Instantaneous or demand-type water heaters became a necessity nowadays. The idea was to reduce the tank and to get the ability to have hot water all the time, without reheating like in traditional boilers.
That became energy efficient solution because storage water heaters used too much standby energy, which is not the case for the tankless hot water heater. However, some people still think that it is difficult to make a change and transition from tank to tankless.
Of course, like any other product, it has some disadvantages as well as benefits. In the beginning, they were expensive, but today, the trend went too far,and you can find a wide array of models. That made the search even more difficult.
We decided to present you basic information that you need to know how tankless water heaters work.
How They Work
The first and most important thing when it comes to tankless water heaters is that they don’t need a storage tank to warm up the water.
It features hot and cold-water taps, and as soon as you turn the hot water on, the cold water will travel into the unit. Inside the electric element or gas burner will heat the water and you will obtain the consistent supply of hot water.
This particular procedure happens in a matter of seconds, which means that you don’t have to wait like before to boiler heat the water inside the tank.
The principle is convenient, straightforward and completely different from traditional water heaters. On the other hand, you will still get the limited flow rate.
The typical tankless water heaters have the maximum flow rate of between 2 and 5 gallons per minute. Of course, there are differences between types of heaters where gas-fired ones can produce more significant flow rates than electric ones.
However, for large houses, one water heater cannot supply enough hot water at the same time. For example, you won’t be able to run the dishwasher and to shower by using the same water heater.
This is one of the greatest disadvantages, but you will be able to overcome this particular problem by installing more water heaters and to connect it with various appliances that use hot water in your home.
Advantages Of Using Demand-type Water Heaters
- If you have a household that uses approximately 41 gallons or less hot water daily, using demand water heaters will reduce the energy spending when compared with traditional storage water heaters. In most cases, you will be able to save at least $100 or more on an annual basis.
- The life expectancy is approximately 20 years, but you will be able to replace some parts to extend the life by more years. When we compare it with storage water heaters that can last up to 15 years, you will understand the difference.
- You will be able to reduce the standby heat losses which is the common problem among storage water heaters. By choosing the high-quality tankless heater, you will be able to reduce the energy wastage and to eliminate the hassle.
Disadvantages of Using Demand-type Water Heaters
- The most significant disadvantage of using demand water heater is the costs of installation that you have to spare. When we compare the initial costs, it is much more expensive than standard storage tanks.
- Apart from the high price in stores, the installation is also pricey, because you must have the convenient piping that canwithstand the pressure. At the same time, you would need a good venting which is also expensive.
- If you live in areas that have hard water, you will have to install the water softener because heavy composites in the water could cause serious damages to the tankless water heater.
For more information on tankless water heaters, click here.
Conclusion:
We are not saying that tankless is the best solution, but it is appropriate for small to medium households because it could reduce the energy expenditure.
At the same time, it has disadvantages and advantages as any other product, which means that you have to weigh everything before you enter the store.
It became the trend among people who build modern houses. The main reason for that is the convenient way of getting hot water without taking too much space like in storage tanks. It could mean a difference.