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Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater turns on when you need hot water and turns off when you're done. Since there is no constant heating and re-heating of stored hot water, you're not wasting energy. This energy savings translates to dollar savings and reduced impact on our environment. And since a tankless water heater heats the water as you use it, you get an endless supply of hot water, provided you size the unit appropriately. Tankless water heaters are designed to last for 20 years and, because they are smaller than tank units, they are perfect for applications where space is limited.How do they work?
When a hot water tap is opened, cold water enters the heater and triggers the heating elements or burners to turn on. The water is then heated as it flows through the heating elements or heat exchanger. As you change the water flow, a water valve or thermostat controls the heating elements or burner flame to maintain a constant temperature. The amount of energy used is always proportional to the volume of hot water being used. When the hot water tap is turned off, the system shuts down.
A qualified contractor can help you decide whether a tankless water heater is suitable for your needs.
Considerations:
- Flow rate and simultaneous water usage needs: While tankless water heaters can provide an endless supply of hot water, they can be limited as to how much to water can be produced at any given time. To find the unit best for you, you.ll need to determine how much hot water flow is required. It is important to have the unit sized properly. Some applications may require multiple units to work properly.
- Venting: In general, the tankless water heater should be installed where the vent length is as short and straight as possible. Some tankless water heaters require installation near an outside wall, while others can be vented up to forty-one feet vertically or horizontally.
- Gas line sizing: Have your qualified contractor ensure your gas line is sized properly; tankless water heaters draw many more Btus than a storage water heater.
- Combustion air requirements: Combustion air requirements apply only to indoor installations where air is drawn from within the room where the water heater is installed. Direct-vent units do not require combustion air to be pulled from inside the house.