Imagine a world where fresh, hot water is right at your fingertips. There’s no waiting until the next batch is ready. With tankless water heaters, you can have hot water anytime you need it. Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water on demand. Here’s everything you need to know about these incredible systems.
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
A tankless water heater comes with a built-in heat exchanger that provides instant hot water at your fingertips. When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water goes through this heat exchanger and out into your faucet. You can enjoy the luxury of instant hot water when you need it.
Since they don’t come with a tank, you don’t have to wait for the water to get hot. The water travels through the pipes and into the unit. From there, it’s heated through either gas or electricity.
However, these units are small. Most can only produce about 2-5 gallons per minute (GPM), which is good for a single function. A single unit typically can’t withstand more than one function at a time. For example, it’s best not to run the dishwasher or take a shower at the same time on one tankless water heater. Multiple applications usually require more than a single unit for best results. For example, you may want to have separate units installed in multiple locations, such as your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area.
The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Here are some of the top benefits of installing a tankless system.
1. Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters have an edge over traditional water heaters for many reasons. One is that they’re energy efficient. In fact, the average unit uses a lot less energy than a traditional one. Compared to tanked water heaters, tankless brands can save you up to 40% in monthly energy costs.
2. Safety
Tankless water heaters come with a special device that protects you and your household from scalding. Some come with auto sensors that detect extreme heat. When they do, they prompt the heater to shut off immediately and for a short period.
3. Durability
A good tankless water heater can last from 15 to 20 years. This is a great contrast compared to traditional models, which typically last no more than 10 years. Plus, you can replace worn parts on a tankless brand and save even more money. Although initial installation is expensive, a good tankless water heater is a worthy investment.
4. Comfort
With a tankless water heater, you’ll get enough hot water to last you much longer than you would get with a traditional tanked system. You can take a long, hot shower, relax in a hot tub, or soak in a jacuzzi without worrying about using up all the hot water for the household.
5. Convenience and Storage
If you want to save space, a tankless water heater is the perfect choice. These small units are very compact and can fit anywhere. You can install and store them underneath your sink, next to your washer and dryer, and under the bathroom sink. They’re ideal for smaller homes and studio apartments.
6. Eco-friendly and Renewable
Tankless water heaters are eco-friendly because they use renewable energy. Most are electric and require no gas, which decreases your exposure to carbon monoxide. But did you know that you can replace the parts rather than the entire unit? This saves you money on new unit installation should your tankless water heater break down.
The Downside of Tankless Water Heaters
Like most home appliances, tankless water heaters have a few drawbacks. Before you buy one, consider the following factors.
Initial Expense
Tankless water heaters are more expensive to install than traditional models. Plus, electric wiring for a tankless brand is very complex and may be expensive to replace if something goes wrong. You may need to spend more on electricity upgrades if you’re switching from a storage tank water heater. It’s extremely important to work with a qualified plumber to make sure the job is done right the first time.
Limited Water Output
Limited water output is another drawback to the tankless water heater. If you have only one in your home, it’s best not to run two appliances at the same time. You should refrain from taking a shower if your washer or dishwasher is loading.
However, you always have the option of having more than one tankless water heater installed. With multiple systems in place, you can run more than one appliance at a time. It also helps if you share a large home with multiple family members. The only disadvantage is the money that you would spend per unit at the outset.
For many, the advantages of a tankless water heater far outweigh the drawbacks. The convenience of hot water on demand can’t be overstated. Once you install your first tankless water heater, we’re confident that you won’t ever want to go back to a traditional unit.
Tankless Water Heater Installation: What You Need to Know
Installing a tankless water heater is a complex process that’s best left to a professional. Your contractor will start by shutting off your power supply to avoid shock. Next, they will drain your old water heater and disconnect the pipes. After that, your tankless water heater will be mounted and installed.
The contractor will reconnect the pipes, check your flow and pressure valves, and purge the air from your hot water. This is known as “bleeding.” It keeps your water running smoothly after installation. After connecting your wires, the contractor will screw on the cover. Your circuit will be turned on and your new tankless water heater will be ready for use.
Other Considerations
Once installation is complete, it’s time to test your new unit. Run some hot water on your sinks, shower, and appliances. Make sure everything’s in order and the temperature is ideal for you. You can adjust the water temperature up or down as needed.
Tankless water heaters have low maintenance requirements. They should be serviced at least once a year, or more often if you have hard water or keep the heaters at a high temperature, which can cause more wear and tear on the units.
Contact Us Today
If you’re interested in a tankless water heater, rely on the professionals from Premier Comfort. Whether you want to convert to a tankless water heater or replace one, we can help. We are proud to offer a wide range of heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services in the West Palm Beach area.
Our veteran-owned company has been serving the area since 2011, and we remain dedicated to customer satisfaction. That’s why we offer upfront, honest pricing and a satisfaction guarantee on all services. We also offer financing on new equipment installs with approved credit. Give us a call today to learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment.
