Learn about tankless water heaters and how they are beneficial
If your hot water is constantly running out and you're looking for a more effective way to heat up your water, a tankless water heater is a reliable and cost-efficient option for your home. Installing a tankless water heater allows you to have access to hot water whenever you need it without any of the hassle of a standard heater. Moreover, tankless heaters are designed in a way that prevents water from being wasted. Due to the absence of a tank, these water heaters are also much less likely to spring a leak or fail completely. Choosing to install a tankless heater can help the environment as well as save you money, making it a strong candidate for your home.
How it Works
Each time you turn on a hot-water tap in your home, the tankless water heater engages in the following process:
- Flow sensor detects the water flow and alerts control panel to produce hot water
- Control panel brings in outside air using fan and opens the gas valve
- Control panel ignites the burner
- Heat exchanger transports heat from the burner to water traveling through exchanger
- Mixing valve moderates the heated water
- Temperature sensor adjusts water temperature accordingly
- Vents transport exhaust gases outside and carry combustion air towards the burner
This intricate process ensures that your heated water reaches an optimal temperature in the most efficient way possible. With all of these parts working together, you can be reassured that your water is being heated without any of it being wasted and with almost no risk of water heater failure.
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
Not only are tankless water heaters highly beneficial to the environment, but they also improve your home life in a number of ways. The efficient nature of tankless heaters can ease the process of heating up your water as well as save you money and stress. Here are some of the main advantages of switching to a tankless water heater.
1. Energy Efficient: One of the most compelling reasons why tank-free heaters stand out from their competitors is that they are highly energy efficient. When it comes to saving energy, standard water heaters pale in comparison to tankless ones. In a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, the monthly energy usage in homes with tank type water heaters was compared to the monthly usage in homes with tankless heaters over a period of twelve months. The results demonstrated that the total energy consumption in homes with tankless heaters was significantly lower than the total consumption in homes with tank type heaters. When looking to install a water heater in your home, you should consider the energy efficiency of tank-free heaters. Saving energy not only benefits the environment, but it can also save you a considerable amount of money on your energy bills. Tankless heaters offer you these advantages as well as many others.
2. Saves Water: Energy isn’t the only thing that tankless water heaters save. These heaters also waste significantly less water due to their ability to supply hot water on-demand wherever it is requested. When you install a tankless heater in your home, you don’t have to run the water while you wait for it to reach the right temperature. Studies have shown that hot water can reach a remote faucet in less than 15 seconds when a tankless water heater is installed, while a tank type heater may leave people running the water for over 30 seconds. You can therefore save money not only from the energy efficiency of tankless heaters, but also as a result of spending less time waiting for hot water to arrive.
3. Lasts Longer: Tankless water heaters also last much longer than standard tank type heaters. According to a field monitoring project conducted by the Center for Energy of Environment, standard water heaters tend to last no more than 10 to 20 years. Tankless heaters typically last much longer, making them a valuable investment for homeowners. Even though tank-free heaters are usually more expensive than tank type ones, their longer life span and high efficiency makes them a worthwhile option.
If you’re ready to switch out your water heater, consider installing a tankless one in your home. When you save money, energy and water as a result, you can see how a tank-free heater benefits your everyday life in numerous ways.
Resources – U.S. Department of Energy, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
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