A Look at Tankless Water Heater Technology
May 14, 2024
Whether you need to replace your water heater or you are simply curious about your options in the future, tankless water heater technology is worth exploring. Unlike standard storage water heaters, tankless water heaters provide hot water “on demand” only when the hot water tap is opened. This function offers many benefits, particularly if you are interested in reducing your water and energy usage for savings on your utility bills. Keep reading to find out more about tankless water heater technology, how it is different, and how it could benefit you.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Tankless water heaters heat water only when it is needed. When the hot water tap is opened, cold water flows into the unit and is rapidly heated to the desired temperature, then allowed to flow through your plumbing into your home. Most tankless water heaters are gas-fired, meaning gas burners heat a heat exchanger to warm the water. By contrast, a storage water heater keeps a large tank of water at the desired temperature all the time, adding heat whenever too much is lost through the walls of the tank. Thus, tankless water heaters have the major benefit of using energy only when you want hot water, rather than on a 24-hour basis. On average, tankless water heaters are 8-34% more efficient than storage water heaters depending upon your home’s hot water usage.
Tankless Water Heater Considerations
Although tankless water heaters may seem like the solution to all your hot water problems, there are some factors you should consider before replacing your storage water heater. Tankless water heaters do represent a greater initial cost, even though they will save you money over the long term. Therefore, it’s important to determine your financial situation before you consider going tankless. If you have a limited short-term budget, storage water heaters cost less to purchase and install upfront.
On the other hand, every component in a tankless water heater is replaceable, greatly extending the lifetime of the appliance past that of a storage water heater. Your entire storage water heater must be replaced when the tank corrodes over time, which is often inevitable. If you are concerned about the long-term cost of your water heater, a tankless water heater will far outlast a storage water heater because failed parts can be replaced one at a time, rather than replacing the entire unit.
Tankless water heaters are available in whole-home and point-of-use models, allowing for greater versatility in some cases. Point-of-use tankless water heaters can be used in conjunction with whole-home storage or tankless models. They are ideal for home additions, fixtures that are far away from your whole-home water heater, and areas of your home that don’t use hot water very frequently.
Seeking professional advice regarding your hot water and water heater needs will help you make the best choice for your Detroit home. Take a look through our website to learn more about the water heater products and services we offer, and keep an eye on our blog to stay up to date on the latest heating, cooling, and plumbing news.