As the world progresses, so does technology, and one of the most impressive inventions in the plumbing industry is the tankless water heater. These devices are increasingly becoming popular among homeowners — and for a good reason. They are designed to provide hot water only when needed and eliminate the need for a storage tank.
If you are new to tankless water heaters, you may have a few questions. For starters: how does a tankless water heater work? Below, we will discuss what a tankless water heater is, how it works, and some of the benefits and drawbacks of this technology.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is a plumbing appliance designed to supply hot water on demand without storing any water. It works by heating cold water immediately as it flows through the unit’s heat exchanger without heating the water already stored in a tank.
If you’re thinking about installing one, knowing what a tankless water heater is in the most basic sense is important. However, you might still want to learn more. So, how does a tankless water heater work, exactly? What can you expect from the water heating process? Let’s go over everything you need to know in more detail below.
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows into the tankless water heater through the inlet pipe. An electric element or gas burner heats the water as it moves through the heat exchanger, raising the water temperature to the desired temperature. The hot water then flows out of the tankless water heater and to the hot water tap. This heating process is instantaneous and stops once the water tap is turned off.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
Tankless water heaters work differently than traditional water heaters in that they do not store hot water in a tank. Storage water heaters rely on a large tank to store hot water, which takes up a lot of space. The tank has a limited capacity and can run out of hot water, especially if multiple people use hot water at once.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, provide an unlimited supply of hot water since they heat water on demand. This means you can take long showers or fill your bathtub without worrying about running out of hot water. Additionally, a tankless water heater is more energy-efficient and can save you money on your energy bill.
The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Like any technology, tankless water heaters come with benefits and drawbacks. Some of the advantages of tankless water heaters include:
- They save energy and water.
- They have a longer lifespan of up to 20 years.
- They provide hot water on demand.
- They take up less space.
Some of the potential disadvantages of tankless water heaters can include:
- They have a higher upfront cost than traditional water heaters.
- They may have a lower flow rate than traditional water heaters.
- They may require a larger gas line or electrical wiring to support them.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two types of tankless water heaters, electric tankless water heaters and gas tankless water heaters. Both types work the same way, but the difference lies in the heat source used to heat the water.
Electric tankless water heaters use an electric element to heat the water, while gas tankless water heaters use a gas burner to heat the water. Gas tankless water heaters are generally considered more energy efficient than electric tankless water heaters.
Install Your Tankless Water Heater Today!
How does a tankless water heater work? As you can see, these units work by providing hot water on demand. Also, as we reviewed, tankless water heaters offer many benefits, including unlimited hot water and energy savings. Once you understand what a tankless water heater is, its pros and cons, and its types, you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for your home. Are you looking for the best water heater installers? That’s where AP Plumbing comes in.
If you need tankless hot water heater services, we’re the team for the job. We offer quality plumbing solutions in Syracuse and Rochester, NY, including tankless water heater repair, installation, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
