Need to take a shower during a winter morning? Don’t worry about your quick hot water needs. Advancement in plumbing technology has made it possible to have hot water any time of the day, anywhere in the house! No more scheduling of hot water use in the house. Everyone can be supplied with hot water almost instantaneously! Introducing the new tankless water heater!
What are Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless hot water heaters can be a great solution to your home’s hot water needs. They instantaneously heat the water on demand, there’s no more waiting time; you get it when you need it.
Tankless water heaters are available in electric, natural gas or propane models. Point-of-use models can provide hot water for the sink; a whole house model can supply hot water to several bathrooms, sinks, washing machines and others, in an instant! The water flows through very hot heating elements and then is supplied directly to your faucet or shower. You will always have hot water anytime, and you’ll have no fear about the possibility of a leak from the tank.
Get the one that’s right for you. Consider the type, gas or electric, which will suit your needs most, and the tank capacity you need; whatever the size, they work the same way.
These new innovation water heaters deliver hot water when it is required, without having to store the water in tanks. It is a great energy savings for the owner because the heaters don’t emit the energy costs that go with storage water heaters.
It costs merely a few dollars per month to run, and heating water usually accounts for 40% of the energy bill, which only means additional savings for you! They are more expensive than the conventional heaters, but they last longer.
How do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
New technology has crafted these innovative water heaters without storing the water in a tank. When the hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, and the water is heated by either a gas or an electric element. Because of this, tankless water heaters provide a constant flow of hot water; there is no need to wait to fill up the storage tank with enough hot water. However, the output of a tankless water heater is limited by its flow rate.
A typical tankless water heater supplies hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons per minute. In some cases where there is a simultaneous demand for hot water (like people showering at the same time while the washing machine is on), the heater may not be able to supply enough hot water. If this happens regularly, this problem can be solved by connecting several tankless water heaters for simultaneous demands of hot water, or just install a separate tankless water heater for the appliances.
Advantages
• For homes using more than 86 gallons of hot water every day, these heaters are about 8%-14% energy efficient than conventional storage tank heaters.
• For homes using less than 41 gallons of hot water every day, these heaters are about 24%-34% energy efficient than conventional storage tank heaters.
• An even greater energy savings of 27%–50% can be achieved if a demand water heater is installed at each hot water outlet.
• It is very efficient, and yet occupies a very small space; a tankless water heater can be installed on any wall or compact spaces. They can be installed on the interior or exterior wall of the home where it will not take a lot of space.
• Provides an endless flow of hot water. There’s no need to endure a freezing shower if you’re the last one out of bed.
Disadvantages
• Require a larger up-front investment; it costs more than the conventional water heater tank
• Can run short of hot water during busy days
• Needs airing to avoid overheating
How to Choose the Right Model
Determine which model is suited for your home. Consider these important points:
• Water Flow Rate – Calculate how much hot water you will need at one time, which is called the flow rate. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Check the flow rates for the hot water applications. To find the GPM you need, add the GPMs of the major hot water applications that you always use at the same time.
• Function – Whole house or Point of Use – Tankless water heaters are usually whole house systems, heating water as it is demanded. This kind of system can deliver hot water to more than one location at a time. Point of use systems are units that supply instant hot water to a particular location. These systems are used to supplement a whole house system when additional hot water is needed.
• Fuel Type – Most water heaters are fueled by gas or electricity. Gas type requires a slightly larger up-front investment, must be vented outdoors for safety, cost less to operate, and not affected by power outages. Electric types usually cost less than gas models, easy to sustain, do not require venting, boils the water instantly, and rates high in energy factors.
Also consider additional features such as:
• Self Cleaning – This feature is important to save time and prevent sediment buildup which will prolong tank life and sustain the heater’s efficiency for an extended period of time.
• Recovery Speed – If your household uses a lot of hot water, it is good to consider a model with a fast recovery speed, which needs a shorter amount of time to heat the water.
• Auto Shutoff Valve – This valve concerns only gas models. In case of a movement on the ground of a sudden considerable increase in the flow of gas, this valve halts the flow of gas, thereby preventing fires.
What are you waiting for? Save money and indulge in performance. These new tankless water heaters are made with the latest technology that provides optimum competence in energy and utility costs. It is a smart investment that will definitely increase the value of your homes with premium technology and energy efficiency. Make an appointment with your dependable professional plumber now to discuss your options.
