Tankless water heaters are changing how we get hot water in our homes. Unlike old water heaters with big tanks, these modern systems heat water only when we need it to save energy and space.
Tankless water heaters work by heating water as it flows through the unit. When a tap is turned on tap, cold water enters the heater, a sensor detects the water flow, and then turns on the heating element. This quickly warms the water to the right temperature.
Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water and are smaller than tank heaters, in addition to cutting energy bills.
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand without needing a storage tank. They heat water instantly as it flows through the unit, offering energy savings and unlimited hot water.
A tankless water heater has several key parts. The flow sensor detects when a hot water tap is turned on which then triggers the burner or electric heating element to activate. Cold water enters the unit and passes through a heat exchanger. Here, it's quickly warmed to the set temperature.
For gas models, the burner heats the exchanger, while electric units use heating coils instead. The heated water then exits the unit and flows to the open tap. This process happens in seconds, giving you hot water almost instantly.
When the tap is closed, the flow sensor signals the heater to stop and this on-demand heating saves energy compared to keeping a tank of water hot all the time.
Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank models as they only heat water when needed, cutting standby energy losses. This can lead to lower energy bills over time. The energy savings can be 24-34% for homes using 41 gallons or less of hot water daily.
Tankless units do have higher upfront costs but their longer lifespan (20+ years vs 10-15 for tank heaters) and lower operating costs can offset this. Over time, the energy savings can add up to significant cost reductions.
These units also take up less space and provide endless hot water, making them a good choice for many homes, despite the initial investment.
Installing and maintaining a tankless water heater requires some special considerations, such as initial setup requirements and ongoing care to keep your unit running smoothly.
Tankless water heaters need proper ventilation and gas or electric connections. This is why it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber for installation as they'll ensure the right sizing and placement for optimal performance.
Gas units require larger gas lines and venting and electric models may need upgraded electrical panels. Both types need access to cold water lines and drains for flushing. Proper insulation around pipes helps maintain water temperature which is especially important in colder climates.
The unit's location matters too and it should be near frequently used hot water outlets. This reduces wait times for hot water. Meanwhile, wall mounting saves floor space compared to tank heaters.
Regular maintenance and annual servicing by a professional can keep your tankless heater in top condition. A technician will check for mineral buildup and clean internal parts.
You should flush the system every 6-12 months to remove limescale and prevent clogs to keep water flowing freely. Use a vinegar solution to dissolve deposits. Check the intake filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed to stop debris from entering the unit.
Watch for error codes on the display panel. Common issues include ignition failure or blockages. Finally, test the pressure relief valve yearly as this important safety feature prevents dangerous pressure buildup.
Tankless water heaters offer unique benefits and some trade-offs compared to traditional tank models. Let's explore the key differences to help you decide if going tankless is right for your home.
Tankless units provide endless hot water on demand so there’s no need to worry about running out during long showers or back-to-back loads of laundry. They heat water only when needed, avoiding standby energy losses from storing hot water. This can lead to lower utility bills, especially for smaller households.
These compact systems also save valuable floor space as they can be mounted on walls, freeing up room in basements or closets. Tankless heaters usually last longer too - up to 20 years compared to 10-15 for tank models.
The upfront cost of tankless systems is higher, however, long-term energy savings may offset this over time. Installation can also be complex, often requiring new gas lines or electrical upgrades. This adds to the initial expense.
Flow rate can be a limitation and large households may need multiple units or a larger model to meet high simultaneous demand. You’ll have to consider peak hot water needs carefully when sizing a tankless system.
Tankless water heaters use advanced technologies to provide instant hot water on demand. These systems are designed to offer efficient heating and smarter control for users.
Tankless heaters use powerful heating elements to warm water quickly, with electric models using coils and gas units relying on burners. Both types can heat water to the desired temperature in seconds.
Advanced sensors detect water flow and activate the heating process to ensure hot water is available as soon as a tap is turned. The heating elements adjust their output based on the water flow rate and temperature setting.
Some units have multiple heating stages which allows for more precise temperature control and better energy efficiency. The introduction of condensing technology in gas models is also a game-changer, capturing heat from exhaust gases to boost efficiency.
Modern tankless heaters have user-friendly control panels that allow easy temperature adjustments and system monitoring. Digital displays show the current water temperature and flow rate. Many units offer Wi-Fi connectivity, which lets users control their water heaters through smartphone apps, making it easy to adjust settings, monitor energy use, and receive maintenance alerts remotely.
Some systems use AI to learn household hot water usage patterns. They can then optimize heating performance for different times of day, improving energy efficiency and ensuring hot water is always available when needed.
Meanwhile, important safety features are built into the control systems, including an automatic shut-off if issues are detected and scalding prevention measures.
Speak to us today to discuss the benefits of a tankless water heater in your home.
