What Is a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater, also referred to as an on-demand water heater, is a compact system that heats water only when you need it. Instead of constantly holding a supply of hot water in a large tank, a tankless unit heats water very quickly to the right temperature when requested. This innovative water heating method provides a number of perks, but before you switch to a tankless system it’s important to make sure it’s feasible for your home in the U.S..

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Supply Hot Water?

When you use a hot water tap, a sensor in the tankless unit detects the flow of water. This activates a gas burner or an electric heating element, based on your fuel source, which then rapidly heats the water as it flows through the tankless water heater. Once you turn off the tap, the unit 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 experience these fantastic perks:

1. Tankless water heaters supply endless hot water: Picture your family happily taking multiple back-to-back showers without the last person in line getting a blast of cold water. That’s the reality of using a tankless unit, which provides virtually unlimited hot water as it flows rather than taking 30 to 60 minutes to restore a tank of water.

2. Going tankless is an energy efficient solution: Tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than tank models. The less hot water you require, the more power and money you save. After all, you only pay to heat the water you need, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to always heat a big reservoir of hot water in the off chance you might actually need it.

3. Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan: If you plan on residing in your home for an extending time frame, a tankless water heater is a smart investment. These units last over 20 years, which is almost twice as long as traditional tank heaters—which typically only last 10 to 15 years.

4. Tankless units don’t take up much space: You may be used to the bulky, cylindrical tank in your tank-style water heater. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. The majority of 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.

5. There’s a lower risk risk of water damage with a tankless system: Since tankless water heaters don’t have a 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 efficient type of HVAC equipment, but they aren’t always ideal for every home. Take into account these factors before taking the plunge into installing a tankless water heater in your residence:

• The cost of buying and installing a tankless water heater is usually higher: Tankless systems usually have a larger upfront investment compared to the old tank-style water heaters. But, tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient appliances are often available to reduce the cost.

• The power of tankless units varies depending on fuel source: Tankless units are available in both electric and gas designs. Gas units have a greater flow rate but will need venting to safely release exhaust gases from your residence. If you don’t already 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 aren’t eligible 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 requires a significant temperature boost. The colder the unheated water, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy the tankless system will need to heat the water to the desired temperature. 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. Although this is achievable, 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: Since tankless heaters don’t retain heated water, they can only make a certain amount of hot water at once. The unit’s flow rate indicates how much hot water you can use at the same time, which is an important factor to consider if you have a house full of people who always want to shower while the dishwasher and washing machine are running! One solution to avoid a lack of hot water is to place multiple point-of-use models in high-demand water taps. However, this increases upfront and operating costs.

• Tankless water heaters create a cold water sandwich: Tankless water heaters produce a “cold water sandwich,” a short burst of cold water created when the appliance 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 minor annoyance, it’s worth knowing about.

Ask the Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Team About Tankless Water Heaters in the U.S.

Your local experts 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 can feel confident that our pros will have your unit installed and working perfectly. Thinking about an upgrade? Have more questions? We’re happy to assist! Just call 866-397-3787 today to reach the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!