All You Need to Know about Tankless Water Heaters
There are several factors to think about when purchasing your first tankless water heater. Such include the proper way to operate a tankless water heater, ensuring it works effectively, and how the cost can change the quality of the tankless water heater you get.
But, how do tankless water heaters work and what is there to know about them? In this guide, we’ll share all information concerning tankless water heaters. From definition to using them right and the benefits at hand, read on to learn more.
What are Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters have gained a lot of popularity due to their small size and energy efficiency. Also known as on-demand water heaters, tankless water heaters heat up and distribute hot water where needed.
Unlike conventional tank-style water heaters, tankless systems aren’t constrained by the size of their tank because they can produce hot water on demand. This enables a tankless water heater to produce a stream of hot water that seems never to end.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
With tank water heaters, a source of energy, such as natural gas, electricity, or propane, heats the water in the tank until a thermostat switches off the energy source after reaching a certain temperature. As the tank cools, the thermostat reactivates the energy source, warming and bringing the water to temperature even though no hot water has been drawn from the faucets.
The energy wasted compensating for heat loss from tank-style heaters, known as standby energy loss, is the primary factor in tankless water heaters’ superior efficiency over tank-style heaters.
Tank heaters may be simple, but they are also very large and take up a lot of floor space. The average tank heater has a diameter of more than two feet and a towering, top-to-bottom height. Tankless water heaters are tank free, which makes them all the more compact. As opposed to average tank heaters, tankless heaters heat the water instantly – and on demand, by turning on a hot water faucet in your house. As water flows through the heater, internal sensors detect it and light propane or natural gas so as to heat the water quickly.
The minute a hot water tap is shut down, the heater’s flame also goes out. For instance, when you fill a sink to clean your dishes, the tankless water heater will only heat the one or two liters of water you actually need.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
What are the advantages of tankless water heaters? For starters, you will be supplied with unlimited hot water and total freedom from standby energy losses. Also, these units are very small and compact to manage.
The volume needed for a basic 60-gallon water heater might be 72 cubic feet, whereas a tankless water heater model will take approximately 2 cubic feet of space. In comparison to a standard natural gas tank heater, a tankless water heater will produce almost 300 percent more heat.
The person who installs tankless water heaters plays an important role, too. These units are so small it is possible to place them closer to the faucets and taps you use the most. This means you will waste less time as well as less water.
What are the Costs of Installing a Tankless Water Heater?
How much do tankless water heaters cost? Before answering this question, we have to make a point of the fact that tankless water heaters are more expensive than their tank-style counterparts.
The overall cost of your new tankless water heating system is impacted by the size of the heater you purchase. For example, a low-performance, single-point, electric tankless water heater should roughly cost around $150.
At the same time, you should budget about $1,500 for a gas-fired tankless water heater, especially if you plan to install a whole-house water heating system. The costlier option is to go with a solar panel water heater which includes a tank and can cost between $2,000 and $6,000.
It is also worth mentioning that factors like the location of your residence can change the tankless water heater installment costs. There are other factors that may also influence the cost, such as the natural rise and fall of the average cost and the area where you live – whether rural or urban.
FAQ About Tankless Water Heaters
Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?
The answer is no. The biggest benefit that tankless water heaters provide is endless hot water. Compared to regular water tanks with designated water volumes, there is no limit to the amount of water that can be extracted from the tank.
What are the most common problems with tankless water heaters?
First, there’s the issue of affordability. Although tankless water heaters save energy and space, they are definitely not a bottom-drawer technology and cost more than tank-style water heaters. Although not everyone can afford the initial investment, the investment is set to pay off in the long run.
Then, there’s water chemistry, another key factor to be considered as potentially problematic. This concern may arise with some tankless units which run on exceptionally hard water or have unusual PH values. These can impair the ideal water chemistry, and though rare, it’s best to consult your dealer about present water chemicals.
The lack of a standing pilot is another potential issue. In tankless water heaters, there is no standing pilot. This means that if the power goes down or is unplugged, you will get no hot water. So, if there is a storm, a burnout, or another factor able to turn off the power supply to your house, the tankless water heater is not going to produce hot water anymore.
Can you take a long shower with a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters address a common problem many face in their homes – running out of hot water. With regular tanks, when two people are taking a shower simultaneously, the water might turn cold. This occurs because conventional water heaters contain a finite amount of hot water – anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons. When hot water taps are turned on in the house, hot water runs out of the tank and is replaced by cold water, which gradually fills the tank.
Tankless water heaters help solve this issue. When taking a shower, the water heater will heat a few gallons of water per minute – up to 120 degrees or hotter – and for however long you decide to stay under the stream. All in all, water heaters with no tanks never run out of hot water.
Will a tankless water heater fill a tub?
Because tankless water heaters can continuously produce hot water, they can supply enough hot water to fill a bathtub. Consider if the size of the water heater you need is large enough to fill a bathtub. In other words, take into account how quickly the heater can deliver the desired water temperature. This is actually quite easy to determine. The water heater tank needs to be roughly two-thirds the size of the bathtub.
Is it worth getting a tankless water heater?
Yes. Getting a tankless water heater is definitely worth it if you can afford to make the initial investment of installing it worthwhile in the long term. This is a good idea because you will no longer have to wait for the cold tank to reheat and will constantly have access to hot water. Plus, the tankless water heater will only heat what you use and prevent standby energy losses. It’s a wise investment that will yield savings ranging from $25 to $107 every year.
How long do tankless water heaters last?
Although many might be hesitant to opt for a tankless water heater, due to its steeper cost, the investment will give you years of usage. Typically, a standard water heater tank will last between 8 to 12 years if taken care of properly. In comparison, however, a tankless water heater is expected to last for up to 25 years, a staggering longevity for the cost you pay.
Cummings Plumbing: The Best Tucson Water Heater Repair and Replacement Service
Given the cost, pros, cons, and features of tankless water heaters, they make a fabulous option for those who want to part ways with their traditional tank. In case your tankless water heater requires some repair or replacement, you can always find designated service providers.
At Cummings Plumbing, we offer the most refined tankless water heater service. From repairs to replacements and day-to-day assessments, we offer a team of professionals able to keep your tankless water heater in perfect shape.
Our Tucson-based services expand further than tankless water heaters and include plumbing services, toilet cleaning, repairs, gas line repairs, and more. To check the viability of your tankless water heater, get in touch with our professionals and schedule a free estimate today!
