Tankless water heaters are also called inline, continuous flow, flash, instant-on, on-demand or instantaneous water heaters. They are popular with many users for a variety of reasons. Tankless water heaters are normally of two types. One is electric powered, and the other is gas fired.
Both electrical and gas tankless water heaters are available in single point, multi-point and whole house units. The single points are for a single item such as a sink, while multi-point units can cater for a whole bathroom and a whole house unit can cater for the entire building.
Water is heated as it flows through the device. One may choose to install the heaters at any point, even away from a central water heater. This makes tankless heaters a better choice when you have different household uses for hot water, such as for a dish washer and for the bathroom. Tankless heaters come in compact, small sizes and can be installed on a wall or in a closet, either outside or inside the house.
Pays For Itself Over Time
Buying a tankless water heater is generally more expensive than traditional storage water heaters, but it lasts longer and can saves you a lot on the cost of energy. This helps to counterbalance the higher purchase cost. Another advantage is that that they have replaceable parts which are readily available. This type of water heater turns on only when you need it, and can be turned off when the device is not in use. This can help you save a lot of energy as compared to regular tank water heaters.
Hot Water Always On hand
Tankless water heaters are advantageous because they provide a continuous supply of hot water, unlike conventional tanks which have a limited supply that may run out with heavy use. Water is not stored in the tank and this also helps in reducing the chances of rust and pollution of the water supply.
Environmentally Friendly
The life expectancy of tankless heaters is around twenty years, and this can be extended by replacing parts regularly. Less material is necessary to manufacture these heaters, making them much lighter than regular heaters. During summer, because these heaters emit little heat energy, home cooling costs are lesser. At the end of their lifecycle, disposal is easy. Generally tankless water heaters are environment-friendly and do not emit gas or fumes into the environment.
Disadvantages
Tankless water heaters have some disadvantages. When turned on, the system gauges the amount of temperature rise needed by releasing some cold water. This is not a good feeling and can even startle you if you step into the shower unaware of this feature. It is also wasteful when you just need a small amount of water for activities like shaving. Another disadvantage is that tankless heaters require high maintenance. Once calcium builds up on the walls, it restricts water flow and damages the device. This must be periodically managed or cleaned up.
Keep In Mind
When buying a water heater, you must take into consideration the size, energy efficiency, cost, fuel type and availability. With regard to fuel type, you must choose between a gas fired heater or an electric fired tank. When you chose an electric heater, find out about voltage, amperage and the inclusion of a circuit breaker. When you choose a gas fired water heater, it is important to note the type of gas used, and assess venting requirements.
It is important to note that the way you install a water heater can impact the effectiveness of energy conservation. Hiring the services of an expert plumber and heating contractor for your water heater installation may be a wise decision. If you chose to install it yourself, you should follow the manufacturer?s manual strictly. Most manufacturers have a warranty form that you should fill and submit in order to be eligible for subsequent repair and maintenance expenses within the warranty period. After purchase, you should fill in the warranty form. Most manufacturers offer a three-year warranty period.
If you chose tankless water heaters, you should also look into factors such as local climate and building code requirements of the place where you want to install it. Your installer should consult the manufacturer for the manual before beginning work.
SEP
2013