What Is It?
Tankless water heaters heat the water in a home without holding the water in a storage tank. The water is heated directly before it is expelled from the faucet. When a tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe and into the heating unit. In an electrical tankless water heater, the water is heated by an electric element. In the gas version, a gas burner heats the water. Typically, tankless water heaters are capable of providing 2 to 5 gallons of hot water per minute. The gas version often produced more hot water than the electric heater, but needs a method of venting so it may not be an option for everyone.
Installation of the tankless heater should be done by a licensed professional. Proper installation maximizes efficiency, and is also safer. When selecting a qualified contractor for installation, ask for a quote in writing. You should also speak with their references and check with the Better Business Bureau for a report concerning their service. Be sure the installer obtains any necessary permits and that they are aware of local building codes before installation.
Who Needs It?
Those in search of a new water heater should consider the tankless option. It may not work for everyone, but it is an energy efficient means of heating the household water supply. The tankless heaters use less water and save on energy bills. Those living in smaller homes may also prefer a tankless water heater because they take up less space.
Those who are considering an energy upgrade in their home should evaluate their water heater options. Compared to the cost of many energy upgrades, a tankless water heater may be an affordable option that will save energy and cash in the long run. Furthermore, people that are concerned with a water heating causing damage if they should leak can put their fears at ease with a tankless option. If your current water heater storage tank is located near valuables, or in a finished basement space, a tankless option will ensure there will be no water damage should it malfunction.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits to opting for the installation of a tankless heater. It is energy efficient and saves water. Owners of the tankless option will see a drop in both their energy and water bills. Since the tank does not store water, there is no need to run the tap for a few minutes to warm the water. Tax rebates are available for those purchasing the energy efficient option, saving even more money in the long run. A home that typically uses 41 gallons of water per day will see a 24% to 34% increase in efficiency.
The tankless options are versatile and may be a great solution for outdoor water heating needs. They can be used for poolhouses or showers, remote bathrooms or hot tubs, and outdoor sinks. With the popularity of outdoor kitchens growing, a tankless heater may be a great option to cut the costs of your outdoor living experience.
The life expectancy of a tankless water heater exceeds that of a traditional model. Tankless water heaters are estimated to last up to 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that are inexpensive. This can help extend the life of your tankless water heater beyond 20 years. The life span of a tank water heater is approximately 10 to 15 years.
Finally, with a tankless heater, there is no risk of springing a leak. You can rest easy knowing that even if something were to go wrong with your new tankless water heater, it would not involve expensive damage to other parts of your home.
Risks
While tankless water heaters are generally a great buy, there are a few things to consider before committing to this option. Some of the smaller tanks are not capable of heating the water used in a large home. There are also issues with utilizing multiple streams of water simultaneously. For instance, if you are running the washing machine while someone is showering, the person showering may be in for a cold water surprise. The way to avoid this issue is to choose a larger tankless option or a “whole house” option. It is also possible to install smaller tankless water heaters for individual appliances.
In order to have the water heater installed properly, you will need to be sure you have the appropriate electrical ability or the appropriate venting ability for gas. You can speak with the salesperson about this when shopping for the water heater.
Tankless options are initially more expensive. In the case of the “whole house” option, the expense may be significantly more. However, in the long run, you will more than likely recoup this additional expense between saving on energy costs and including the water heater upgrade on your tax forms.
While tankless water heaters may not be for all households, they are an energy efficient option that can save a family a lot of money. Consider a tankless option when shopping for your family’s next water heater.
Good article Kelly, it's hard to cover that much information in one article. I would like to add a point for anyone interested in a tankless water heater: Some people dismiss electric tankless as not being competitive with gas, but it isn't true. Some states, like California, do have high electric rates while others do not. As I found out, it pays to do your homework.
Ryan – August 21, 2009 , 2:46 AM