What Is a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand water heater, is a small system that heats water just when you need it. Instead of constantly keeping a supply of hot water in a big tank, a tankless unit heats water immediately 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 suitable for your home in the U.S..

How Does a Tankless Water Heater Supply Hot Water?

As soon as you turn on a hot water tap, a sensor in the tankless unit detects the flow of water. This triggers a gas burner or an electric heating element, based on your fuel source, which then rapidly heats the water as it passes through the tankless water heater. Once you turn off the tap, the tankless unit turns off and stops heating, which prevents inactive energy loss.

Five Reasons to Use a Tankless Water Heater

Many the U.S. residents have already converted to tankless water heaters to enjoy these incredible perks:

1. Tankless water heaters supply lots of hot water: Envision your family happily taking numerous back-to-back showers without the last person in line getting a blast of cold water. That’s the reality that comes with a tankless unit, which delivers virtually endless hot water as needed rather than taking 30 to 60 minutes to warm up 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 use, the more power and money you save. That’s because you only pay to heat the water you use, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to always heat a big reservoir of hot water just in case you might request it.

3. Tankless units have a longer service life: If you plan on staying in your home for an extending time frame, a tankless water heater is a great investment. These units last over 20 years, which is nearly double as long as traditional tank heaters—which generally last about 10 to 15 years.

4. Tankless units are compact: You may be used to the big, cylindrical tank that’s part of your tank-style water heater. However, it doesn’t need to be like this. Many tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase mounted to the wall. This means you can mount them in tight spaces such as utility closets or small utility rooms.

5. There’s a lower risk risk of water damage with a tankless system: Because tankless water heaters don’t have a big storage tank, there’s no risk of a burst tank damaging your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

Tankless water heaters are an efficient appliance, but they aren’t perfect for every home. Take into account these factors before switching to a tankless system:

• A tankless water heater usually costs more up front: Tankless systems require a larger upfront investment compared to the old tank-style water heaters. However, tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient appliances are often available to reduce the cost.

• The power of tankless units varies and some models require venting: Tankless units come in both electric and gas designs. 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 increase the installation cost. Electric models are more straightforward 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 temperature rise requirements caused by extreme weather: Tankless systems heat water as it flows through the appliance, which requires a significant temperature increase. The colder the incoming water, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy it uses. For instance, if the groundwater temperature is 40°F in a northern state, and you want to take a shower in 110-degree water, your system must handle a 70-degree rise. While this is doable, it’s near the maximum 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 store heated water, they can only supply a certain amount of hot water at once. The unit’s flow rate tells you how much hot water you can consume at the same time, which is an important factor to consider if you have a house full of people with someone always wanting a shower when the dishwasher and washing machine are running! An easy way to prevent a drop in hot water is to set up multiple point-of-use models in high-demand locations. On the other hand, this boosts upfront and operating costs.

• Tankless water heaters create a cold water sandwich: Tankless water heaters produce a “cold water sandwich,” the short burst of cold water made when the unit cycles off and on. 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 be ready for it.

Interested in Tankless Water Heaters in the U.S.

The team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help you choose 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 set up and running perfectly. Ready to upgrade? Have more questions? We’re here to support you! Just call 866-397-3787 today to contact the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!