Tankless water heaters are the most efficient form of heating water, which makes them the best choice for high-demand areas such as bathrooms.
These energy-efficient devices use much less electricity than traditional tank-style water heaters and they also save you money over time. In this guide, we’ll explain what a tankless water heater is, how it works, and why it’s so effective at cutting energy costs. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of each type of tankless water heater available on the market today.
What is a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are designed to save energy. They can be found in homes around the world. The main advantage of using tankless water heaters is that you don’t have to worry about filling your tank with hot water. With tankless water heaters, you can simply turn on the tap and get the right temperature of water. This is different from traditional water heaters, which rely on a tank of hot water.
A tankless water heater differs from the traditional tank-style water heater in a couple of ways. Traditional models rely on a storage tank to hold water until it’s ready to be used. In contrast, a tankless heater uses a series of pipes that carry the water directly to the faucet. The pipes are heated by a small burner, called a “riser”, which is usually located near the faucet.
Tankless heaters can be controlled manually or automatically. You can also add a programmable timer to regulate the temperature and shut off the water after a certain period of time. You can use a tankless heater to heat only a single unit (like a bathroom) or the entire house. Tankless heaters are energy efficient, and they allow homeowners to control their hot water usage.
ALSO READ: Gas vs Electric Water Heaters
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two types of tankless water heaters, non-condensing and condensing. Below we will learn about these types of tankless water heaters in details.
Non-condensing:
Non-condensing tankless water heaters heat water directly from the water supply and deliver hot water to your fixtures without the need for an air vent. They also provide greater water pressure, so you won’t have to wait for the hot water to trickle out of the faucet.
Condensing:
Condensing heaters release heated air and water through a vent pipe, which is where the water vapor comes from. This means that the water doesn’t get hot until the vapor is released and becomes liquid. While this makes it more energy-efficient, it means that the temperature of the water delivered to the faucet isn’t as consistent as with non-condensing heaters.
Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
Below we will list out the pros and cons of tankless water heaters so you can decide if this is the right solution for your home.
Tankless Water Heaters Pros
• Tankless water heaters can heat water instantly as you turn on the faucet and are very convenient.
• Tankless water heaters offer more efficient and continuous heating than standard water heaters. They don’t need a large tank, so they take up less space and save energy.
• Tankless heaters are also environmentally friendly, because they use no electricity to heat the water that flows through them.
• They are also safer, because they are not as likely to burst into flames.
• If you’re concerned about the cost of a tankless water heater, it may pay to add one to your home for a few years and see how you like it. In the long run, it could end up saving you money.
• Tankless water heaters are easy to clean and maintain.
• Tankless water heaters can be used for both indoor and outdoor fixtures.
• A tankless water heater is very versatile. It can be used for both domestic and commercial purposes.
Tankless Water Heaters Cons
• Tankless heaters typically cost more than a traditional water heater.
• Because tankless water heaters do not store hot water, you’ll need to run the water to heat up the water before you use it.
• You may need to spend more time finding and replacing parts if your tankless heater doesn’t work properly.
• While tankless water heaters are more efficient, they’re not as good at producing high-pressure water.
• Some tankless heaters may not be suitable for areas with hard water, or areas that experience freezing temperatures.
How to Choose the Best Tankless Water Heater
To find the best tankless water heater, look for features that make it easy to use, energy-efficient, and affordable. Look for a model that has a sensor, which turns the water heater on when you turn on the faucet.
Make sure the model has a digital thermostat, which lets you set the temperature according to the room in which you use the water. In other words, the hotter the water, the faster the unit will heat it up.
ALSO READ: Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters
Tankless heaters usually come in three types: electric, gas, and dual fuel. Electric tankless heaters are easier to install, though gas and dual fuel heaters can work in any location.
Look for a heater that has a high-efficiency rating and is well-insulated. For example, if you live in a very cold climate, you may need to choose a heater that is rated for use in -20°C or colder.
Also, look for a tankless water heater that has a built-in filter to keep the water clean and free of debris. Also, make sure it’s easy to remove the heating element to clean it.
Some Common Questions About Tankless Water Heaters:
Q. What’s the difference between a tankless and a standard water heater?
Answer: A tankless water heater uses electric power to heat water. This makes it the most energy-efficient option. It can also be installed on a permanent or temporary basis.
Q. How long does a tankless water heater last?
Answer: In terms of water heater life expectancy, tankless water heaters typically last up to 15 years. However, your local plumber or technician can determine if you’re getting the most from your tankless system.
Q. Is it safe to use a tankless water heater?
Answer: Tankless water heaters are safe for you and your family. Unlike other types of water heaters, they don’t contain a flammable gas that can explode.
Q. Will I get the same hot water with a tankless water heater as with a tank water heater?
Answer: Depending on your water pressure, your water temperature may drop slightly when you switch from a tank to a tankless water heater.
If that’s an issue, you can increase your water pressure or add a booster pump.
Q. What size should my water heater be?
Answer: It’s a good idea to consider the number of people living in your home and the amount of hot water they use. The tankless water heater should be at least 3 times larger than your family’s usage.
If you plan to install your tankless system in a new house, your plumber or technician can tell you how big your water heater needs to be.
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are great for a variety of reasons. They’re more efficient than a tank heater, they eliminate the need to store a large amount of hot water in your basement, and they reduce the risk of scalding when filling a bathtub. However, there are some tankless water heater pros and cons. The initial installation costs can be high, they can be difficult to install, and their energy consumption can be higher than traditional water heaters. However, if you live in an area where temperatures are cold year round, a tankless water heater is the ideal choice. If you’re interested in tankless water heaters, please read this article, Best Electric Tankless Water Heaters UK
- Solar Panel Maintenance And Cleaning Tips You Must Know - January 5, 2023
- Tips For Zero Waste Living in 2023 - January 2, 2023
- What Is Condensing Boiler and Why Do You Need It? - December 11, 2022