What Is a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater, also referred to as an on-demand water heater, is a small 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 immediately to the right temperature when requested. This advanced water heating method offers a number of advantages, but before you switch to a tankless system it’s smart to first make sure it’s practical 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 movement of water. This activates a gas burner or an electric heating element, according to your fuel source, which then rapidly heats the water as it flows through the tankless water heater. Once you turn off the tap, the tankless unit shuts down and stops heating, which prevents idle energy loss.

Five Reasons to Use a Tankless Water Heater

Many the U.S. residents have already opted for tankless water heaters to take advantage of these amazing perks:

  1. Tankless water heaters supply bountiful hot water: Envision your family happily taking several back-to-back showers without the last person in line running out of hot water. That’s the reality of using a tankless unit, which supplies virtually endless hot water when requested rather than taking 30 to 60 minutes to restore a tank of water.
  1. Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than tank models. The less hot water you require, the more electricity or gas and money you save. After all, you only pay to heat the water you need, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to constantly heat a big tank of hot water just in case you might request it.
  1. Tankless units have a longer service life: 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 only have an estimated lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
  1. Tankless units are compact: You may be used to the large, cylindrical tank that’s part of your tank-style water heater. However, it doesn’t have to be like this. Many tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase attached to the wall. This means you can install 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: Because tankless water heaters don’t have a large reservoir of heated water, there’s no risk of a leaky tank damaging your home.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

Tankless water heaters are an energy-saving type of HVAC equipment, but they aren’t always perfect for every home. Take into account these factors before making the switch in your the U.S. home:

  • A tankless water heater usually costs more up front: Tankless systems usually have a greater upfront investment compared to the old tank-style water heaters. But, tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient home HVAC technology 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 greater flow rate but require venting to safely discharge exhaust gases from your home. If you don’t already have a vent, installing one in your home will raise the installation cost. Electric models are more straightforward to install but are less powerful. They also don’t qualify for 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 demands a significant temperature increase. The colder the water is before it’s heated, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy it uses. 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. Although 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: Because tankless heaters don’t hold heated water, they can only heat a limited amount of hot water at a time. The unit’s flow rate tells you how much hot water you can access at once, which is an important consideration if you have a house full of people trying to shower when the dishwasher and washing machine are running! An easy way to prevent a lack of hot water is to install multiple point-of-use models in high-demand faucets. However, this increases 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 formed when the appliance turns off and on again. 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 worth knowing about.

Interested in Tankless Water Heaters in the U.S.

Your local experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help you choose the right water heating solution, whether that’s a tankless water heater 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 get in touch with the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

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