Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters and carry less risk of water damage to the home if they ever malfunction. Many homes are switching to tankless for these very reasons.
These units only heat water when a faucet is turned on, meaning that there no longer needs to be a stored supply of hot water throughout the day. This kind of heating unit means you always have hot showers and an endless supply of hot water on demand.
When it comes to hot water solutions for our homes, traditional water heaters with tanks have been the go-to option for many years. However, in recent times, tankless water heaters have gained popularity due to their efficiency and space-saving benefits. In this blog post, we will explore how tankless water heaters work, how they differ from traditional models, the cost of installation in Houston, and the maintenance required to keep them running smoothly.
Unlike conventional water heaters, which store and heat a large amount of water in a tank, tankless water heaters operate on demand. They heat the water directly as it passes through the unit, instantaneously providing hot water whenever needed.
These heaters use a heat exchanger, which is activated as soon as a hot water tap is opened. Cold water flows into the heat exchanger, where it is rapidly heated by either a gas burner or an electrical element. The heated water is then delivered to the tap, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water.
The primary advantage of this system is the elimination of standby heat loss, which is common with tank-based systems. Since tankless heaters provide hot water only when needed, they can be up to 34% more energy-efficient than traditional models, resulting in significant cost savings on utility bills.
Tankless water heaters differ from conventional models in several ways:
Size: Tankless heaters are compact and wall-mounted, taking up significantly less space than their tank-based counterparts. This makes them a particularly suitable option for small houses or apartments where space is limited.
Efficiency: As mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient because they only heat water as it is required. This is in contrast to tank-based systems that need to constantly heat and maintain a large quantity of water, regardless of usage.
Unlimited Hot Water: Unlike traditional water heaters that can run out of hot water if used continuously, tankless heaters can provide a continuous supply of hot water. This makes them especially useful for households with high hot water demands.
Longevity: Tankless water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan than tank-based models. With proper maintenance, they can last up to 20 years or more, compared to approximately 10-15 years for traditional units.
Like any other household appliance, tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are some essential maintenance tasks:
Over time, deposits and sediment can accumulate in the heat exchanger, affecting the unit’s efficiency. Flushing the system once a year can help remove these deposits and maintain its performance.
For gas-powered tankless heaters, it is important to ensure that the air intake and exhaust vents are clear of debris or obstructions. Regularly inspecting and cleaning these vents can prevent issues such as poor combustion or shutdowns.
Tankless water heaters are sensitive to inconsistent water pressure. Regularly checking the pressure and ensuring it is within the recommended range will help prevent damage to the unit.
Lastly, it is advisable to inspect the valves, fittings, and connections of the tankless heater for any leaks, corrosion, or loose connections. Promptly addressing any issues will prevent further damage and ensure the system functions properly.
Scheduling regular maintenance and repairs is crucial for the upkeep of tankless water heaters. Having a qualified technician inspect your tankless water heater annually or biannually can help identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems. These inspections often include checking for proper operation, examining safety controls, and ensuring the unit is up to code.
If you want to ensure you’ve always got hot water, Vossler Plumbing can help. The plumbing experts at Vossler Plumbing have been providing Houston and surrounding areas with fast and reliable solutions they can trust. Whether you want to keep your water heater running like new or install a new one, please call our specialists at 713-688-2304 or request your estimate right here.
There are so many reasons to love tankless water heaters and why so many people are choosing to replace their traditional tank system.
They take up less space.
Tankless systems require less space than regular ones, so you have more room in the utility closet for other equipment, for example, a water filtration system. Installing a water-softening system will help reduce the need for maintenance on your new tankless system by removing lime and other minerals from the water.
They’re more energy efficient.
Finally, a huge advantage of the tankless units is their energy efficiency. Because they don’t have to keep a large amount of water hot so it can be used immediately, you’ll notice a lower energy bill. Recirculating systems also recycle water that’s already heated so the water heater doesn’t have to use up fuel or power to heat more water, saving substantial energy usage long-term.
They can service every part of the home at once.
Some tankless units are large enough to service every part of the home at once, while others are small enough that they only provide hot water to a single faucet at once. One of our experienced Vossler Plumbing professionals can help you choose the right tankless unit for your home, based on its size and needs.
They can last twice as long as a standard water heater.
A tankless unit can last twice as long as a standard water heater before replacement if maintained properly.
New Installation
If a tankless unit seems like the right choice for your family, our team is more than happy to install the new model. The models you can choose from will depend on whether your home’s energy source is electricity or natural gas.
Whether it is gas or electric, we have the training and knowledge to conduct the installation process. When the unit is set up, you and your family will enjoy using hot water in any place and at whatever time you need it.
Repair & Replace
Depending on the issue at hand, a technician may need to service your malfunctioning unit. Scale buildup can sometimes cause a system to run less efficiently than usual. Scale that runs to and from the unit can clog the lines, needing repair.
Many of these issues can be solved by conducting a descaling session. A tripped circuit breaker may be responsible for a new unit that’s not generating hot water. However, in other cases, an internal part may also need replacing. Units that are nearing the 20-year mark and having issues likely need to be replaced.
No matter your needs, our certified professionals can help you with it. They can explain to you in detail how traditional units differ from a tankless one. The different brands and sizes can also be clarified to help you decide what units are appropriate for your home. When you have made your choice, one our esteemed technicians can have the unit you picked properly installed.
Not only are tankless systems convenient, but they offer cost savings and low maintenance needs—reasons why many households have already made this switch. When it is maintained properly, a tankless system can give a family clean hot water for many years. Contact us today and inquire about the different water systems and how we can help you.
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