Understanding Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters. They are designed to provide hot water only when needed, unlike conventional water heaters that store hot water in a tank, constantly heating it to a set temperature, regardless of whether it’s being used.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank for hot water. When you turn on the hot water faucet, cold water flows through a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger, powered by either a gas burner or electric element, rapidly heats the water to your set temperature before it reaches the faucet. The result is a continuous supply of warm water, delivered on demand.
Tankless water heaters provide hot water at an average rate of 2 to 5 gallons (7.6 to 15.2 liters) per minute. Gas-fired units are often on the higher end of this scale because they generally have a higher heat output than electric-powered models.
The Benefits of Investing in a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters have some advantages over traditional water heaters. They include:
Improved Energy efficiency
Tankless water heaters will save you a lot of money on your water heating costs simply because they only provide hot water on demand. Conventional tank heaters must heat and reheat the water stored in the tank throughout the day and night, even if no one needs hot water. This energy use adds up over time, increasing your utility bills and also straining the unit.
Moreover, the efficiency of tankless water heaters is further improved due to shorter hot water travel. Being compact, you can install a unit close to the point of use, such as beside a bathroom, under a kitchen sink, or in a laundry room. This is a stark contrast to storage water heaters that lose some heat in the pipes as the hot water travels from the unit in the basement or garage all the way to a faucet.
Endless Supply of Hot Water
Tankless water heaters do not run out of hot water like traditional water heaters. As long as you have a steady supply of electricity or gas, the system will continue heating water on demand. This can be very beneficial if you have a household with high hot water usage. Conventional systems need to refill and reheat, which could cause delays on a busy morning.
Space Saving
A typical residential tankless water heater is about 20 to 30 inches tall, 10 to 20 inches wide, and 5 to 10 inches deep. This is similar to the size of a medicine cabinet or a small suitcase.
You can mount it on a wall or tuck it in a closet, under the sink, or any other appropriate place. This flexibility frees up valuable square footage in the home. In fact, if you live in an apartment or a smaller house where every inch counts, a tankless water heater is the sensible choice.
Longer Lifespan
The average lifespan of a conventional water heater is 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance and care. If you end up living in your home for 70 years, you’ll need to replace your unit around five times. This number could increase if your unit experiences a premature failure.
On the other hand, a tankless water heater typically lasts for about 20 years with routine maintenance. This is nearly double the service life, which translates into less disruption and long-term savings.
This extended lifespan is largely due to the absence of a hot water storage tank and the system’s streamlined design. Tankless units are less susceptible to corrosion, sediment buildup, leaks, and wear. With fewer components exposed to constant water pressure and heat, the risk of mechanical failure is significantly reduced.
Less Hazardous
While rare, conventional water heaters can pose safety risks such as tank explosions, gas leaks, scalding, and water damage from leaking tanks. These hazards stem from the constant pressure and heat applied to a large volume of stored water, especially in aging units.
Tankless water heaters, by design, eliminate many of these hazards. Without a storage tank, there’s no risk of tank rupture or large-scale leaks. Their compact, wall-mounted configuration also reduces exposure to flammable materials and minimizes the chance of accidental contact with hot surfaces. Moreover, modern tankless units often include advanced protective measures, such as automatic shut-off sensors, temperature controls, and leak detection systems, which promise a safer and more reliable operation.
The Disadvantages
Tankless water heaters are not without their faults. Some potential issues include:
Flow Rate Concerns
As earlier stated, residential tankless water heaters can supply 2 to 5 gallons of hot water per minute. This can be a problem for larger households. For instance, a standard shower uses about 2.5 gallons per minute, a washing machine requires 3 to 5 gallons per minute, and a dishwasher needs around 1.5 gallons per minute.
If your laundry machine draws hot water from the same tankless unit, it may need to run alone. Simultaneous activities, like showering and dishwashing at the same time, could overwhelm the system. Likewise, if you have only one unit installed, it may only support one shower at a time, which can be inconvenient during busy mornings or high-demand periods.
Fortunately, you can solve this issue by installing multiple units. Each bathroom can have a dedicated tankless water heater, and appliances like the laundry machine or dishwasher can be served by separate point-of-use units.
Higher Upfront Costs
Tankless water heaters are generally more expensive to purchase and install than conventional models. This is due to higher equipment costs and the potential need for upgrades, such as new electrical circuits, gas lines, or specialized venting systems.
Luckily, many contractors, including us, offer flexible financing plans to help homeowners manage the initial investment. And while the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings in energy efficiency, reduced maintenance, and extended lifespan often offset the initial expense over time.
Contact O’Brien Heating & Air Conditioning for More Information
A tankless water heater is worth the investment. It has many benefits and its few drawbacks can be easily managed. If you live in Drexel Hill, PA, reach out to us for professional guidance on selecting the right unit, ensuring proper installation, developing efficient usage habits, and scheduling routine maintenance. Our company has over 70 years of experience and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for our superior craftsmanship, professionalism, and customer care. You can trust us with your comfort and your long-term satisfaction.
Call O’Brien Heating & Air Conditioning today for tankless water heater installation services in Drexel Hill.