By now you've probably heard of the popular tankless water heater (TWH). If not, you may have an interest if going green is an important issue to you. The tankless hot water heater is an efficient alternative to the conventional energy wasting tank type hot water heaters. Let's take a look.
Traditional tank type hot water heaters were designed in a time when energy savings was not a big issue. This is obvious when compared to tankless water heaters. Tank type hot water heaters constantly have to heat and store hot water. This is not a very efficient way to address your hot water needs. But, it is the most widely used form of heating water in America today. The main inefficiency with these types is the constant heating and reheating of hot water when we don't really need it. When were in bed at night, when were away on vacation, or even when were at work during the day our tank type hot water heater is burning energy. This constant energy usage is borderline frivolous. Now, if you have a tankless hot water heater you don't have to worry about this, as they only heat water when we need it.
Tankless hot water heaters do not have to rely on a hot water storage tank. They heat water as it passes through the heater unit. This puts you in a big advantage when compared to traditional ways of heating and storing hot water. It should be noted, however, that there are a few drawbacks at this point in time. Tankless hot water heaters are considerably more expensive than their traditional counterparts. Many will cost double of what a tank water heat would cost. When you look at the efficiency advantage, however, it's really worth the extra cost. If you're in the process of designing a new home, installing the TWH is really a no-brainer. Being that your main costs are just the unit purchase price, the savings to your energy bill will more than make up for this over time. The main cost consideration that we see is that of installation. This is especially true when it comes to replacing a traditional unit. The construction costs associated with replacement can be considerable, so you'll need to consider these when weighing the pros and cons of going with a tankless water heater.
Now, when you go to purchase a TWH you'll find that there are two common choices. The two common types of of these are either electric or gas tankless water heaters. If you're going for a entire house unit the gas tankless water heater is a common choice. Most of the electric units available today just don't have enough power to supply hot water to an entire house. Gas tankless water heaters, on the other hand, have sufficient flow rates, which allow for simultaneous hot water usage. The drawback that comes from utilizing a gas set up, is the cost associated with installation. Installation should be handled by a qualified professional and unless you're highly skilled at construction this project is probably most suitable for an experienced contractor. The reason being is that there are often complications. Setting up a gas unit typically involves the running of gas lines, special combustion requirements, and in the running of exhaust.
Electric units are much more economical to install, because they don't have the complications like their gas brethren. Worst case install scenario is usually the running of additional power or power box changes. Electric units are great when utilized at a point of use hot water location. They can be set up in bathrooms, and kitchens or remote locations. And because they're right at the hot water source, they can be very efficient. The technology of electric units is quickly improving, and it won't be long before they have sufficient electric units for whole house applications.
If you'd like more information on how the new tankless water heater works you can visit the site for a more details. For more on the gas tankless water heaters you can find more specifics on that as well.
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