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From our house to yours... Tank-less Water Heaters Tank-less (Demand) Water Heaters provide hot water only as it is needed. Traditional storage water heaters produce standby energy losses that cost you money. Unlike traditional water heaters, tank-less water heaters only work when there is a demand for hot water. We at Grayson Family Homes are aware that there are many different requirements needed before selecting and installing a tank-less system in your home. Before deciding on a system, we will be able to educate you with the options available – to make sure that what you are getting is the best choice of product and the perfect match for your home's needs. Tip of the month: Why a tank-less water heater over conventional (traditional)? · Most tank-less water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts, that extend their life by many more years. Some units lasting a lifetime with proper maintenance.· Because they only work on demand for hot water, they are more energy efficient and can achieve an energy savings between 24% - 50%. Depending on the style and type – “whole house” system, “or a tank-less system at each water outlet”, will determine the amount of savings per year. · You do not have to wait for a storage tank to fill up (as with traditional water heaters) to have the demand for hot water met. There is no sediment build-up (mineral deposits) in the bottom of the tank – one of the main reason why traditional water heater's fail. · They have a compact, space saving design, precise temperature control, thermostatically controlled, many safety features, and most are self-diagnostic, and include indoor or outdoor venting.· They are available in Natural Gas, Propane and Electric models. · Many energy star rated gas tank-less water heaters qualify for a Federal Tax Credit Savings of up to $1500.00 through 2010. They are recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy as a viable way to save energy, because heating water accounts for up to 30% of the average home's energy budget. · Although tank-less water heaters can cost more up front than traditional storage water heaters, they will have considerably lower operating and energy costs, which in time, off-set's its higher purchase price. · With tank-less water heaters, the risk of tank leaks and water damage are a thing of the past. As pictured below, when a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. Either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water.
As a result, tank-less water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. The picture below shows a “remote” system installed close to a sink. However, there are “whole house” systems, which will allow you to provide service to many areas of the home simultaneously.  Generally speaking, the average home will use from 6.6 gallons of water per minute (gpm), up to approximately 13.6 gpm. Some water heaters can be designed together with a Quick-Connect feature which allows identical heaters to be linked to double, triple or quadruple the output. How much water do you use at the same time? A standard shower head, dishwasher, washing machine is about 2.5 gpm. If you typically use all of these at the same time, that would require 7.5 gpm. Bath-tubs are usually 6-8 gpm, rain shower heads definitely require more water than a standard shower head. So if you demand more hot water, you will need a larger sized unit or one with a Quick-Connect (linking) feature. When sizing your system, don't forget to add house guests as well. The temperature of the cold water in winter time will also have an impact on the system you will select. The colder the water, the longer it takes to heat up, so the larger the unit will need to be. Tank-less water heaters do not provide instant hot water – however, they do provide unlimited hot water. If you need instant hot water then re-circulating pump systems are available to hook-up to your tank-less water heater.As you can see, there are many variables to consider when selecting the correct system for your individual needs. That is why our professionals at Grayson Family Homes are here to guide you through the process. Let us take the guess work out – giving you excellent service and peace of mind. Noritz “whole house” gas model. Stiebel Eltron “whole house” electric model. Both provide multi-shower usage simultaneously. These are just two examples of higher quality systems available. There are many manufacturers and many options to consider. Whether gas or electric, you will surely save money, be more energy efficient and have an unlimited supply of hot water – it's a “win, win” situation all around. Contact: Louie or Deborah Carter, Grayson Family Homes, 3391 Linger Longer Rd., Greensboro, GA 30642, (c)706-347-0424 or (c)706-453-6523.
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