We’ve all been there: stepping into the shower only to be met with a sudden blast of cold water, or having the hot water run out mid-shower. While reliable, traditional storage tank water heaters have their limits—they store a set amount of hot water that can quickly get used up, especially in households with high demand.
Tankless water heaters change the game by heating water on demand to deliver a continuous flow of hot water whenever you need it. Gone are the days of waiting for the tank to refill or worrying about your hot water supply running dry!
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric shares how these systems work and why they are an excellent choice for your home.
The Inner Workings of a Tankless Water Heater
When you turn on the hot water faucet, cold water flows into the tankless heater. Here, a gas burner (for a gas tankless water heater) or an electric heating element (found in electric tankless water heaters) rapidly heats the water to the set temperature. The heated water then flows directly to your faucet, shower, or appliance.
This process happens almost instantly, which is why hot water will be produced within seconds—that’s why tankless systems are also called on-demand type water heaters (note, it will still take the same amount of time for hot water to flow from your water heater to the faucet in use. That wait time can be reduced with a hot water return line but that is a topic for another time). Unlike traditional water heaters, you aren’t stuck waiting around for a tank to fill up and reheat.
Key Components of a Tankless Water Heater
- Heat Exchanger: The core of a tankless water heater is the heat exchanger. This part transfers heat from the gas burner or electric coil to the water. It’s designed to heat water quickly and efficiently as it moves through the system.
- Flow Sensor: The system is equipped with a flow sensor that detects when water starts moving through the pipes. When you open a hot water tap, the sensor activates the burner or heating element. This prevents the tankless hot water heater from operating when hot water isn’t needed, saving energy and reducing wear on the unit.
- Burner or Heating Element: Tankless water heaters come in both gas and electric models. In gas tankless water heaters, a burner ignites to heat the water, while in electric models, an electric heating element serves the same purpose.
- Temperature Control: Tankless systems come with temperature controls that let you set a maximum hot water temperature. This prevents water from getting too hot, which helps with energy savings and safety.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
When it comes to tankless water heaters, you have a few options to choose from depending on your household needs, energy preferences, and installation setup. Tankless water heaters come in two primary configurations: point-of-use and whole house systems.
- Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters: These smaller units are typically installed near individual fixtures, like a bathroom sink or a shower. They’re great for isolated areas where you might want hot water on demand, without waiting for it to travel from a central unit.
- Whole House Tankless Water Heaters: These larger systems are designed to provide hot water for an entire home. They’re installed centrally and can serve multiple fixtures at once, although the rate of hot water flow may vary depending on the demand.
Now, let’s look at the two fuel options: gas and electric. Both gas and electric tankless water heaters have their advantages, and each type brings its own unique benefits and considerations.
- Tankless Gas Water Heaters: Gas-powered tankless water heaters use natural gas or propane to generate the heat required to bring water up to the desired temperature. These heaters tend to have higher flow rates, making them ideal for households that need a substantial amount of hot water simultaneously.
- Tankless Electric Water Heaters: Electric tankless water heaters use high-powered electric elements to heat the water. These units are typically smaller and don’t require ventilation, which makes them easier to install, especially in homes that don’t have existing gas lines. Most electric water heaters are point of use. Larger units require large amounts of electricity and are typically only found in commercial applications.
The best option for your home typically hinges on your household’s hot water demand, existing infrastructure, and energy costs—Ravinia Plumbing can help you evaluate your options and choose the best model for your tankless water heater installation.
Ultimately, whether you choose point-of-use or whole house, gas or electric, tankless water heaters offer a flexible, efficient solution to ensure you always have hot water without the limitations of a traditional tank.
How Tankless Water Heaters Save Energy and Money
One of the biggest appeals of a tankless water heater is energy efficiency. Traditional heaters constantly use energy to keep a tank of water hot, but tankless heaters only activate when hot water is required. By heating water only when needed, tankless heaters can reduce energy consumption significantly. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that tankless water heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient for homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water daily.
Because they also avoid the standby heat loss associated with storage water heater models, tankless models reduce the amount of wasted energy. Over time, this efficiency translates into savings on utility bills, making tankless systems an appealing choice for homeowners focused on long-term savings.
Additional Tankless Water Heater Benefits
Beyond how energy-efficient they are, tankless water heaters come with an array of other benefits. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Unlimited Hot Water: Because they generate instant hot water on demand, tankless systems can provide a continuous supply of hot water. This is particularly appealing for households with high water demands, like those with large families or anyone who loves long showers.
- Space-Saving Design: Tankless heaters are compact and can be wall-mounted, making them ideal for small homes or apartments. They take up far less space than traditional tank heaters, freeing up valuable space for storage.
- Longevity: Tankless water heaters generally last longer than traditional water heaters. While tank heaters typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, tankless models can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
- Reduced Risk of Leaks: Traditional water heaters with tanks can leak, sometimes leading to costly water damage. Tankless systems reduce this risk since there’s no large tank of water that could rupture.
Enjoy Endless Hot Water and Save Money with a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are a smart, efficient, and space-saving way to make sure you have hot water when you need it. If you’re interested in learning more about tankless water heaters or want to find out if they’re a good fit for your home, reach out to Ravinia Plumbing. Our tankless water heater pros can help you navigate the options and ensure a smooth installation process.
