When your water heater begins to fail, you will need to choose between a traditional tank water heater or a tankless model. Many people are aware of the benefits of a tank model, but they may not be as well versed in tankless options.

1. Energy Efficiency

A tankless heater is typically much more energy-efficient than a tank heater. The main reason is that there is no need to have the heating element running constantly to keep a tank of water heated just in case you happen to need hot water. A tankless heater only heats water when you open the hot water tap, so there is no energy loss or wasted money spent on keeping water hot when you aren't actively using it.

2. Reliable Water Delivery

A major issue with the traditional tank water heater is that once the tank runs empty, you have to wait a half-hour or longer for the water to heat up again. With a tankless heater, you can have unlimited hot water as long as your usage doesn't exceed the gallon per rating on your tankless model. An installer can help you choose the tankless capacity you need for your household's normal hot water usage.

3. Minimal Leak Concerns

A leak in a hot water tank can lead to devastating water damage. In rare cases, hot water tanks can burst and lead to major property damage or even injury. Although tankless heaters aren't immune to the possibility of a leak, the leak will typically be small and from a single water line. This means minimal damage and a minor repair is all that is needed if worst comes to worst.

4. Smaller Profile

Most homes must dedicate an entire closet to a hot water heater. In some homes, the location of the water heater can be inconvenient, particularly if it is in a basement or garage that you want to turn into a finished living area. Tankless heaters only take up a fraction of the space. The larger units only take up a bit of wall space in a closet, but there are smaller units that fit under sinks or right in the shower.

5. Long Lifespan

One of the biggest reasons to consider a tankless heater is that they can last twice as long as a tank heater if they are properly maintained. This saves you both the money and time necessary for replacing the water heater.

If it's time to replace your water heater, talk to a tankless water heater installer about your tankless options. To learn more, visit a site like http://www.lewisplumbingsantabarbara.com.