Tankless Hot Water Heaters vs Tanked Water Heaters

Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

When pioneers and settlers brought water into the house, it was done one bucket at a time. When they needed hot water, it was heated on-demand . . . one kettle at a time. New technology changed that when a whole tank of water was heated at once and kept hot until someone needed hot water for cleaning or cooking. The newest technology reverts to the first principle—hot water on demand—with tankless water heaters. Let’s investigate this technology.

Tanked vs Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Current homeowners are the most familiar with tanked water heater systems. A storage tank is installed in most homes and either electricity or natural gas is used to heat water to about 120 to 140 degrees. The burner or heating element is engaged occasionally to keep the water hot 24/7. The size of the tank is determined by how much hot water is needed at any period. The determining factor is usually how many people occupy the home since bathing creates the greatest demand for hot water.

Tankless water heater systems can be attached to the wall or installed under a bathroom vanity. Electricity or natural gas heats the water quickly as it flows through the water heater. There is no reserve, so when the need ends, the heating ceases.

How Do Tankless Hot Water Heaters Work?

Tankless water heaters are plumbed directly into the water line, so cold water enters the heater and leaves at the desired temperature. The three major components consist of:

• – A control board that serves to monitor the need and the temperature setting; it serves the same function as the thermostat for the HVAC system. It also controls the heating element or burner, turning it on for hot water and off when the need is satisfied.
• – The heater will also include an electric heating element or a small natural gas burner. Natural gas heaters will have a small heat exchanger—a chamber that exposes the water pipe to the heat generated by the gas flame. A gas-powered heater will also require an exhaust stack to vent the exhaust to the outside.
• – Further control and safety features, such as sensors and shutoff controls in case something goes awry.

Pros of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

• – It supplies an endless supply of water, and no one should experience an unexpected cold shower. Tankless systems are sized by the gallons per minute required by the family. Sizes range between 6 and 11 gallons per minute. There is a tankless system designed for almost every need.
• – Tankless systems require much less space than tanked systems. The tankless system mounts on the wall or under a counter, a cabinet less than 2’ square. If you replace a tanked system with a tankless system, you may gain a small store closet.
• – Since a tankless system only heats water on demand, it does not require keeping a tank full of water hot twenty-four hours per day. This nets a homeowner a tremendous amount of energy. Remember these savings when it comes to installation.

Cons of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

• – While a tankless system may be less expensive than a tanked system, the installation is more complex and can exceed the cost of a tanked system. Household plumbing often needs to be altered to accommodate the new system. (Factor in the energy/money saved by a tankless system before making your decision.)
• – Natural gas systems will need regular maintenance: the heat exchanger, gas supply, and exhaust will need to be examined to ensure the system runs safely.

Doctor Cool Plumbing Services Can Help You Explore the Benefits and Challenges of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless Hot Water Heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and offering energy savings. They require less space and can supply an endless amount of hot water, but installation can be complex and expensive. Regular maintenance is also needed, especially for gas-powered systems.

Doctor Cool has been helping homeowners with their hot water heating needs by installing state-of-the-art tankless hot water heaters. Call us today at 281-338-8751.