Tankless Water Heater: How It Works & Its Benefits
An on-demand or tankless water heater eliminates the need for a storage tank (and the reserve losses associated with it) by only heating water when it’s needed. When you turn on the hot water, your tankless water heater will draw cold water through a pipe into the unit and heater – either by means of an electric heating element or gas burner. A tankless water heater will typically deliver at about a rate of 2-5 gallons per minute.
Types Of On-Demand Water Heaters –
- Small units near the point-of-use – Multiple units usually necessary to service a home
- Large units used to serve the entire house – Can provide hot water for multiple points-of-use in a home
Advantages Of A Tankless Water Heater –
- Compact size
- Help to eliminate standby losses (decreases energy waste)
- No need to let water run to heat up (use less water)
- Can provide unlimited hot water
- Lasts about 20 years
- Only need/use enough power to heat the amount of water necessary at that given moment
- Electric models don’t produce greenhouse gases
- Eliminates possibility of flooding caused by ruptured tank
Potential Drawback Of A Tankless Water Heater –
- Higher initial cost (but longer life expectancy)
- Small units are not the most effective for homes/larger families
- Often can’t supply enough water for simultaneous use (laundry and shower)
- Electric models require relatively high electric power
- On-Demand gas water heaters will need to be vented outdoors
A tankless water heater uses about 30-50 percent less energy than units with tanks. While the cost to install an on-demand unit will be more expensive, the energy saving capabilities can save your family about $100 or more a year depending on actual water usage. Additionally, a tankless unit will last 5-10 years longer than a unit that uses tank technology. Water heaters with tanks store about 40-50 gallons of water in the storage tank. Keeping this water in storage uses energy. An on-demand water heater eliminates the waste associated with storage energy.
If you are experiencing rusty water, rumbling noises, obvious efficiency deficits, or your water heater is more than 10 years old you will likely need to replace the water heater. If you are in need of a water heater replacement, you may want to consider a tankless water heater to see if it fits the needs of your home and family. Whether you need water heater repair or replacement, Kulk’s Plumbing & Heating can help! Contact us today for more information on types of water heaters. If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, we are available 24 hours!
