What is a Tankless Water Heater?
From providing the soothing flow of a hot shower to delivering the heat necessary to sterilize dishes in your dishwasher, your water heater is an essential appliance for everyday living.
While you have plenty of options when choosing a new water heater, one of the biggest decisions you need to make is whether to go with a traditional water heater or opt for a modern, efficient tankless water heater.
What Makes Them Different?
The basic difference between tank and tankless water heaters is whether they include a tank that keeps hot water stored for use at all times. Classic tank heaters have a large storage tank, while a tankless water heater produces hot water only when needed. Both tank and tankless water heaters come in electric and gas.
Tankless water heaters avoid the standby heat losses associated with a conventional tank heater. Although gas-fired tankless water heaters tend to have higher flow rates than electric ones, they can waste energy if they have a pilot light. This can sometimes offset the elimination of standby energy losses when compared to a tank water heater.
How Do They Work?
Tankless water heaters heat water instantaneously without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water faucet is turned on, cold water flows through a heat exchanger in the unit, and either a natural gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, tankless water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.
Because tankless units heat water the moment you need it, you never run out of hot water. You can run the dishwasher while you run a bath or handle a house full of guests who all need to take showers before work.
Are They Expensive?
The initial cost of a tankless water heater is greater than that of a conventional water heater, but tankless water heaters will typically last longer and have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset their higher purchase price. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years, thats almost twice as long as a traditional tank heater.
A tankless water heater can be up to 35% more energy efficient than conventional tank water heaters. The savings depends on how much water you use on a daily basis. For example, a home that uses 41 gallons a day will save more than a home that uses 86 gallons a day.
Do They Require Any Maintenance?
They do not require any maintenance but having them de-scaled every year can help increase their longevity. A yearly de-scaling is highly recommended by our plumbers at Metcalf Plumbing Service. The compact design of a tankless water heater also helps reduce the need for maintenance. Having fewer parts means there's less likelihood of breakage.
Contact us today if you are interested in having a Tankless Water Heater installed in your home or if you need to set up a yearly tankless water heater maintenance!
