Water heaters are among the most crucial parts of a house. They’re crucial for many activities within your home, such as the laundry, dishwashing, and warm baths and showers. They make your family’s life much more comfortable, but many models of water heaters may require a considerable amount of energy to operate.
If you want to meet your family’s hot water needs without running out of the supply or breaking the bank over the costs of energy losses in many heating systems, tankless water heaters may be the right solution for you. Also referred to as demand-type heaters, these devices produce hot water only when you need it. They’re cost-effective investments worth considering.
Before you make a purchase decision, it’s best to first know the essentials behind these types of equipment.
What Are Tankless Heaters, and How Do They Work?
In systems with storage tanks, you usually will have to wait until the 40- to 50-gallon tank has been filled up before you can use the hot water. Moreover, heat may escape the tank if you leave it for long periods. We end up wasting so many resources in these units because we have to continuously pour hot water into them year in and year out. On the other hand, tankless water heaters only provide it on demand.
As its name suggests, a tankless water heater does not have a storage tank. It works only when you need it. When you turn the hot water faucet on, cold water flows through a heat exchanger within the system. Either an electric component or natural gas burner will heat the water, delivering a continuous supply.
You can use the hot water for many applications, such as bathrooms, hot tubs, boosters for solar water heating systems, and for appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless or demand-type water heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide whether they’re worth getting, let’s weigh out the pros and cons.
The Pros
1 – You’ll Always Have Hot Water Whenever You Need It
Demand-type water heaters are true to their name and can give you hot water on demand. You no longer need to wait for the bulky, space-intensive storage tank to fill up and provide you with hot water.
2 – These Systems Are More Energy-Efficient
Tankless water heating systems are significantly more energy-efficient than most conventional heaters, especially because they prevent the heat loss prevalent in storage tanks.
3 – They Last Longer
With proper care and maintenance, tankless systems last longer than storage tank heaters. They can stay in good condition for approximately twice as long, saving a lot of money on repairs and replacements.
The Cons
1 – They Have a Higher Initial Cost
Demand-type heaters are generally more expensive in terms of initial costs, but they provide more savings in the long run because of their energy efficiency.
2 – You May Need Additional Equipment
In households that use hot water at different locations, the water may be in limited supply if used simultaneously. Additional equipment may be necessary, adding to the high initial costs of these systems.
Conclusion
Tankless or demand-type water heaters are specialized equipment that can provide continuous supplies of hot water. They do not require bulky storage tanks and don’t need to reheat water again and again. Although their initial costs may be higher, their energy efficiency and long-term savings make them worthy investments.
If you’re looking for tankless hot water heater installation in Houston, TX, Houston Water Heaters is the place to call. We offer on-demand installation and repair services to meet your hot water needs promptly. Contact us today!