What is a Tankless Water Heater?

What exactly is a tankless water heater? These machines work differently than traditional tank water heaters to provide hot water, but do not store water in large tanks. Tankless models have been on the market for about 20 years, but only recently has the public become familiar with them.

Why do they perform so poorly in energy efficiency? The main reason is that people assume tankless water heaters to be energy efficient. While they may be slightly more efficient than other types of on-demand hot water heaters, they are very inefficient in terms of storing hot water. And, since there is no storage tank, there is also no protection against freezing. Tankless heaters are usually used to provide hot water at homes that do not have an emergency water heater or one that does not meet standards for safe water heating. If you have a home in a cold area that does not have an emergency situation, this could be a good choice for your home.

A tankless water heater does have certain advantages over traditional types of water heating equipment. Tankless models are much less expensive than traditional tank heaters, even when including installation and fuel costs. They are smaller and easier to install, which makes them more practical for new homes and apartments where space is at a premium. And, because there is no storage tank, the unit must be less complicated and costly to operate.

Now, if you are looking into a new hot water heating unit, you should consider the advantages above, as well as the possibility of needing a professional plumber for installation. Tankless units are more difficult to install than older tank heaters, as they need more excavation and access to install the piping. If you choose to put in a tankless water heater, make sure you hire a professional plumber for the installation, as this is a job best left to the professionals.

Also, when it comes to tankless water heaters, there are differences to those using stored water tanks. Tankless units only heat water when it is required, rather than storing the heated water until needed. This can save money on your monthly hot water costs. The unit only heats the water when it is needed, which can help save energy, as you do not have to waste time waiting for the water to heat up in a storage tank.

But, tankless water heaters, especially the electric models, can generate large amounts of electricity and must be placed strategically, such as in a garage, near the pool or at the side of the house to be most efficient. This can be an issue for people with small outdoor spaces, although the amount of electricity generated by these systems is usually small enough to be a good fit. Many homeowners choose not to invest in these types of tankless units, as the upfront costs are too high. However, as energy costs continue to rise on a continual basis, the benefits of these types of systems will become well worth the initial investment.

In addition, with today's technology, tankless water heaters have the ability to be set to heat at different temperatures. This is especially helpful during the winter months, when hot water is needed but not necessarily delivered with the same efficiency as in a storage tank. Also, some of the electric models are able to operate on electricity sourced from renewable resources, such as solar or wind power.

There are many advantages to tankless water heaters. The upfront costs can be somewhat high, however, they will pay for themselves over time, as there will be little if any additional cost for

electricity or gas. These units also have the ability to reduce household energy usage, which is especially beneficial during the colder months. Some systems are even able to be integrated into your existing water heating system, further reducing your utility bill. Make sure you do some research when choosing your unit, so you make the best choice for your home.

If you decide to purchase a tankless water heater, it is advisable to hire a professional to help with the installation. You want to make sure that it is properly installed and working correctly. You can go online and look for a reputable plumber in Sydney who can assist you with locating a great company.