Table of Contents
Tankless water heaters work by using an electric element or gas burner to warm the water as it travels through a pipe and into the unit. This delivers a near endless supply of hot water and provides instantaneous comfort and convenience. Unlike traditional water heaters, the hot water supply is not stored in the tank.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. they take longer to deliver hot water. the water temperature is inconsistent when multiple outlets are on simultaneously. they cannot provide hot water during a power outage.
Do you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?
With a tankless system, there isn’t a supply of hot water that can be depleted. Instead, the water heater heats up water as there is a demand for it. It will keep doing this as long as there is demand – and that means you won’t run out of hot water!Sep 11, 2017.
How long does it take an on demand water heater to heat up?
Tankless units take about 15 seconds to bring water up to temperature, but you still have to wait for that hot water to arrive at your shower head or faucet, just as you do with a tank-type heater.
What triggers tankless water heater?
Inside the tankless system, a burner ignites when the system signals a need for hot water. The cold water passes over an aluminum heat exchanger and heats the water directly. A tankless water heater also has a vent that exhausts any gases outside the home.
Do tankless water heaters need to be plugged in?
All tankless water heaters need electricity to function properly ‒ even gas-powered models. Electric heaters obviously need electricity to heat the water, but both need electricity to power their electronic control system, ignition system, and remote thermostats.
How does a tankless water heater ignite?
The tankless water heater contains a flow sensor that knows when water gets turned on anywhere in a house. Once the flow sensor activates, the water heater starts a firing sequence that begins producing hot water. For example, most tankless heaters do not burn gas throughout the day with a standing pilot light.
Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?
Installation is expensive because the unit needs a bigger gas supply than a conventional water heater does, and it needs to run its own exhaust flue to the exterior. Installation costs can vary widely, depending on the location of the flue and the gas supply. The unit itself costs between $800 and $1,000.
What is the life expectancy of a tankless hot water heater?
One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.
What maintenance is required on a tankless water heater?
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Flushing the System. The hot water heater should be flushed at least once a year. Cleaning the Air Filter. In your tankless water heater, there is an air filter that will need to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning the Water Filter. Cleaning the Tank.
Can a tankless water heater cause low water pressure?
Deposits inside the heat exchanger can cause the outlets from the tankless system to become clogged. If you notice low water pressure coming from your hot water faucets, these clogs might be the reason. The most common cause of these deposits is hard water.
How many showers can a tankless water heater run?
A unit heating more than 7 gallons per minute can typically handle two showers and a large appliance. *Important to note: Tankless units do not literally provide “instant hot water” – the hot water still takes time to flow from the unit to the faucet.
How often does a tankless water heater need to be cleaned?
Just like a tank unit, tankless water heaters need to be flushed once per year. Homeowners with hard water should consider flushing and cleaning the unit even more frequently, perhaps every six to nine months because of the excess amounts of magnesium and calcium found in hard water supplies.
How long does it take a tankless water heater to pay for itself?
Tankless water heaters can eventually pay for themselves with energy bill savings, but the payback period may be long: 22-27 years for a gas tankless heater, 12-20 years for an electric. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer than storage heaters: 20 to 25 years in many cases.
Why does my electric tankless water heater go cold?
A broken flow sensor can cause your tankless water heater to run hot and cold. The flow sensor measures the water entering your system and sends that information to your unit’s control board. If there’s a burst of cold coming into the system, then the controller adjusts the flame.
Will a tankless water heater freeze?
Still, the tankless hot water heater can freeze if certain precautions are not taken when the temperatures drop below a certain level. Most indoor and outdoor tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection against temporary winter temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Fahrenheit to -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3?
What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6? Number Of Family Members: Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM) Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW) What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 2? 6-8 GPM 10-18 kW What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3? 7-9 GPM 15-23 kW.
Do tankless water heaters have a pilot light?
Gas tankless water heaters use a pilot assembly and burners to create heat, which is then transferred to water as it flows through the unit on its way to your tap. You can check for an electrical or gas issue by inspecting your circuit breaker and looking for a visible pilot light.
