Tankless Water Heaters – What Everyone Should Know

When you think about living in the perfect home, a great variety of detail comes to mind. It’s only fair to assume that hot water is an amenity that no household could live without. And if you’ve been on the hunt for a new water heating system for your home, then you know that the plethora of options on the market can be downright disconcerting! Fortunately, tankless water heaters are an efficient alternative to traditional and bulky storage type units that can help you optimize the space and save on energy costs. 

 

In the following article, we’ll be covering the main characteristics and benefits that come with going tankless.

Operating Principle

The concept is straightforward. A tankless water heater will start working the second you turn on your hot water tap. A built-in sensor will then detect cold water flowing into the heater and send a signal to begin producing hot water immediately. That is why they’re also known as ‘on-demand’ or ‘instantaneous’ water heaters; in this configuration, water is not preheated and stored inside a tank until you need to use it. This allows you to have a constant supply of hot water, and not be limited by the size of your tank. Also, depending on the unit’s flow rate, it can eliminate the need to wait until the water heats up.

Now, there are different types of tankless water heaters out there. So, if you’re contemplating purchasing either one of these types, we suggest you conduct some research and consult specialized online guides to land the one that will be most suitable for your household’s needs. Tanks are generally powered by either gas, propane, or electricity, so you can pick according to your preference.

 

Compactness

The first and most obvious advantage of owning a tankless water heater pertains to their compact format and size. In fact, these models require much less space than traditional units and take up virtually no floor space, which can be a great thing for smaller bathrooms. Of course, depending on which water capacity you need and how sophisticated the appliance is, there will be size differences between models.

 

High Energy-Efficiency

Another reason that explains the booming popularity of on-demand water heaters has to do with their high energy-efficiency. As mentioned above, these systems work only when a hot water tap is activated. As such, the heater only consumes energy when you decide to use hot water. Over time, you can expect a tremendous and an appreciable reduction in water and energy bills at the end of the month. For your reference, electric water heaters use approximately 20% less energy compared to their conventional counterparts.

 

Sustainability

Tankless water heaters are known to be viable eco-friendly alternatives. Thanks to their maximum efficiency, they produce lower energy output, which contributes to reducing waste. Also, an instantaneous heater will emit less CO2, resulting in cleaner air as well as a healthier environment. Water is a scarce resource, so installing an appliance that saves as much of it as possible while protecting the planet is a no-brainer.

 

Longevity

If you’re seeking a long-lasting water heating system, look no further. On average, tankless gas heaters can operate for at least 20 years, lasting two to three times longer than storage-type tanks. The tankless electric type will also be a reliable option, but with a shorter life span of 7 to 10 years depending on the model.

 

Increased Home Value

As with any modern and energy-saving appliance, a tankless water heater will increase your property’s worth, allowing you to set a higher asking price if you ever put your house or apartment on the market. As explained, these systems will last a long time without losing their initial water-heating capacity. So, investing in an on-demand heater is bound to make you reap some extra profit in the future.

 

Installation

Now, when it comes to installing your brand-new water heater, you’d better leave the job to the professionals and call a certified plumber. The process involves complex connections (for gas) and wiring (for the electrical type) to make sure you enjoy a leak-free appliance. As far as maintenance goes, you can schedule a yearly check-up visit from an expert to optimize the heater’s longevity, clean or replace air and water filters, and prevent mineral buildup.

 

Price

Lastly, many homeowners are reluctant to go tankless because of the initial upfront cost, which is up to three times higher than that of the traditional type. Nevertheless, it’s an investment that pays for itself over time.

 

All things considered, a tankless water heating system is a superb modern way to optimize water usage, save up space, and save money on costly energy bills. Now that you know enough to understand and know what you need to know about tankless water heaters, you can confidently go ahead and make a move to get the best one that suits you and is perfectly convenient for your usage. Remember to check out specialized guides to ensure you make an informed and successful purchase.