A tankless water heater is an efficient option for your home that operates differently than traditional units. Tankless water heaters do not store heated water. Instead, they use heating elements to heat the water instantly as it runs through the plumbing. These units can be placed in nearly any type of home and provide more hot water at a faster rate.
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What Are the Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters Over Traditional Water Heaters?
One of the main benefits of the tankless water heaters we install is that they save energy. Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless units will only activate when there is a need for hot water. They do not run all day using energy and fuel just to keep unused water warm.
Another advantage is cleaner water. The tankless heater does not accumulate as much scale and debris as conventional tanks. Water does not sit in the tank for hours absorbing minerals and other substances.
A final large advantage is that tankless water heaters provide a consistent supply of hot water. The unit will continually provide heated water on demand for as long as necessary.
How Long Do Tankless Units Last?
The tankless water heaters we use at Nixco Plumbing Inc. are built to be very durable and long lasting. They require less maintenance than traditional water heaters and are much less susceptible to further issues.
The average tankless water units will last between 10 and 15 years—warranty included. Though the life expectancy is high, some units provide an even longer lifespan of 20 years or more, requiring a bit more maintenance. This is far longer than the average six to ten years for conventional water heaters.
Are Tankless Units Ideal for Larger or Smaller Households?
We can install a tankless water heater in any size home. They are designed for homes that are small to medium in size although this really depends on water use and the number of people inside.
Tankless water heaters can usually produce anywhere from two to six gallons of hot water every minute. This flow rate might not be enough to supply a large home where multiple people are all regularly using hot water at the same time as appliances. The real issue is how many people that live in the same house will need hot water at the same time. Tankless water heaters can support an average family without any problems.
Selecting the Right Size Tankless Water Heater
Figuring out the size of tankless water heater you need requires a little research. Tankless water heaters are rated by the temperature rise they can produce at a given flow rate. So, to get the right sized heater, you need to determine the flow rate and desired temperature rise for the heater’s application (whole house or remote application) on your premises.
- Step 1: Start by determining the maximum number of devices you want to run and their flow rates. Add up the total flow rate in gallons per minute to get the desired flow rate for your demand heater. This includes all dishwashers, showers, sinks, washers and tubs that you run at the same time. You can get a general idea of your devices’ flow rates by doing a simple Google search. If you’re running two showers at the same time, for example, you will need a tankless water heater with a higher average flow GPM (gallons of hot water per minute) than if you’ll be running a single shower.
- Step 2: Determine the required temperature rise. This is the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired water temperature.
For example, if the temperature of your cold tap water is 55°F, and you want your water heated to around 110–120°F, you need a tankless water heater that produces a temperature rise of 55°F.
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What Are Some Other Uses for Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters are not just for sinks and faucets. We can also install units for a few other purposes. Tankless water heaters can be installed to pre-heat water for appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. They can be used to generate hot water for hot tubs or bathrooms not connected to the main water supply. A tankless heater can even be used to supplement a solar water heating system.
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