Water heating technology has come a long way since the days when you could only get your hot water from a large tank. With the advent of tankless units, there are no bulky water storage tanks—you just turn on your hot water fixtures (faucets and showers) and hot water comes out.
If you're considering a tankless water heater system for your new or existing home, you should first assess the technology to determine if it fits your needs. Here are some advantages that make the system suitable for your domestic water heating needs.
Save Space
Don't have enough space for the placement of a hot water tank? No problem! With a tankless hot water system, you don't have to store water in a tank for later use. You only need to match your hot water unit to your peak hour flow rate.
The peak hour flow rate is the maximum amount of hot water you expect to use during the hour of the day when hot water demand in your home is at its peak. This figure can vary depending on multiple factors, including the internal diameters of your pipes, water velocities, water pressures, and more.
With the omission of a tank in the design and installation of your water heater, you can make the most of your limited residential space.
Save Energy
Although storage tank water heaters are the traditional choice for American homes, they can significantly drive up your household's energy expenses.
As a tank-type water heater heats up your water, some heat gets lost through the walls of the tank when the unit isn't being used. Such heat loss is called standby heat loss. You have to invest in a well-insulated model to minimize this kind of energy loss.
Since tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed, they prevent the heat loss associated with heating and storing water in a tank. As a result, they use less energy and cost less to run compared to their tank-based cousins.
Save Time And Money On Water Heater Maintenance
Generally speaking, tankless water heaters require less maintenance attention than their tank-type counterparts. These water heating systems don't need regular draining to prevent sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Plus, there are no tank repair problems, such as leaks, to tackle.
Although tankless systems offer many advantages, their high upfront cost makes them prohibitive for some homeowners.
Contact a local water heater service to learn more.