Even though tankless water heaters have been in use in Europe and Asia for over 20 years, they are just starting to gain wider acceptance and use here in the U.S. This is especially true in Briar Chapel now that some builders are offering them standard.
Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional units because they heat water as it is used, rather than heating and re-heating water within a storage tank. They are gaining in popularity with homeowners for a number of reasons, including:
- Endless Hot Water: tankless systems produce hot water on demand, so homeowners are no longer limited to the amount a storage tank can hold. This is especially useful for large families or those who have a soaking tub, but also makes sense .
- Lower Energy Bills: tankless systems are typically 15-35% more energy efficient than traditional systems, depending on whether they are gas or electric and how much water they have to heat. This can translate into lower costs for the homeowner - provided you do not change your water usage habits!
- Longer Lifespan: tankless units typically last twice as long as traditional systems.
- Space Savings: compared to traditional systems, which consume about 16 sqft of valuable floor space, tankless systems are roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase and attached to the wall.
What size unit should I get?
The answer largely depends on the size of the home and the family's usage habits. A unit that heats 4-5 gallons per minute (GPM) is suitable for a one bedroom home and can usually handle a shower plus one appliance operating at the same time. For homes with two or more bathrooms, a unit with 7-10 GPM is often recommended. Your builder or qualified installer is the best person to help you choose the solution that will meet your specific needs.
How much do tankless systems cost?
Prices have come down over the past few years, as more homeowners are adopting tankless heating solutions. You should expect to spend anywhere from $700-2,000, depending on the model you choose (higher flow rate = higher cost). Installation and venting is extra. I'm not going to debate whether this investment is worth it here. Instead, I'm going to refer you to
This Old House - they've done a great job summing up the short- vs. long-term costs. Another great resource is
EnergyStar.gov.
Keep in mind that a $300 tax credit is available for qualifying systems placed into service between Jan 1-Dec 31, 2011. New construction and rentals do not qualify, however.
Right now, I know of at least one builder in Briar Chapel who is offering
Rinnai tankless water heaters standard in their homes (David Weekley Homes). I can also show you a townhome that has a tankless system installed, and is
available for resale.
Please
contact me to schedule a showing of these homes in Briar Chapel, or to discuss the possibility of building a home with a tankless system.
In case you haven't heard the news yet, Raleigh recently topped Forbes' 13th annual list of the "Best Places for Business and Careers." Forbes’ rankings evaluate 200 metro areas, factoring in job growth (past and projected), costs (business and living), income growth, projected economic growth, and educational attainment.
