What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Homeowners searching for an energy-efficient way to heat their home’s water should look no further. A tankless water heater is a type of water heater that is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to its numerous advantages.
A tankless water heater is an appliance that heats cold water on demand instead of storing hot water in a large tank like traditional heating systems do. For this reason, they are also known as “instantaneous” or “endless hot water” heaters. Unlike conventional units, tankless units take up less space and provide hot water more quickly and efficiently than their predecessors.
What Are the Signs It’s Time to Replace an Old Water Heater?
The most significant sign is whether the unit is over 10 years old. The older a water heater, the less efficient it is, while also opening up the home to potential plumbing repairs. Other symptoms include:
- Inconsistent temperatures when taking showers or baths
- Strange noises from the unit
- Rust around the unit’s base – or in the worst case – in the water coming from fixtures
- Increasingly high energy bills
- Rising energy costs
- Water leaks
While some of these issues can be fixed, when homeowners are fast with excess rust buildup or water leaks, full replacements are often the best solution – particularly when the unit is over 10 years old.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
The tankless water heater system works uniquely: cold water is fed through an electric or gas-powered heat exchanger that warms the water to a preset temperature. Unlike traditional water heaters, where hot water is constantly warmed inside a reserve tank, tankless units heat water on demand, offering a limitless hot water supply to the entire home.
Tankless systems often come with digital interfaces, allowing users to easily control the settings and make adjustments.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Benefit the Homeowner?
Unlike traditional tank-based systems, tankless systems heat water on demand and only when required. Reducing standby losses can save up to 15-20% on energy bills. More than being efficient, these tankless systems also last up to twice as long as traditional systems, depending on regularly scheduled maintenance.
The units are also small, compact, and eco-friendly, making them much easier to install than their bulky counterparts. This also provides homeowners with some much-needed storage space and flexibility.
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. is all about hard work ethic and reputation. With 30 years of professional experience, Colonial has assisted homeowners in finding fast solutions to tricky plumbing problems in Colonial Heights, VA. Colonial has embodied the phrase revolutionary by investing in their community and ensuring everyone can access their services. Give them a call today to see how they can help with tankless water heater service.
