What Is a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand water heater, is a compact system that heats water just when you need it. Instead of constantly storing a supply of hot water in a big tank, a tankless unit heats water very quickly to the right temperature when requested. This advanced water heating method has a number of benefits, but before you switch to a tankless system it’s smart to first make sure it’s feasible for your home in the U.S..

Tankless Water Heaters: How Do They Work?

Once you open a hot water tap, technology in the tankless unit detects the movement of water. This activates a gas burner or an electric heating element, based on your fuel source, which then quickly heats the water as it passes through the tankless water heater. As soon as you turn off the tap, the tankless unit shuts down and stops heating, which prevents inactive energy loss.

Five Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Many the U.S. residents have already converted to tankless water heaters to take advantage of these fantastic perks:

  1. Tankless water heaters supply endless hot water: Envision your family happily taking numerous back-to-back showers without water running cold for the last person in line. That’s the advantage of installing a tankless unit, which supplies virtually endless hot water as needed rather than taking up to an hour to reheat a tank of water.
  1. Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than tank water heaters. The less hot water you use, the more electricity or gas 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 always heat a big tank of hot water just in case you might request it.
  1. Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan: If you think you’ll be residing in your home for an extending time frame, a tankless water heater is a wise investment. These units last more than 20 years, which is almost two times as long as traditional tank heaters—which generally last about 10 to 15 years.
  1. Tankless units don’t take up much space: You may be used to the large, cylindrical tank that’s part of your tank-style water heater. However, it doesn’t need to be this way. Most tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase installed on the wall. This means you can mount them in tight spaces such as utility closets or small utility rooms.
  1. There’s a reduced risk of water damage with a tankless system: Due to the fact that tankless water heaters don’t have a big storage tank, there’s no risk of a leaky tank flooding your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

Tankless water heaters are an energy-saving appliance, but they aren’t ideal for every home. Consider these factors before switching to a tankless system:

  • A tankless water heater usually costs more up front: Tankless systems require a higher upfront investment compared to the old 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 designs. Gas units have a stronger flow rate but must have venting to safely discharge exhaust gases from your home. If you don’t already have a vent, installing one in your home will increase the installation cost. Electric models are simpler to install but are less powerful. They also can’t be purchased with help from 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 is a significant temperature jump from the water’s unheated temperature to nice and warm. The colder the unheated water, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy the tankless unit will use. For instance, if the groundwater temperature is 40°F during the dead of winter in a far northern state, and you want to take a shower in 110-degree water, your system must handle a 70-degree rise. While this is possible, it’s near the top of what most gas-fired tankless water heaters can handle.
  • Flow rate can be limited when multiple appliances are being used: Due to the fact that tankless heaters don’t store heated water, they can only supply a limited amount of hot water at a time. The system’s flow rate indicates how much hot water you can access simultaneously, which is an important consideration if you have a house full of people who always want to shower at the same time the dishwasher and washing machine are running! One solution to avoid a drop in hot water is to set up multiple point-of-use models in high-demand locations. However, this boosts upfront and operating costs.
  • Tankless water heaters create the cold water sandwich: Tankless water heaters produce a “cold water sandwich,” which is a short burst of cold water made when the water heater starts and stops. It also happens if you only run a trickle of hot water that isn’t enough to keep the tankless unit running. Although this is only a small annoyance, it’s better to know about it ahead of time.

? Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Today!

The experienced professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help you select the right water heating solution, whether that’s a tankless unit or a traditional storage tank model. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you will have peace of mind knowing that our pros will have your unit set up and running perfectly. Thinking about an upgrade? Have more questions? We’re happy to assist! Just call 866-397-3787 today to contact the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

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