As a property owner or manager, the last thing you want is to get a call from a tenant in the middle of the night telling you their water heater exploded, and their home is flooded. That might be one of the worst scenarios, but even if it’s not that drastic, a water heater can still cause some water damage and other problems.
Therefore, it is crucial that you are proactive with your maintenance and get a new hot water heater installation if needed. These can help you prevent horrible accidents and costly repairs in the future.
If you want to know more about tankless water heaters, you are in the right place as Houston Water Heaters answers some of the most frequently asked questions about it:
What Exactly Is a Tankless Water Heater?
As you can tell from its name, a tankless water heater is an appliance for heating water that has no tank. And as it doesn’t have a tank, it won’t be able to store water. That means it heats water on demand.
Because there’s no tank, it takes up less space than a traditional water heater. It may also come in different shapes or sizes.
How Does it Work?
A tankless water heater works efficiently as it instantaneously heats water on-demand as the water flows over a heating coil or a burner. It is somewhat similar to how an on-demand coffee maker brews by the cup.
To give you a clearer idea, here is how the process of water heating works with a tankless water heater:
- You turn a hot water tap on.
- Cold water enters the heater.
- The flow sensor detects the flow and triggers the heating coil to engage or the burner to ignite.
- Water circulates through the piping and around the heat exchanger.
- The water is heated during its journey to the set temperature and flows out to the tap.
- The whole unit stops running when the tap is turned off.
How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?
There are various factors that can affect the price of a tankless water heater, including the type of fuel source, choice of equipment, and contractor fees, among others. Remember that apart from the cost of the tankless water heater itself, you’ll have to add labor costs to the total price, too. It might also be necessary to upgrade the electrical system or redesign how it is piped or vented.
How Long Does a Tankless Water Heater Last?
The lifespan of a tankless water heater is usually 20 years, and it usually comes with better warranties than traditional water heaters. To know for sure, it’s recommended that you speak with the vendor to find out about these things, plus maintenance tips to ensure that you extend the life and avoid problems.
What Size Do I Need to Replace a 50-Gallon Water Heater?
The size and type of tankless water heater you need are not dependent on your previous traditional water heater. It’s more complex than that and what you need to calculate is the total flow rate in gallons per minute at every tap. You should also determine the total flow rate of sources that could potentially be used simultaneously, the temperature rise, and the fuel source, among others.
It will be easier to consult a professional to know that you’re getting the right size of tankless water heater for your needs.
Summary
Tankless water heaters are a great option if you need to replace your current one. They are more efficient and more environment-friendly. They are also less likely to cause problems like leaks and water damage. Hopefully, this article answers some of your questions about tankless water heaters. Should you want to know more about it, you can always reach out to Houston Water Heaters.
Houston Water Heaters is a trusted expert in hot water heater installation in Houston, TX. Contact our pros today to know more about the benefits of a tankless water heater or to schedule an installation!