heaters Archives - Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Guide to Choosing Tankless Water Heaters

Why Install a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water and increased energy efficiency compared to traditional tank models. Outdated systems often struggle with delays and limited supply, leading to frustration and higher energy bills. Newer technology heats water only when needed, offering a more efficient and reliable experience. This upgrade improves both comfort and household performance.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater and How Does It Work?

A tankless water heater heats water only when it is needed, rather than storing it in a tank. Water flows through the unit and is rapidly heated by gas burners or electric elements as it passes through a heat exchanger. Once the hot water tap is closed, the system stops heating, avoiding the energy waste common in storage models.

Traditional heaters maintain a tank of hot water 24/7, often wasting energy through standby heat loss. Tankless systems eliminate this issue and occupy less space, often mounted on walls instead of taking up floor area. These units typically produce 2 to 5 gallons of hot water per minute, enough to serve multiple fixtures at once. A properly sized system ensures a continuous supply without delay.

Benefits of Installing a Tankless Water Heater

Immediate energy savings and long-term reliability are major benefits of installing a tankless water heater. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless systems are 24–34% more efficient for homes using up to 41 gallons per day. This reduction in energy use can save between $100 and $200 per year on utility costs.

The compact design frees up floor space, and many models last more than 20 years with routine maintenance. Traditional storage tanks, by comparison, often need replacement every 8 to 12 years. Reduced maintenance, longer lifespan, and better efficiency make tankless units a practical investment for modern households.

Signs It's Time to Replace an Old Water Heater

Older tank water heaters often give warning signs before failure. Discolored water, unusual noises, and pooling near the base of the tank indicate internal corrosion, sediment buildup, or leaks. These physical symptoms suggest reduced efficiency and the need for replacement.

Performance issues, such as fluctuating temperatures and limited hot water supply, point to worn-out heating components. A unit nearing 10 years of age typically requires more frequent repairs and runs less efficiently. Rising energy bills without increased usage may confirm that the system is working harder than necessary. Upgrading to a tankless water heater resolves these issues while delivering reliable hot water for years to come.

Call Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air is a trusted plumbing, heating, and AC company serving Fairhope, AL, and beyond. They offer prompt service, friendly professionals, and quality workmanship. Call them for reputable tankless water heater services in Fairhope, Daphne, and Spanish Fort, AL.

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Tankless Water Heaters and Their Benefits

Why Install Tankless Water Heaters?

New technology always takes a while to catch on, but this is especially true when the current technology lasts ten years or more. Nowhere is this more true than with water heaters. Conventional hot water tanks have been in use for over a century, and due to their tenure, most homeowners are reluctant to try newer options.

To make matters worse, the average hot water tank lasts for about ten years, after which it fails, prompting the homeowner to make a snap judgment to get a new water tank. The choice is usually made in a matter of minutes simply because most people don’t want to take the time to explore other options when faced with a cold shower.

The truth is better options are now available for heating water. Tankless water heaters represent a new approach to heating water for the home. Instead of heating water and storing it in a tank, a tankless water heater heats water on demand, allowing it to sit idle for long periods. Here is a quick guide discussing the implications of the benefits of tankless water heater installation.

Better Energy Efficiency

Hot water tanks waste a lot of energy. Most homes only need water at certain times of the day, and for about 23 hours of the day, the water tank heats water so that it is ready. Wouldn’t a better approach be to heat water only when necessary?

Tankless water heaters take a new approach to providing hot water. Instead of heating and storing incoming water, they heat it as needed. When faucets or fixtures are turned on, they sense the flow in the pipe and use powerful heating elements of burners to heat the incoming water immediately. Since they can sit idle throughout the day, they become much more efficient than conventional water tanks, saving homeowners lots of money on monthly bills.

Endless Water Hot Water Supply

Conventional water tanks are sized by how many gallons the tank can hold. Tankless water heaters are sized based on how many fixtures need hot water at once. There are two implications hidden in this fact. First, as long as the flow is sensed, the tankless water heater will continue to provide hot water. This means endless hot water for families, so no one ever gets stuck taking a cold shower at the end of the day. Secondly, even a tankless water heater that handles multiple fixtures takes up much less space than a water tank. Switching to tankless water heaters can save valuable storage space by forgoing the bulky storage tank.

Improved Life Expectancy

Tankless water heaters spend so much time sitting idle that they add years to a unit’s life. Water tanks are the first point of failure in most water heaters because of their constant expansion and contraction as they heat and store water. By eliminating the tank, tankless water heaters remove the major cause of sudden breakdowns. Coupling this with being able to operate only when necessary, most tankless water heaters last twice as long as water tanks, with up to 20 years.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air helps keep life affordable for their customers. They can help every homeowner switch to money-saving tankless water heaters with upfront pricing. Call today for tankless water heater installation in Fairhope, AL.

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Save Energy and Go Green with Tankless Water Heaters

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Having hot water available at the turn of a handle is one of the great modern comforts. Because hot water is so readily available, it has also become instrumental in public health by making hygiene practices so easy. How much less would people shower and wash their hands if they had to do it in cold water all the time?!

In most homes, hot water is provided by a water tank. Water tanks use burners or heating elements to heat a batch of water and keep it on standby waiting for use. As water is used, cold water rushes into the heated tank and eventually allows the tank to only provide cold water. Luckily, engineers have developed better solutions for hot water: tankless water heaters. Here are the reasons to switch to a tankless water heater.

When is the Best Time to Replace an Old Water Heater

The best time to install a tankless water heater is when the current water heater is on its last legs. Let's face it, water heaters are expensive, and there is no good reason to replace one before the current unit fails. But how can homeowners know when the time is right? Some of the signs that the current water heater is failing are:

The unit is more than 7 years old or has outlived its warranty
Repairs are becoming more common on the current water heater
Leaks or unusual noises have developed
Less hot water seems to be available
Energy bills are slowly climbing

When any of these occur, it is a good time to think about replacing the water heater. Why not consider a tankless water heater?

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

Tankless water heaters are completely different from their conventional counterparts. They take up far less space because they don't need a giant tank to hold water. Instead, tankless water heaters are installed in line with the current water piping. They use sensitive slow sensors to determine when hot water is called for from faucets or appliances. Once they sense flow they turn on powerful burners that heat water as it flows through piping. When flow is no longer sensed in the pipes, the burners turn off and wait until the next call.

Reasons to Make the Switch

Because tankless water heaters differ from conventional water tanks, they offer several profound benefits. Among these benefits are the following:

Endless Hot Water: The unit will continue heating water for as long as it is demanded. This means no more being left in a cold shower.
Lower Water Heating Bills: Water heating bills comprise a decent portion of monthly bills. Since tankless water heaters don't waste energy keeping water warm on standby, they save a lot of money.
Longevity: Tankless water heaters generally last longer because they don't have to work constantly. While they generally cost more upfront, tankless water heaters' longevity, reliability, and efficiency make them the obvious choice for thrifty homeowners.

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air can handle any water heater need. Their professionals are ready with upfront pricing from water heater maintenance to tankless water heater installation. Call today for fast turnarounds in Fairhope, AL.

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Water Heaters Can't Last Forever

When Do You Know It’s Time to Replace the Water Heater?

It’s easy to overlook a water heater. Unlike air conditioning, broken or old water heaters are not always obvious to spot. While it may be hard to replace such a loyal appliance, water heaters can not last forever.

The Water Heater Is Too Old To Function

There are two main types of water heaters: gas and electric. Both water heaters are efficient and have newer models available. Both models will also grow old.

A gas water heater usually uses natural gas. This is less energy efficient but often costs less than electric water heater bills. This is primarily due to the cost of electricity. Another reason many homeowners choose to use gas is its ability to work even in a power outage.

Tankless heating can be used for both electric coils and gas units. The electric units typically last seven years, but tankless gas heaters can run for over 20 years.

The lifespan of a regular gas water heater is approximately 12 years, but electric heaters last anywhere from 10-15 years. Routine maintenance does factor into the overall lifespan of all water heaters.

Water Damage and Leaks

The consequences of a leaky water heater are harsh. If a leak is not fixed soon, this can cause water damage to walls and floors. Proper maintenance can prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.

A gas water heater can leak for multiple reasons. Heaters over 15 years old tend to leak more as the components get worn down from long-term use. This is a common problem when rust forms inside the tank. Any type of corrosion will allow a way for water to escape.

The anode rod attracts corrosive material. If the rod begins to wither, this will also create leaks. The substances that once kept the water heater safe will devolve over time and may damage the heater itself.

Leaks that occur in the inner shell of the tank will eventually cause the external shell to crack. Unfortunately, leaks that occur from inside the shell are difficult to find. If an electric water heater is older than ten years, this can cause deterioration within the tank.

Does It Refuse To Power On?

Not all problems are related to water damage. A water heater installer may not be necessary if a gas heater refuses to work. This problem may be due to a malfunctioning circuit breaker. Faulty power cords or simply running out of gas can cause a water heater to stop working.

If the thermostat stops working, this can be misleading. Thermostat issues are more likely to occur than water heater damage. If the upper element of the tank loses power, there will be no hot water available. The reset button can help homeowners understand where the problem is coming from.

Water heaters may stop working due to a loss of water pressure. If a municipal water supply has reached above the TPR valve, this will cause an increase in the volume of water. Significant water pressure will eventually cause leaks if it is not fixed. Depending on the cause of water pressure, one can sometimes solve this problem by lowering the thermostat. If this does not work, a water heater service familiar with water heater installation can help.

Many water heaters stop working because of age. Although a loose part or faulty valve may be to blame, age is common for water heater replacement.

Affordable, Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable, Plumbing, Heating & Air has over 20 years of experience serving Fairhope, Alabama, and surrounding areas. To book an appointment or access their 24-hour emergency service, call Affordable, Plumbing, Heating & Air today.