Homes need to have a water heater if they want to use hot water for showering, washing clothes, washing dishes, or cleaning. Tankless water heaters are becoming more in more popular in homes as their water heating source because of their smaller size and ease of installation.
Before installing a new water heater it is typical for homeowners to have questions. In this blog, we will answer some of the most common questions about tankless water heaters. These answers should help you determine if a tankless heater or a traditional heater is better for your needs.
1- How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?
Understanding how a tankless water heater works is the best way to know if one is right for your home. The biggest benefit of tankless water heaters is they heat water on demand. As soon as your tap is turned on the water heater heats water and pushes it through the pipes. Once the tap is off, the burners inside the heater turn off to save you energy.
Questions about tankless water heaters also include thoughts on how they compare to tank-style heaters. Traditional tank heaters constantly are pulling energy to have hot water on hand. Instead of heating water while you are not using it, tankless heaters only produce what you need.
2- Do Tankless Water Heaters Run On Gas Or Electricity?
Both gas and electricity can be used to run a tankless water heater. The majority of tankless heaters run on gas because it takes far less time to heat up. Some electricity is required to run the water heater as well, but the gas is what is used as the heating element for the water.
3- What Size Heater Do I Need To Fit My Needs?
Finding a water heater to fit your needs is one of the most common questions about tankless water heaters that plumbers get. This question is important because running out of hot water is never fun. You will want to consider how many people are living in the home, what demands they have, how many bathrooms are in the home, and how big your home is when purchasing a tankless water heater.
Everyone is unique and their water usage can vary, so working with a plumber or other expert can help you choose the right size and type for your home.
Water heaters produce gallons of water per minute, which can help you determine what kind of size will be needed if you have a larger home. Some typical water production options for tankless water heaters include 6.5 GPM, 9.8 GPM, and 11 GPM. Some tankless heaters can be used for your entire house if they can keep up with simultaneous hot water demands.
4- How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?
Because tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, they can typically last longer than heaters with tanks. The average lifespan of a tankless heater is 20 years. When any plumbing mechanism is properly maintained, it can last for much longer. Typically, tank-style water heaters last for 10-15 years, so installing a tankless water heater will save you money not only on the amount of energy you use but also on heater replacement costs.
5- What Maintenance Do Tankless Heaters Need?
All plumbing should have regular maintenance if you want it to keep running properly. Tune-ups are vital to keeping your water heater running smoothly. It is recommended that all water heaters be flushed and inspected at least once a year. This will help to flush out any sediment or bacteria that may have accumulated. This not only helps your water to stay safe but also improves the performance of the water heater.
If your water heater is on the outside of your home, it may need some external cleaning or dusting to ensure that they work. Fans and filters may need to be cleaned or replaced to prevent the system from overheating.
Have More Questions About Tankless Water Heaters?
Still have questions or concerns about installing a tankless water heater? We would be happy to answer them! A tankless water heater is often the ideal solution for homeowners on a budget or those with smaller homes. There are additional uses for tankless heaters including:
- Heating water for remote hot tubs or bathrooms
- A boost or frequently used appliances
- Limiting the need for frequent water heater replacement
- A backup system or booster for solar water heaters
No matter what your needs are, our experts can help recommend the right water heater for you. We also offer maintenance and repair services after we install the water heater. S&B Plumbing wants all of our clients to have the best residential and commercial plumbing possible.