Adding a Tankless Water Heater in Your Laundry Room
The problem: Is your washing machine the last place to get consistent hot water? Do you often start a load only to realize your hot water is lukewarm because someone else is showering or running a sink?
If you’re nodding yes to these questions, we understand your frustration. Larger homes in Tacoma, WA, especially those with long plumbing runs, often struggle to deliver reliable hot water to every fixture and appliance—and the laundry room is a common victim.
The good news: Resicon has a practical solution that addresses this problem while saving you energy and space: installing a tankless water heater in the laundry room.
As your trusted plumbing and HVAC experts, we’re here to explain why this is an excellent option for your home.
Resicon is your local go-to source for home comfort solutions. For a free consultation on tankless water heaters, call us at 253-625-7952.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Unlike conventional storage-tank heaters that constantly heat and store a large tank of water (even when you don’t need it), a tankless water heater only heats water on demand.
Here’s how it works: When you turn on your washing machine’s hot water setting, cold water flows into the tankless unit. Inside, a powerful heat exchanger instantly warms the water to your desired temperature before it reaches the appliance.
Because there is no storage tank, these compact units can be mounted on a wall, freeing up valuable space. They are also known for their impressive lifespan, often lasting 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
Advantages of a Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heater
When we talk about installing a tankless unit near a specific appliance, we’re referring to a point-of-use tankless water heater.
A point-of-use unit is installed as close as possible to the fixture or appliance that needs hot water—in this case, your washing machine. By dedicating a heating unit solely to the laundry room, you guarantee a steady, instant flow of hot water right where you need it most.
Why is this so effective near your washing machine?
- Instant Hot Water for Your Wash: Your washing machine will receive hot water immediately, without waiting for it to travel from a main heater located far away. This is crucial for getting the best clean, especially with modern detergents.
- Reduced Strain on the Main Heater: With your washing machine handled by its own unit, you eliminate the strain it places on your primary water heater. No more icy surprises in the shower when the laundry cycle begins!
- Energy and Water Savings: Traditional systems lose heat as water travels through long pipes to the laundry room, and the main heater runs continuously. A point-of-use tankless unit only uses energy when your washing machine calls for hot water. This efficiency can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
Things to Consider Before Installation
While installing a tankless water heater near your washing machine is a smart move, a professional installation requires a few key considerations:
- Space and Sizing: While tankless units are compact, we’ll ensure there is adequate, accessible space for the unit and that we select the correctly sized model to meet the flow rate demands of your washing machine.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is vital for the safe operation of a tankless water heater, especially in a contained space like a laundry room. Our experts will assess the best and safest venting option, which may involve routing it through the roof or an exterior wall.
- Utility Connections: We will confirm that your laundry room has the necessary access to gas and/or electrical lines to connect the tankless unit properly and efficiently.
Will installing a tankless unit in the laundry room save me money?
Yes, over time, it can lead to significant energy savings. Tankless units only heat water on demand, so they don’t continuously use energy to keep a large tank of water hot 24/7.
When used as a point-of-use unit, it also means your main water heater doesn’t have to work as hard, further reducing overall energy consumption.
How much space does a tankless water heater for a laundry room take up?
Tankless water heaters are very compact and typically mount directly to a wall, taking up much less space than a traditional storage tank. This can help free up floor space in your laundry area.
Is it difficult to install a tankless water heater in the laundry room?
Installation of any tankless water heater requires professional expertise due to specific venting, gas, and electrical requirements. Our Pierce County licensed technicians have extensive hands-on experience installing these appliances.
How much does it cost to install a point-of-use tankless water heater?
While the initial purchase price might be higher than that of a conventional small tank, our experienced team ensures a safe, efficient, and code-compliant installation, which is crucial for maximizing the unit’s long-term performance and lifespan.
Do I still need my main water heater if I install one in the laundry room?
Yes, for most homes. A point-of-use unit in the laundry room is designed to supplement your main heater, not replace it entirely. Your main heater will still supply the rest of your home (showers, sinks, etc.). The laundry unit simply takes the demand off the main system, ensuring hot water availability everywhere.
Ready for Efficient, Hot Laundry Cycles?
Eliminate lukewarm loads and hot-water headaches! Installing a point-of-use tankless water heater in your laundry room is a straightforward investment that enhances your home’s energy efficiency and your daily comfort.
With our extensive expertise and experience, we can handle the entire process, from selecting the right unit to ensuring safe, code-compliant installation and proper ventilation.
Don’t wait to upgrade your laundry routine. Contact Resicon today to discuss how a tankless water heater in your laundry room can benefit your Tacoma, WA, home!
For a free consultation, call us today at 253-625-7952 or request service online.