Tankless Info

TANKLESS WATER HEATER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a tankless water heater?

How do tankless water heaters work?

What kind of water flow can I expect from a tankless water heater?

How much energy can I save with a tankless water heater?

What should I know before buying a tankless hot water heater?

How long will my tankless water heater last?

What is a tankless water heater?
 
A tankless water heater is exactly what it sounds like – a device that provides hot water on demand without storing hot water within a tank.  A traditional water heater is built with a storage tank that holds water and maintains the specified amount of heat so that the water is the desired temperature on demand.  With a tankless water heater, you avoid the energy loss (as well as the cost associated with it) of storing hot water.
 
How do tankless water heaters work?
 
With a standard hot water heater, when you turn on a hot water tap, hot water is sent from the storage tank through the pipes to the location where the water is running.  As this occurs, the water in the storage tank must be replaced and heated to the same level.
 
When you install a tankless water heater, the process is completely different.  The water is not stored and, rather, passes through a pipe into the unit, where it is heated on demand either by an electric element (in an electric tankless water heater) or by a gas burner (in a gas tankless hot water heater).  That means that you have a constant supply of hot water, as opposed to a standard storage hot water heater, from which you can run out of the stored hot water.
 
What kind of water flow can I expect from a tankless water heater?
 
Typically, a tankless water heater can provide hot water to your specified location at a rate of between 2 and 5 gallons per minute, with a gas-powered tankless heater providing a higher flow rate than an electric tankless water heater on the average.
 
One caution regarding tankless water heaters is that it typically is difficult for a single unit to provide hot water to multiple locations at the same time in a large house.  The solution here is simple – you can either install 2 tankless water heaters in parallel to handle simultaneous demands, or you can install a whole-house type tankless water heater.  Another possibility is to have a separate tankless water heater for your appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, where you use a great deal of hot water.
 
How much energy can I save with a tankless water heater?
 
This depends mainly on how much hot water you use daily.  If, on average, your household uses less than 41 gallons of hot water a day, a tankless water heater can be between 24-34% more efficient than a standard storage water heater.  For homes that use a lot of hot water – around 80-90 gallons, you’ll save less but will still see an 8-14% gain in efficiency.
 
To maximize your savings, you can install a tankless water heater at each hot water outlet.  This can achieve energy savings ranging from 25-50%.
 
What should I know before buying a tankless hot water heater?
 
You should consider whether to purchase an electric tankless water heater or a gas-powered tankless water heater.  If you decide to go with an electric unit, you’ll need to know the electrical requirements.  Because different brands require different voltages, amperage, and circuit breaker limits, you’ll need to make sure that your home supports the specifications.
 
For a gas-fired tankless water heater, the specifications require particular fuel type and venting needs.  You’ll need to know whether you are working with natural gas or propane, and you’ll also want to examine your current gas line to ensure it meets the requirements for your new tankless water heater.  You’ll also need to take into account the venting needs of the new unit.  There are local building codes that must be met (your installing plumber will be able to assure that these are met), and you may need to purchase a manufacturer’s pre-made venting kit, which typically has all the venting accessories necessary to install your gas tankless water heater.
 
Location, size and demand are also important factors in purchasing the right tankless water heater.  Flow rate requirements throughout the house can make a difference, and even the climate in which you live can change your needs.  For example, in the warm climate of Phoenix, the typical water temperature coming into the house will be lower than that of water coming into a house in a northern location, like Michigan.  You should determine what kind of temperature rise is necessary to heat your water to the degree you require.
 
You should also consider the installation location(s) you have in mind.  This can really affect the decision as to which or how many tankless water heaters you will want in order to meet your needs.
 
Overwhelmed?  Don’t worry; you can call us today, and we’ll be happy to help you make a decision as to the best course of action in purchasing tankless water heaters.  We even have special installation offers to cut your expenses!
 
How long will my tankless water heater last?
 
The average lifespan of a tankless water heater is 20+ years, with proper installation and maintenance.  This compares to the average storage water heater, which has a life of 10-15 years.  In addition, most parts on a tankless water heater are easily replaceable, so you can extend the life of your unit even further.
 
Most manufacturers offer literature – either printed or online – regarding care and maintenance of their tankless hot water heaters, as well as manuals for use and warranty information.