A Short Guide to Tankless Water Heaters
When asked to imagine the Home of the Future, many picture voice-activated stoves, self-mopping floors, and robot butlers. They usually don't think about the home's water heater. Well, in that regard, the future is already here. Thanks to tankless water heaters, homeowners don't have to worry about wasting money and suffering through lukewarm showers.
Tankless water heaters use cutting-edge technology to meet homeowners' needs better. Here, one can learn about these appliances' benefits and inner workings.
A Tankless Water Heater Doesn't Rely on a Storage Tank
When most homeowners imagine a water heater, they imagine a traditional model: a towering appliance with pipes wrapped around the storage tank. All day long, the water heater channels energy into keeping gallons of water hot––ready for a homeowner to use at any time. However, as many homeowners know, these systems cost plenty of money. That's because tank-reliant water heaters always waste money to heat water, even when no one is home.
Enter tankless water heaters. As the name suggests, they don't rely on storage tanks. Instead, they heat water on demand. In the long run, this saves water, energy, and time. What's more, many of these systems are now affordable. EnergyStar produces various models that are eligible for tax credits and rebates.
How Does an On-Demand Water Heater Work?
Here's a brief overview of how many instant water heaters work:
- A homeowner turns on the faucet. Cold water enters the plumbing system through an inlet pipe.
- The water passes over a heating element, usually copper or stainless steel.
- The heating element works with a sensor to heat the water just right.
- The warm water exits a faucet, showerhead, or hose.
It's worth noting that certain models may have fewer or more steps than those listed above. But these are the basics of how a tankless water heater operates.
The Many Benefits of Tankless Water Heater Installation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that tankless water heaters have many benefits (and advantages) that tank-reliant systems don't offer. These perks include:
- Tankless water heaters don't need a lot of maintenance. A traditional water heater's problems generally stem from the storage tank. The repairs seem endless once this component corrodes or gathers too much sediment. Yet, since tankless water heaters don't have storage tanks, they require very little maintenance and seldom break down.
- These appliances are more efficient than their predecessors. Sources note that tankless water heaters are 24 to 34 percent more efficient than storage water heaters. That's because they don't have to expend energy heating a storage tank all day.
- Tankless water heaters last longer. Because they don't have storage tanks, tankless water heaters naturally have fewer components. That makes them less likely to break down and need servicing. The average water heater lasts about 10 to 15 years. Yet, tankless water heaters easily pass the 20-year mark.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing goes by another name in Northfield, MN: the Punctual Plumber. These professionals pride themselves on arriving prepared and on time for each job. Each minute they're late, they pay homeowners $5 (up to $300). In addition to offering water heater replacement, they offer same-day service, transparent pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction. One can call today to learn more.
