With the building industry’s green renaissance in full swing, there’s a rising demand for tankless water heaters, due to water and energy savings they deliver. When increased space and endless hot water are factored in, tankless is virtually unbeatable. Tankless water heaters originated in Europe and Asia more than 40 years ago, and they are just starting to become popular in the United States. The age-old process of constantly heating a large tank of water, regardless of whether someone was actually using the water, no longer made sense. They are becoming widely popular among American home owners because of their energy efficiency and their ability to literally provide endless hot water. Imagine never running out of water in the shower again.
In comparison to traditional water heaters, you will save 15 to 40 percent on the water heating portion of your utility bills. Traditional models must continually heat and reheat water throughout the day to higher than necessary temperatures due to heat dissipation through the wall of the tank. The stand-by losses while your at work, or otherwise not using hot water can be as high, especially when you go on vacation or are not at home for extended periods of time. Tankless water heaters provide heated water as it is needed, rather than heating a large tank of water over and over again. Because tankless water heaters do not need to keep a whole tank of water heated all day they save energy by burning gas only when hot water is needed. Water is heated as it passes through circulation coils inside the unit. Because the water is only heated as it passes through them you don’t waste heat on water that’s never used. These water heaters have lower operating costs and you will never run out of hot water. These energy efficient hot water heaters are designed and manufactured with advanced technology, in order to provide home and business owners with the best water heaters that will address all of their hot water needs.
Tankless water heaters come in a variety of sizes for different applications, such as whole house models and point of use water heaters. Whole house models are designed to supply several locations with hot water at the same time, for example doing the dishes while someone else is in the shower. Point of use systems are small and only heat water for one or two outlets, like a kitchen sink, or a washing machine. They are available in propane, natural gas, and electric models. Gas gas powered units are far more energy efficient than the electrical ones. A gas fired model also can supply a much greater amount of hot water more quickly. This is because it heats up a lot quicker than an electric model. Because of their small size, they are perfectly suited for remote bathrooms and sinks, BBQ areas, hot tubs or as a booster for a solar water heater. You will have more flexibility in terms of possible applications and save space.
Most people say that they had no problems installing one themselves. Installation usually only takes a day and requires a gas hook up, electricity, plumbing, wiring and venting to the exterior. The instructions that come with most units are fairly straightforward. If you don’t understand technical issues of sizing, installing and safely venting, installation by trained professionals is always an option. Installing a tankless water heater in your home or business is a step toward improving our environment without giving up the need for a high efficiency appliance.
