It’s a changing world out there. Technology is evolving and improving every day, and so is the world of water heaters. Tankless water heaters have already changed the way consumers think about their hot water, and the latest advances are going to cause them to see their home hot water experience in a whole new light.

Home-wide connectivity is becoming the new normal. For example, a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater equipped with a Rinnai Control-R Wireless Module and mobile app is an exclusive option that puts the hot water experience in the hands of the homeowner. Dealers and installers should be ready to talk about the control and convenience these products provide, because understanding the benefits can lead to sales, satisfied customers and repeat business. 

Smarter hot water

Smart appliances are allowing homeowners to take control of their homes through wireless connectivity. Now, just as security, lighting and appliances can be controlled through home automation, so can a tankless water heater.

These options take hot water control and flexibility to a new level. And there are a number of reasons why your customers will want to know about it:

Remote diagnostics and alerts: The Control-R app can signal homeowners with maintenance alerts and diagnostic information. But homeowners can also select a monitoring dealer who would receive these same alerts, allowing them to monitor performance and provide faster service – making every installation a potential win for both homeowner and dealer. Furthermore, data from the system can be leveraged internally by dealers to troubleshoot installer errors, determine fault and prevent future mishaps.

Hot, fast and listening: Tankless water heaters with recirculation can heat water in anticipation of use so that hot showers, for instance, are instantly hot – no more “warm-up wait.” Add the Control-R app and users have even more control, because they can just ask any Amazon Alexa or Google Home unit to start the recirculation process. It’s like a butler in charge of your bath. And with the new Samsung SmartThings integration, scenarios can be set that help take control of a homeowner’s hot water in specific situations.

Mobile capabilities: The Control-R app allows users to control their tankless water heater from a smart phone or tablet. This makes it easier to adjust the temperature. The product can also be registered remotely, and those with a recirculation system can activate that at their convenience.

Set it and forget it: Homeowners can use the app to program their tankless heater’s heating recirculation cycles by time of day. It can also work with motion sensors, to activate whenever anyone returns home, or be geofenced with certain home automation devices, so that when a homeowner comes within a certain distance of home, the heater begins heating the water in advance.

Joys of going tankless

The tech advances make a tankless water heater seem like a solid investment. But in case there is still any doubt, here are six more reasons for homeowners to get excited about the possibilities of going tankless:

Delivers endless hot water: No more wondering if a hot shower is about to abruptly turn into an icy shock to the system. When properly installed, a tankless water heater provides an endless stream of hot water at a predetermined temperature, regardless of how many hot water appliances are at work in the home. Meaning laundry and showers can finally happen at the same time.

Lowers energy bills: A conventional hot water heater cycles on and off 24 hours a day, trying to keep 50, 60 or even 100 gallons of water heated at a time. Tankless heaters eliminate the need for storage and heat water only as it’s used. In some cases this can result in a reduction of energy costs of up to 40 percent.*

Lasts twice as long: After about eight to 12 years,** a conventional tank heater can be expected to start rusting, cracking, leaking or flat-out failing entirely. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, average up to twice that long,*** meaning more dependable performance and less time spent worrying.

Pumps up home value: Installing a longer-lasting hot water heating system can increase a home’s value. Combine that with lower energy bills and you’ve got a system that is truly worth the investment.

Saves space, too: A tankless water heater is about 1/5 the size of a typical storage tank. It’s about the size of a carry-on suitcase and it mounts on the wall. So not only will the unit save a ton of space, it no longer has to be relegated to a corner of the basement. Install it in the garage, the attic, a closet or even use an exterior model and mount it outside. A tankless heater means more room for homeowners.

Environmentally friendly: Homeowners care about reducing their carbon footprint, and a tankless water heater can help them do it. They provide maximum energy efficiency, conserving natural resources while lowering CO2 emissions. And with recyclable parts, less waste ends up in landfills.

Get smart

The popularity of home automation and connectivity is skyrocketing and as homeowners continue to purchase more smart devices, the likelihood increases that demand will affect water heater dealers and installers. Familiarizing yourself with the advantages of these products is a must and can provide you with a distinct advantage over those behind the curve. So stay informed!

There are plenty of reasons for dealers and installers to like tankless water heaters and what they can do for their customers. Take note of these advantages and you’ll be able to convince homeowners to make a smart investment while you build your business – which will make you feel smarter, too.

*Based on average cost to run an electric tank water heater per the Department of Energy (DOE) Average Energy Costs (doe.gov) 2017. Requires a properly installed Rinnai tankless water heater. Results may vary depending on daily hot water usage, home layout and other factors.

**Based on www.waterheaterleakinginfo.com/water-heater-replacement/ 

***Based on DOE ENERGY STAR lifecycle estimates.