Tankless water heaters offer a new way to supply warm air to your house. Also known as a demand-type water heater, this unit has a very different mechanism than conventional models. However, before you buy modern technology, here are some things you need to understand.

How Does It Work?

Unlike the conventional tank system, tankless water heaters do not preheat or store hot water in a huge tank. Instead, the system will start its heating mechanism when you turn on the hot water tap. That means the system will only work when you need it.

When you turn on the hot water tap, a flow sensor will detect water entering the heating unit and start the system. A temperature sensor will adjust the heat to the desired level. When you turn the tap off, the system will stop immediately.

Tankless water heaters are efficient since you will use only the required energy to heat the water. You will save energy by heating unused hot water in the tank. However, it is important to understand how much hot water your household needs and what appliances you have before deciding on the right system size.

Advantages

Tankless water heaters are quite popular. The new technology is interesting because it offers solutions that older models fail to do, such as the following:

Constant Availability

With tank-system water heaters, there is a risk of running out of hot water supply when needed, especially if your tank is small. But with a tankless system, you can get hot water anytime you turn the tap on. There is no limit to the supply.

Energy Efficiency

The system will consume energy only when you ask for it. Hence, you will save energy in preheating water you might not even use like in the old tank model.

Less Space Requirement

With a tank water heater, the bigger the tank, the better. This can be problematic if your house is relatively small. On the other hand, tankless water heaters don’t require a large tank. You need to provide a small space for the heating unit.

Disadvantages

Like many other appliances, the demand-type water heater also has some drawbacks you need to anticipate, such as:

High Initial Cost

A tankless water heater is generally more expensive than a tanked unit. But when you consider energy efficiency, the initial price gap is generally worth it.

Complex Installation

A tankless system requires a specific ventilation system that only a professional can install. You might even need to install new pipework if you choose a gas-powered unit. This work may increase the initial cost as well.

Delay Delivery

Because the heating process only starts when you ask for it, you might need to wait a few minutes before the water reaches the desired temperature. The same delay will happen when you turn the hot tap off and turn the cold tap on because there will still be some hot water left in the pipe.

A tankless water heater will benefit your family only if you make the right choice. Besides its pros and cons, it is also crucial to know the options on the market. Browse as many models as possible and compare their specifications to see which best meets your requirements.