can select and install the system that best suits your home and needs. At Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can provide the prompt, knowledgeable service that you need. We pride ourselves on our punctuality. If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay.
Contact Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to discuss your hot water heater needs and find the solution that works for you.