What Is a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand water heater, is a compact system that heats water only when you need it. Instead of constantly keeping a supply of hot water in a large 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 smart to first make sure it’s feasible for your home in the U.S..

Tankless Water Heaters: How Do They Work?

As soon as you turn on a hot water tap, technology in the tankless unit detects the flow of water. This triggers a gas burner or an electric heating system, according to your fuel source, which then quickly heats the water as it flows through the tankless water heater. When you turn off the tap, the unit turns off and stops heating, which prevents standby energy loss.

Five Ways Tankless Water Heaters Benefit Your Home

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

  1. Tankless water heaters supply bountiful hot water: Imagine your family happily taking several back-to-back showers without water running cold for the last person in line. That’s the benefit of installing a tankless unit, which delivers virtually unlimited hot water when requested rather than taking 30 to 60 minutes to warm up a tank of water.
  1. Going tankless is an energy efficient solution: 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 require, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to continuously heat a big reservoir of hot water just in case you might request it.
  1. 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 more than 20 years, which is almost twice as long as traditional tank heaters—which typically only last 10 to 15 years.
  1. Tankless units are compact: You may be used to the big, cylindrical tank that’s part of your tank-style water heater. However, it isn’t required to be this way. The majority of tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase attached to the wall. This means you can install them in tight spaces like utility closets or small utility rooms.
  1. There’s a lower risk 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 burst tank flooding your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heating System the Right Choice for Me?

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

  • Tankless units have a higher initial cost: Tankless systems require a higher upfront investment compared to the old tank-style water heaters. However, 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 greater flow rate but will need venting to safely expel exhaust gases from your residence. If you lack 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 unit, which requires a significant temperature boost. 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 in a northern state, and you want the water to be 110 degrees when it comes out of the shower head, your system must handle a 70-degree rise. Although this is doable, it’s near the upper limit 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 supply a specific amount of hot water at once. The system’s flow rate tells you how much hot water you can access simultaneously, which is an important factor to consider 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 locations. However, this boosts upfront and operating costs.
  • Tankless water heaters create the cold water sandwich: Tankless water heaters produce a “cold water sandwich,” the 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 enough to keep the tankless unit running. Although this is only a small annoyance, it’s better to know about it ahead of time.

Work with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for 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 will have peace of mind knowing that our pros will have your unit installed and working perfectly. Considering an upgrade? Have more questions? We’re here to support you! Just call 866-397-3787 today to reach the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

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