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What Is a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater, also referred to as an on-demand water heater, is a space-saving system that heats water only when you need it. Instead of constantly storing a supply of hot water in a big tank, a tankless unit heats water instantly to the right temperature when requested. This cutting-edge water heating method provides a number of advantages, but before you switch to a tankless system it’s important to make sure it’s suitable for your home in the U.S..

Tankless Water Heaters: How Do They Work?

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

Five Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Many the U.S. residents have already switched to tankless water heaters to experience these fantastic perks:

  1. Tankless water heaters supply lots of hot water: Picture your family happily taking numerous back-to-back showers without water running cold for the last person in line. That’s the benefit that comes with a tankless unit, which delivers virtually endless hot water as it flows rather than taking up to an hour to restore a tank of water.
  1. Increase your home’s energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are up to 34% more energy efficient than traditional tank-style models. The less hot water you use, the more power and money you save. After all, you only pay to heat the water you use, instead of paying for a tank-style unit to constantly heat a big reservoir of hot water just in case you might actually need it.
  1. Tankless units have a longer service life: If you think you’ll be staying in your home for many years, a tankless water heater is a great 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 don’t take up much space: You may be accustomed to the large, cylindrical tank in your tank-style water heater. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Most tankless systems are about the size of a carry-on suitcase mounted to the wall. This means you can install them in tight spaces such as utility closets or small utility rooms.
  1. 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 ruptured unit flooding your home.

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

Tankless water heaters are an energy-saving type of HVAC equipment, but they aren’t always ideal 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 require a larger upfront investment compared to traditional 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 models. 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 raise the installation cost. Electric models are easier to install but have lower performance. They also can’t be purchased with help from those cost-saving HVAC tax credits.
  • Tankless models must cope with very cold weather: Tankless systems heat water as it flows through the unit, which is a significant temperature jump from the water’s unheated temperature to nice and warm. The colder the water is before it’s heated, the more powerful the heater must be and the more energy the tankless system will need to heat the water to the desired temperature. For example, 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: Due to the fact that tankless heaters don’t store heated water, they can only provide a specific amount of hot water at once. The system’s flow rate indicates how much hot water you can access simultaneously, which is an important factor to consider if you have a house full of people who always want to shower while the dishwasher and washing machine are running! An easy way to prevent a drop in hot water is to install multiple point-of-use models in high-demand faucets. However, this raises 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 water heater turns off and on again. It also occurs if you only run a trickle of hot water that isn’t sufficient to keep the tankless unit running. Although this is only a slight annoyance, it’s worth knowing about.

Interested in Tankless Water Heaters in the U.S.

The experienced professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help you select 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. 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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