Technologically Advanced Water Heater Options

ALAMEDA — Question: Which of the plumbing appliances that you use every day has had no technological advancement in more than 100 years? Answer: your water heater. The traditional storage tank water heater was designed and patented in 1908, which makes it a century-old technology. If you’re still using this antiquated style of water heater, it might be time to consider a more advanced option.

One such option is a tankless water heater, which offers superior energy efficiency and a virtually endless supply of hot water. Since they’re much smaller than their storage tank predecessors, tankless water heaters also take up far less space, which allows for more flexibility with installation.

One common misconception about tankless water heaters is that they provide hot water “on demand.” Unfortunately, this isn’t the case—in fact, depending on the size and layout of your home, it can actually take longer for hot water to reach a fixture, which can increase water waste. Overall, while a tankless water heater can be beneficial, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so be sure to consult a plumbing professional on whether it’s a good fit for your home and circumstances.

Another technologically advanced water heater option is a high-efficiency storage tank water heater. Like a tankless water heater, it provides improved energy efficiency and endless hot water, but it doesn’t come with potential drawbacks such as long wait times.