Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
Tankless water heaters – often referred to as “on-demand,” “inline,” or “continuous flow” water heaters – offer certain advantages that must be considered when installing a hot water heater system in a home, apartment complex, or office building. In the case of storage-tank water heaters, gas or electricity must be used to periodically heat water in the tank. When cooler replacement water enters the tank, energy must be used even if hot water is not in use since storage tank systems heat water to between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Standby Loss and Hot Water Storage Tanks
Energy wasted due to the need to maintain a certain temperature in the storage tank is referred to as “standby loss.” When hot water is not in use, stored water will eventually cool down. In order to maintain water temperature, however, a storage tank water heater needs to re-heat water that has cooled down. As a result, up to 20% of a home’s water heating costs is attributable to standby loss.
The Efficiency of Tankless Water Heaters
Since tankless water heaters don’t store water, they only turn on when hot water is needed. When a faucet is turned on, water flows into the tankless water heater, triggering sensors that turn on heat exchangers or heating coils. Once hot water is turned off, the internal sensor shuts down the tankless hot water heater. In general, it takes a tankless hot water heater about 5 seconds to heat water after it has entered the system. As a result, tankless hot water heaters are more energy-efficient since they turn on only when hot water is needed. They also don’t waste as much water.
Other Advantages of Tankless Hot Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can be installed near a sink, dishwasher, washing machine, or in a bathroom. Since they deliver a continuous supply of hot water as long as hot water is in use, you never have to worry about running out of hot water when you’re in the shower or washing the dishes. Additionally, they’re small and easy to install almost anywhere. Since they don’t store water they can last up to 20 years – twice as long as conventional storage tank water heaters.
Call Dallas – Fort Worth Public Service Plumbers
Regardless of whether your building a new home or replacing an older water heater, a tankless water heater is worth considering for a number of reasons. For more information, call Public Service Plumbers at (214) 753-4633 today for more information.
