Have you ever run out of hot water during a shower? A tankless water heater can solve this problem. These devices heat water on demand instead of storing it in a tank, providing a steady flow of hot water whenever needed.
Tankless water heaters heat water instantly as it flows through the unit. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water enters the heater, and a gas burner or electric element quickly heats the water to provide hot water immediately.
Tankless heaters are smaller than traditional water heaters since there’s no big tank. They also use less energy because they only heat water when you need it. However, they do cost more upfront to buy and install, so weigh the pros and cons before choosing one for your home.
Understanding Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand without storing it in a tank. They offer energy savings and space efficiency compared to traditional water heaters.
Basics of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through the unit, and the process is simple:
- The hot water tap is turned on
- Cold water enters the heater.
- A gas burner or electric element quickly heats the water.
This gives a constant supply of hot water which is why these units are also called on-demand water heaters. They only use energy when hot water is needed, and this can lead to lower energy bills. Tankless heaters are smaller than storage tanks, too, so they can be mounted on walls to save floor space.
Comparing Tankless to Storage Water Heaters
Storage water heaters keep a large tank of hot water ready constantly, and this can waste energy heating water that isn’t used. Tankless units avoid this standby heat loss.
Tankless heaters provide endless hot water, while storage tanks can run out during high-demand times. However, tankless units may struggle to supply multiple outlets at once.
Upfront costs for tankless heaters are often higher, but they typically last longer than storage tanks. This can offset the initial price over time.
Installation can also be more complex for tankless units, as they may need upgrades to gas lines or electrical systems.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two main types of tankless water heaters: gas and electric.
Gas tankless heaters use natural gas or propane and can heat water faster than electric models. This makes them good for larger homes or high-demand situations.
Electric tankless heaters are often cheaper to buy and install. They work well in smaller homes or as point-of-use heaters for single fixtures.
Some units can be installed outdoors, saving indoor space and making venting easier for gas models. Condensing tankless heaters are a newer option. They capture exhaust heat to boost efficiency.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a tankless water heater is a complex process that requires professional input, careful planning, and ongoing care.
Installation Process
The first step is choosing a good spot for the unit and your installers need to ensure proper ventilation and there is access to gas and water lines.
Next, they’ll mount the heater on the wall securely and connect the gas line, water pipes, and electrical wiring. This part can be tricky and dangerous if not done right.
Finally, the venting system will be installed. This carries exhaust gases safely out of your home. The type of venting depends on the heater model and your home’s layout.
Professional Installation Considerations
While some handy homeowners might tackle installation, we strongly suggest hiring a professional. Licensed plumbers have the skills and tools to do the job safely and correctly.
Professional installation costs range from $1,000 to $2,000 on top of the unit price. This may seem high, but it’s worth it for safety and proper function.
Professionals will also handle permits and inspections, which are often required by local building codes. They’ll make sure everything meets safety standards to avoid potential issues.
Ongoing Maintenance Needs
Tankless water heaters need regular care to work well, and we recommend flushing the system once a year to remove mineral buildup. This helps prevent damage and keeps the heater efficient.
You’ll also want to clean the air intake filter every few months to keep dust and debris out of the unit. It’s an easy task you can do yourself.
For gas units, we suggest a yearly inspection by a professional plumber. They’ll check for gas leaks and ensure all parts are working correctly.
Performance and Efficiency
Tankless water heaters offer impressive performance and efficiency gains over traditional tank models. They heat water on demand and eliminate standby energy losses.
Energy Efficiency Metrics
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) measures tankless water heater efficiency. Higher UEF ratings mean better efficiency and most tankless models have UEF ratings between 0.8-0.98, compared to 0.6-0.7 for standard tank heaters.
Tankless units can be 8-50% more energy efficient than tank models, but the exact savings depends on hot water usage. Homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily can see 24-34% energy savings.
Heat Exchanger Technology
The heat exchanger is key to tankless performance. It rapidly heats water as it flows through.
There are two main types of heat exchangers:
- Non-condensing: Uses a single heat exchanger. They’re simpler and cheaper but less efficient.
- Condensing: Has a second heat exchanger to capture exhaust heat. They’re more efficient but costlier.
Condensing models can reach 98% efficiency as they extract more heat from combustion gases before venting. This boosts performance and lowers energy use.
Flow Rate and Hot Water Demand
Flow rate measures how much hot water a tankless unit can provide and is given in gallons per minute (GPM). Most residential models offer 2-5 GPM. Larger homes or high-demand applications may need multiple units, as one unit may struggle to meet peak demand from multiple fixtures.
We recommend:
- 2-3 GPM for apartments or small homes
- 3-5 GPM for medium homes
- 5+ GPM for large homes
The flow rate limits how many fixtures can run at once with a tankless heater, and proper sizing is crucial for meeting a home’s hot water needs.
Costs and Benefits
Tankless water heaters come with both advantages and drawbacks in terms of costs and benefits.
Analyzing Initial and Long-Term Costs
The upfront cost of a tankless water heater is higher than a traditional tank model. You can expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 for a gas unit and $500 to $1,500 for an electric one. Installation costs are also higher, often ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
But tankless heaters last longer – up to 20 years compared to 10-15 for tank models, meaning you may save money in the long run by avoiding an earlier replacement. Tankless units are also more energy efficient and can lower your energy bills by 20-30% in many cases.
Weighing Space Savings and Longevity
Tankless water heaters take up much less space than bulky storage tanks. A typical unit is about the size of a small suitcase and can be mounted on a wall. This frees up valuable floor space in your home. The compact size also makes tankless heaters easier to access for maintenance.
With fewer parts that can corrode or leak, tankless heaters tend to need less upkeep over time. Their longer lifespan also means less waste in landfills too, as you won’t need to replace a tankless unit as often as a traditional tank.
Evaluating Cost Savings and Environmental Impact
While the upfront cost is higher, tankless water heaters can save you money over time. The energy savings from only heating water on demand add up. For a typical family, this can mean $100 or more in lower energy bills each year.
Tankless units also waste less water as there’s no stored water to cool down, so you don’t need to run the tap waiting for hot water. This saves both water and the energy used to heat it.
The improved efficiency and longevity of tankless heaters make them a more eco-friendly choice. They use less energy and resources over their lifetime compared to traditional tanks.
Contact us to discuss the benefits of installing a tankless heater in your home.
