5 Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater for Santa Barbara Homes

One of the biggest advantages of a tankless water heater is its ability to produce hot water on demand.
Traditional water heaters store a limited amount of hot water. Once that supply has been used, the system needs time to heat another tank.
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A properly sized tankless system continuously heats water as it passes through the unit.
This can be particularly useful for households where several people need hot water throughout the day.
However, proper sizing is important.
 
A tankless water heater still has a maximum flow capacity, so the home's number of bathrooms, fixtures, simultaneous hot-water use and incoming water temperature should be considered before selecting a unit.
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2. Improved Energy Efficiency
​Tank-style water heaters typically maintain a stored supply of hot water even when nobody is using it. Tankless water heaters work differently. The system activates when hot water is needed and heats the water on demand.
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This can reduce the standby energy losses associated with continuously maintaining a tank of hot water.  Actual energy use and potential savings will vary depending on household water consumption, equipment efficiency, fuel type and how the system is installed. 
 
For homeowners evaluating a new water heater, energy efficiency is one reason tankless systems are worth considering.
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3. A Compact, Space-Saving Design
 
Space can be valuable in Santa Barbara homes.
​Traditional water heaters require enough room for a large storage tank, while tankless units are considerably smaller and are generally wall-mounted.
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Depending on the property and installation requirements, switching to tankless may free up space previously occupied by a conventional water heater.
This can be particularly attractive when mechanical, garage or utility space is limited.
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4. Long-Term Performance With Proper Maintenance
Tankless water heaters are designed for long-term operation, but that doesn't mean they should be forgotten after installation.
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Routine maintenance is important.
Minerals and scale can accumulate inside water-heating equipment over time. The maintenance requirements will depend on the manufacturer, equipment, water conditions and usage.
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Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help maintain efficiency and performance and maximize the useful life of the system.
If you already own a tankless water heater, periodic professional maintenance is an important part of protecting the equipment.
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5. A Modern Hot-Water Option for Santa Barbara Homes
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Tankless water heaters can work well in both existing homes and new construction.
For new construction, the plumbing, gas, electrical and venting systems can be designed with the selected equipment in mind.
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Existing homes can often be converted as well, but the installation may require additional modifications.
Before converting from a traditional water heater to tankless, a plumber should evaluate factors including:

• Household hot-water demand

• Number of bathrooms

• Simultaneous fixture use

• Existing gas capacity

• Electrical requirements

• Water piping

• Venting requirements

• Installation location

• Manufacturer specifications

These factors help determine whether a tankless water heater is appropriate for the property and what equipment capacity is needed.
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Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It in Santa Barbara?
For many homeowners, they can be.
A tankless water heater may be worth considering if your priorities include on-demand hot water, energy efficiency, compact equipment and a long-term hot-water solution.
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But tankless isn't automatically the best choice for every property.
For example, converting an existing home may require changes to gas piping, venting, electrical connections or water piping. The initial installation can therefore be different from simply replacing one traditional tank water heater with another.
 
The best approach is to evaluate the existing plumbing system and compare the available options before making a decision.