A tankless water heater is a type of water heating system that heats water as it flows through the device rather than storing hot water in a tank. This means that the water is heated on demand rather than stored in a tank, potentially losing heat over time.
This is the reason that tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand or instant water heaters. They are more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters, as they only operates when needed.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The tankless water heater is a modern type of water heater that lacks the ability to hold water in it. It uses real-time water heating technology by autostarting when in use.
But there are some disadvantages of using a water heater without a tank compared to a water heater with a storage tank.
- Initial cost: Tankless water heaters are typically more expensive to purchase and install than traditional tank water heaters.
- Flow rate: It has a limited flow rate, which means they may not be able to keep up with the hot water demands of larger households or homes with multiple bathrooms.
- Limited hot water supply: They can only heat a certain amount of water at one time, so if multiple fixtures are used at once, the hot water supply may be limited.
- Maintenance: They require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure proper operation and longevity.
- Installation: Tankless water heaters need a certain amount of space for venting, and if you don’t have that space, you may need to make some changes to your home to accommodate the new unit.
- Energy supply: These water heaters requires availability of electricity or gas all the time when you need to operate it.
Is it worth getting a tankless water heater?
The tankless water heater is a more innovative option, but it is worth depending on your specific needs and use. Tankless water heaters have certain advantages and disadvantages simultaneously. So it is important to consider both when deciding whether or not to install one.
Advantages of tankless water heaters include:
- Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters only heat water when needed, rather than constantly heating and reheating water in a tank. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.
- Long lifespan: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters, as they do not have a tank that can rust or corrode over time.
- Space-saving: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional tank water heaters, which can be an advantage if you have limited space in your home.
It’s recommended to consult with a professional plumber or HVAC technician to evaluate your home’s specific hot water needs and to give you a better sense of whether a tankless water heater would be a good fit for your home.
What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?
Among many problems that have been reported for using a tankless water heater the most common ones are listed below:
- Mineral Buildup in valves.
- Overload and limited supply.
- Valves blockage.
- Ignition failure (most commonly).
- Failure of flame.
- Slow heating
To fix these common problems with a tankless water heater, call us: ASAP Service Plumbing.
