If you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade or purchase your water heating system, the wide range of products on the market can confuse you. You might have asked, “how does a tankless water heater work?”
In this extensive guide, we will be diving into how a tankless water heater functions. We will also discuss the pros and cons associated with it. If you need this information, then read further.
What is a tankless water heater, and how does it function?
If you are already familiar with storage tank water heaters, you might have asked, “how does a tankless water heater work?”
As their name suggests, this type of water heating system does not possess a storage tank for water. Unlike the conventional water heaters, you won’t need to allocate a lot of space for the tank installation. Tankless units function differently from tank water heaters. Although both serve a common purpose of providing you with warm water for use, their components and heating process vary greatly.
Tankless water heaters may not have a storage tank, but they possess heating coils. These coils bear extreme heat that immediately passes energy to the water upon direct contact. For this reason, they are gaining extreme popularity and demand for their “flash heating.”
Pros and cons
Now you have your answer to “how does a tankless water heater work?” you may be wondering what its pros and cons are. Knowing this will better help you assess if it is an efficient choice for your home.
Let’s talk about the benefits first. The first to note is energy efficiency. As per the Department of Energy, they are about 34% more energy-efficient than conventional ones. It means that you’ll be saving money from overly high power bills. Without the water storage tank, it will not need ample space for mere installation. It works for those with limited spaces. Lastly, you are also sure of an endless hot water supply. As long as you keep the water running, heating takes place.
As for the downsides, the primary thing to note is that it is not efficient for simultaneous use. If someone is taking a bath and another does the laundry, one cannot have warm water. It is because the heating only concentrates on one area, unlike traditional water heaters. While they have gas and electric variants, gas units still need electricity. That means you won’t have water heating if there is a power outage. Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget, it may hurt your wallet. Tankless heaters cost way more upfront than their counterparts. Prices go up depending on installation fee and unit type.
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are an excellent choice if you have limited space and prefer instant heating. They promise you a continuous and constant hot water supply as long as you run the tap. While they may bear high costs, they are worth an investment. If you’re still unsure if you could install one for your home, contact your trusted plumber in Hamilton. We will assist you to the best of our knowledge and expertise!
