Paying bills can be very frustrating, especially when you have to write checks for wasted energy. You can teach your kids not to hold open the refrigerator door and you can purchase plastic to cover your windows during the winter, but one thing you can’t control is the loss of heat from your hot water heater tank as it stands by, waiting for you to take a shower. Or can you? There is an energy-saving option that most people never consider—the tankless hot water heater.

Why do tankless hot water heater options save energy and, in effect, money? Storage tanks on hot water heaters do a very specific job—they maintain a constant warm water temperature, usually at around 130 degrees Fahrenheit, at all times. But what happens when you’re not using that water? Hot water heater tanks are insulated, of course; however, imagine what happens to a thermos of hot tea or coffee over the course of a day. That’s right—it inevitable begins to cool, no matter how well-insulated you keep the beverage. This is called “standby loss,” and every month, about 15% or more of your water heating bill goes towards paying for that loss. In other words, you’re paying to heat water that you never used!

You probably spend upwards of $200 every year paying for hot water if you have a gas storage system. This rises to $400 or more if your heat is electric. A tankless hot water heater can bring down those prices significantly. These heaters are very common in Europe and Japan, since they’re also better for the environment. The less water you have to heat due to standby loss, the less heat your house produces. It’s like turning off the light when you leave a room or closing the windows when you’re using an air conditioning unit. Having a tankless hot water heater can help you do your part in protecting our natural resources!

Choosing a tankless hot water heater for your home is quite easy. There are a number of models on the market, so look for a heater model that will perform optimally when your hot water usage reaches its highest demand. Consider all of the items in your household that use hot water—faucets, showerheads (both older models and newer models), dishwashers, and washing machines. Pick an appropriate tankless hot water heater to accommodate all of the water flow in your house.

Remember also that a tankless hot water heater can be temperature controlled. This is another great way to save energy and money in the long run, since you can vary temperatures according to your needs. For example, you might want a lower temperature when taking a shower and a higher temperature when sanitizing dishes and plates.

The bottom line? Know your water heater options. Most households do not use a tankless hot water heater simply because the consumer was not informed about this choice and its vast advantages! These water heaters without tanks can leave you with lower monthly bills, as well as help the environment. You can find out more about tankless options or buy your own here. Check it out—it’s a win-win situation!