What Is a Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, is a compact system that heats water just when you need it. Instead of constantly holding a supply of hot water in a large tank, a tankless unit heats water instantly to the right temperature when requested. This cutting-edge water heating method has a number of advantages, but before you switch to a tankless system it’s a good idea to make sure it’s practical for your home in the U.S..
Tankless Water Heaters: How Do They Work?
Once you use a hot water tap, technology in the tankless unit detects the flow of water. This activates a gas burner or an electric heating element, depending on your fuel source, which then rapidly heats the water as it flows through the tankless water heater. As soon as you turn off the tap, the system turns off and stops heating, which prevents inactive energy loss.
Five Ways Tankless Water Heaters Benefit Your Home
Many the U.S. residents have already opted for tankless water heaters to take advantage of these fantastic perks:
- Tankless water heaters supply lots of hot water: Imagine your family happily taking multiple back-to-back showers without the last person in line getting a blast of cold water. That’s the benefit of installing a tankless unit, which delivers virtually endless hot water as needed rather than taking 30 to 60 minutes to reheat a tank of water.
- Going tankless is an energy efficient solution: Tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than traditional tank-style models. The less hot water you consume, the more power and money you save. That’s all due to the fact that you only pay to heat the water you need, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to constantly heat a big tank of hot water just in case you might request it.
- Tankless units have a longer service life: If you think you’ll be staying in your home for an extending time frame, a tankless water heater is a wise investment. These units last over 20 years, which is almost two times as long as traditional tank heaters—which generally last about 10 to 15 years.
- Tankless units don’t take up much space: You may be used to the bulky, cylindrical tank that’s part of your tank-style water heater. However, it isn’t required to be this way. Many tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase installed on the wall. This means you can install them in tight spaces like utility closets or small utility rooms.
- There’s a reduced risk of water damage with a tankless system: Due to the fact that tankless water heaters don’t have a large reservoir of heated water, there’s no risk of a ruptured unit damaging your home.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
Tankless water heaters are an energy-saving type of HVAC equipment, but they may not be perfect for every home. Consider these factors before switching to a tankless system:
- Tankless units have a higher initial cost: Tankless systems require a larger upfront investment compared to traditional tank-style water heaters. But, tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient HVAC equipment are often available to reduce the cost.
- The power of tankless units varies and some models require venting: Tankless units come in electric or gas models. Gas units have a stronger flow rate but require venting to safely discharge exhaust gases from your home. If you don’t yet have a vent, installing one in your home will add to the installation cost. Electric models are easier to install but have lower performance. They also don’t qualify for those cost-saving HVAC tax credits.
- Tankless models must cope with extremely cold temperatures: Tankless systems heat water as it flows through the unit, which demands a significant temperature increase. The colder the water is before it’s heated, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy the tankless unit will use. For example, if the groundwater temperature is 40°F during the dead of winter in a far northern state, and you want 110-degree water to flow from the tap, your system must handle a 70-degree rise. While this is doable, it’s near the top of what most gas-fired tankless water heaters can handle.
- Flow rate can be limited if too many appliances are used at once: Due to the fact that tankless heaters don’t retain heated water, they can only make a specific amount of hot water at a time. The unit’s flow rate tells you how much hot water you can access at the same time, which is an important consideration if you have a house full of people with someone always wanting a shower at the same time the dishwasher and washing machine are running! One solution to avoid a drop in hot water is to install multiple point-of-use models in high-demand faucets. However, this boosts upfront and operating costs.
- Tankless water heaters create something known as the cold water sandwich: Tankless water heaters are known for producing a “cold water sandwich,” a short burst of cold water formed when the unit cycles off and on. It also occurs if you only run a trickle of hot water that isn’t sufficient to keep the tankless unit running. While merely a small annoyance, it’s worth knowing about.
Interested in Tankless Water Heaters in the U.S.
The team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help you find the right water heating solution, whether that’s a tankless system or a traditional storage tank model. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can feel confident that our pros will have your unit installed and operating perfectly. Considering an upgrade? Have more questions? We’re happy to assist! Just call 866-397-3787 today to get in touch with the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!