When it comes to heating water for our homes, most of us are familiar with traditional water heaters that have a tank. However, there is an alternative option that is becoming more and more popular – the tankless water heater. But what is a tankless water heater, and how does it work? Read on as we explore the ins and outs of this innovative appliance and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a heating unit that heats water on demand, which means it doesn’t store hot water in a storage tank like traditional water heaters. Tankless water heaters are small in size and are typically installed on a wall, providing homeowners with more space. There are two types of tankless water heaters: electric and gas-powered. Electric water heaters are best suited for small applications or point-of-use, whereas gas-powered water heaters can handle high-demand applications, like supplying hot water to multiple showers and appliances.
How Does It Work?
Tankless water heaters operate by heating water as it passes through a heat exchanger, which is usually made of copper or stainless steel. When you open a faucet or turn on a shower, the flow of water triggers the heat exchanger to produce hot water on demand. Once you stop using hot water, the heater will stop heating the water, saving energy and money.
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
If you’re looking for efficient ways to save energy and money while enjoying an uninterrupted hot water supply, consider switching to a tankless water heater. Here are the benefits of using a tankless water heater.
Energy Efficiency
One of the major advantages of a tankless water heater is its energy efficiency. Traditional water heaters store and constantly heat 50 gallons or more of water, which results in energy loss. But with a tankless water heater, you only use the energy you need when you need it. This alone can reduce your energy bills by 30% to 50%. Considering that water heating accounts for about 18% of a home’s energy use, investing in a tankless heater can help you save significant money each year.
Endless Hot Water
With a traditional water heater, you can run out of hot water if you use it all up at once. However, with a tankless water heater, you’ll never have to worry about running out of hot water again. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, supplying you with hot water at any time of day without reserve. You can take long, hot showers or even multiple showers in a row and never run out of hot water.
Space Efficiency
A traditional water heater can take up a hefty amount of space in your home, leaving little room for your other essentials. On the other hand, a tankless water heater is smaller and more compact, allowing for more space in your household. Also, it can be mounted on a wall, saving you valuable floor space.
Longevity
Traditional water heaters have a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters usually last up to 20 years. Moreover, they require less maintenance than tank heaters since they don’t store water that can produce mineral buildup, corrosion, and leaks.
Environmentally Friendly
We all have a role to play in preserving the environment, and switching to a tankless water heater can reduce your carbon footprint. The energy efficiency of tankless water heaters translates to decreased greenhouse gas emissions, which is good for the environment. They also have recyclable parts making them eco-friendly, and you won’t have to replace them as frequently.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater
Here are some tips that will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right tankless water heater for you.
Determine Your Hot Water Needs
Before purchasing a tankless water heater, it’s essential to determine your hot water needs. On average, most households require water heaters with a flow rate of 8 to 10 gallons per minute (GPM). However, larger households with multiple bathrooms or hot water appliances may require a higher flow rate. Knowing your hot water needs will help you choose a tankless water heater that can deliver the required hot water without compromising performance.
Consider the Size of the Unit
Tankless water heaters come in different sizes and styles. Some units are designed for outdoor installation, while others can be installed indoors. Be sure to take into consideration the size of the unit you need and the space available for installation. Indoor units require a separate venting system that can either be installed vertically or horizontally. On the other hand, outdoor units require a freeze protection kit to prevent damage during extreme weather conditions.
Check the Energy Efficiency Rating
Energy efficiency is an essential factor to consider when choosing a tankless water heater. A unit’s energy efficiency rating determines how much energy it uses to heat water. High-efficiency units use less energy, resulting in lower energy bills over time. Look for tankless water heaters with an Energy Star rating, indicating that they meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Consider the Type of Fuel Source
Different fuel sources, including natural gas, propane and electricity, can power tankless water heaters. The type of fuel source you choose will depend on your preferences and the availability of the fuel source in your location. Natural gas and propane units provide a more consistent water temperature and can simultaneously supply hot water to multiple sources. In contrast, electric units are less expensive to purchase and install.
Look for Reviews and Recommendations
Before choosing a tankless water heater, be sure to read reviews from other customers to see their experience with the unit. You can also ask for recommendations from plumbers or HVAC technicians with experience working with tankless water heaters.
Consider the Price
While tankless water heaters can save you money on your energy bills in the long run, they do tend to be more expensive upfront than traditional water heaters. Make sure to consider your budget when making your decision, but keep in mind that investing in a high-quality tankless water heater can pay off in the long run.
How to Maintain Your New Tankless Water Heater
Hiring a qualified HVAC technician or plumber can help you maintain your tankless water heater by identifying problems early before they can lead to an emergency. Additionally, regularly scheduled preventive maintenance visits help you detect minor issues and make necessary repairs before the system needs to be replaced.
Professional technicians should also review things such as calcium deposits on necks and burners in gas tankless water heaters, which can create dangerous conditions; they should also check electrical wiring and inspect safety devices. With regular professional maintenance, your tankless water heater will remain efficient and help you save money in the long run.
Contact Professionals Today!
Are you in need of plumbing repairs, drain cleaning or sewer repairs and replacement services? Look no further than Beach Plumbing! For more than 30 years, Beach Plumbing has been offering reliable and timely services to Cypress, CA and the surrounding areas. From water heater installations to general plumbing maintenance, we are here for all of your needs. Call Beach Plumbing today to learn more about our services.