The Phoenix area may be one of the most ideal locations in the U.S. to use a tankless water heater. In the desert southwest, tankless systems don’t need to work as hard as they have to in cooler climates. Tankless systems heat water when it’s needed, unlike storage tank water heaters that constantly heat up gallons of water, running the heating element whenever the water loses heat through the tank’s walls.
The unique attributes of the Phoenix area make tankless water heating advantageous because these systems can:
- Last longer. The water in this area is among the hardest in the nation, and your tap water has a high level of dissolved mineral solids. As the water sits in your tank, solids cover the bottom, reducing your heater’s energy efficiency. An excessive layer of solids at the base of your tank can cause premature water heater failure, as well. Since a tankless water heater doesn’t hold water, you can minimize the problems associated with hard water deposits.
- Heat quickly. Tankless systems have to heat incoming water within a few seconds, and in a warm climate like ours, they don’t need to raise the temperature as much. You’ll save even more during the long hot summer season since tap water can warm even faster.
- Save space. Since most homes in the Phoenix area don’t have basements, the water heater either sits in the garage or in a utility closet under the roof. A tankless system frees up this space, so you can pick up extra storage space.
The only downside to a tankless system is its initial cost and installation. Because these systems require high voltage wiring or natural gas, you’ll need a licensed plumber to install them. However, these costs are offset by longer lifespans and reduced operating costs.
To learn more about tankless water heaters, contact Wolff Mechanical. We provide top-notch HVAC and plumbing services for Greater Phoenix area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Phoenix Valley area of Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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