You may have heard that a tankless water heater can provide virtually unlimited hot water. It’s the main selling point, for most people, because it sounds like magic. Especially if you’re the one getting a lukewarm shower on those busy mornings when everyone needs to get out and you’re the last in line for the bathroom.
What’s more amazing? A high efficiency tankless water heater can actually help lower energy bills. How is this possible, without a keeping a tank of water hot all day and all night? (And, paying to keep that water hot 24/7.)
Here’s the technology behind the magic of a tankless water heater:
Tankless water heaters save energy by instantly heating water when you need it. When you turn on the tap, water flows through the unit and is heated instantly by a propane-fueled heating element. When you turn off the tap, the unit stops heating water. Compare this to the cost of operating a traditional water heater, which requires you to keep a tank holding many gallons of water hot and ready to use all the time. As a result, you can enjoy virtually unlimited hot water—while seeing savings of up to 40%!
You’ll save space as well as energy: Tankless water heaters are compact—about the size of a suitcase—and can even hang on a wall, freeing up room in your basement or utility room. That said, there are different sizes designed to fit different needs. Rather than total gallons, their output is measured in a flow rate of gallons per minute. The more hot water you need at the same time will require a higher flow rate.
There are also condensing and non-condensing type units. Condensing models have a second heat exchanger that loops exhaust back into the system to heat water more efficiently. This type is slightly more expensive, but also delivers higher energy efficiency. Non-condensing units are less expensive, and are very low maintenance, but will be less effective with our cold winters and lower ground temperatures.
The main downside to a tankless water heater is price—but these units pay for themselves in savings in the long run, versus a storage tank style, which will cost you more over time.
Your water heater works hard for you. The typical American household uses between 60 and 65 gallons of hot water a day for bathing and showering, washing dishes, laundry, cleaning and other tasks. That’s a lot of hot water—and a lot of energy.
If you want to learn more about the benefits and energy savings that come with a tankless water-heating system, we’re here to answer all your questions. The teams at Junction Fuels and A.L. Bellimer Services has the experience and knowledge to help you select the right size and type of water heater for your home and install it expertly. Contact us for more information today.
