The notion of switching from a bulky storage tank water heater to a convenient and energy-saving tankless water heater is tempting for many homeowners. It’s important, however, to understand how tankless water heaters work and under what circumstances they work the best.
How a Tankless Water Heater Works
Instead of keeping a tank of water heated at all times, whether hot water is required or not, a tankless heater only heats water as needed. It heats the water using a heating element, powered by either electricity, propane or most commonly, natural gas. The best fuel will depend on several factors pertaining to your specific home.
There are whole-house tankless water heaters for large houses, though smaller point-of-use tankless units also are available, which are installed close to frequently used water outlets. Some larger homes supplement a whole-house tankless water heater with one or more point-of-use units. As hot water is needed, it heats the water passing by.
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
1. They last longer. Tankless heaters can last up to 10 years more than most storage tank heaters.
2. Fast hot water. When tankless heaters are installed close to the point-of-use, there is only a small delay of heated water when the faucet is turned on.
3. Unlimited supply. Unlike storage tank water heaters, tankless models can keep delivering hot water as long as they have fuel available, and not too many simultaneous uses are calling for hot water.
4. More energy efficient. Since you only heat what water is needed, there is much less energy wasted, which saves you money on energy bills. Storage tank water heaters lose heat as the water sits in the tank.
5. Take up less space. Most tankless water heaters can be put under a cabinet or in a small closet. They don’t take up much space.
Tankless water heaters aren’t perfect, and in large houses especially they may not be the best option. Before you install a tankless water heater, ask your trusted HVAC contractor about the benefits and disadvantages of going tankless for your specific home.
If you have any questions about tankless water heaters in your Indianapolis area home, please contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
