Tankless Water Heaters: Enjoy Efficient, Endless Hot Water

The Ingenious Design of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless models – as the name suggests – do not store gallons of heated water until it is needed. Instead, they heat water on demand, passing it through a heat exchanger that’s activated by the hot water tap. So when you start using hot water, the tankless water heater turns on and provides you with an endless supply. Even better, you aren’t paying to constantly maintain a large quantity of hot water in a tank. The overall efficiency and life expectancy of tankless water heaters are compelling reasons to make the switch to tankless.

Types of Tankless Water Heaters

Gas Tankless Water Heaters

Gas tankless water heaters are high-powered units that can meet the demand for hot water even in larger households. They typically use natural gas or propane and employ a set of powerful burners to heat the water rapidly. Gas tankless water heaters require more ventilation and should only be installed by professionals due to their technical complexity. However, their efficiency and output make them an excellent choice for homes that need a robust hot water system.

Propane Tankless Water Heaters

If your home isn’t connected to natural gas, a propane tankless water heater (or a gas tankless water heater with a propane conversion kit) offers the same benefits as a gas model while giving you the flexibility of using a more readily available fuel source. They’re perfect for households that don’t have access to natural gas lines but do have the capability to store propane safely. Like gas tankless water heaters, proper venting is required so professional installation is essential. When considering a propane tankless water heater, it’s crucial to factor in the cost of the propane and the need for a tank to supply it.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Among the quietest and most compact, electric tankless water heaters are also the most straightforward to install. They don’t require ventilation or a gas line, making them suitable for smaller homes or as a point-of-use solution for specific hot water needs, like under-sink installations or auxiliary bathrooms. For example, if you have a bedroom that’s far away from your water heater, an under-the-sink electric tankless water heater would give you fast hot water at that location. While electric tankless heaters may not be as powerful as their gas counterparts, they still offer an advantage in energy efficiency over traditional water heaters because they only operate when hot water is needed.

Benefits of Switching to Tankless Water Heaters

Energy and Cost Savings

The energy savings of tankless water heaters are significant. With no need to keep water constantly hot and no heat loss from the tank, tankless water heaters can reduce energy consumption for water heating by 10% to 20%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For the average household, this could mean a savings of hundreds of dollars annually on utility bills by switching to a tankless water heater.

Endless Hot Water

Tankless water heaters provide a constant, endless supply of hot water. You can take a shower, run the dishwasher, and do laundry all at once without anyone losing their hot water. Even if you’re the last person in your household to take a shower, it will remain perfectly hot for as long as you want!

Longer Lifespan and Reduced Environmental Impact

Tankless water heaters boast a life expectancy of over 20 years, almost double the lifespan of traditional heaters. When coupled with reduced energy demand, this longevity means a significant reduction in the environmental footprint of your water heater. The longer life also factors into your overall cost, since you’ll enjoy savings of not needing to replace your water heater as often.

Some manufacturers take extra steps to promote longer water heater life. For example, Bradford White offers a stainless steel heat exchanger on its Infiniti^® GS and GR Series Tankless Water Heaters which is engineered for years of outstanding performance.

Considerations Before Switching

Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings

The upfront cost of a tankless water heater, including installation, can be higher than traditional tank water heaters. However, when you factor in the extended lifespan and annual savings on your energy bills, the up-front investment is often worthwhile in both financial and environmental terms. Over time, the tankless water heater can essentially pay for itself in energy savings and longer life.

Sizing and Installation

Ensuring your tankless water heater is appropriately sized for your home is critical. An undersized unit can lead to temperature fluctuations and an inability to meet all your hot water needs, while an oversized unit will be a waste of energy and money. Professional installers will survey your home’s water usage patterns and recommend the correct size and location for your new tankless water heater.

Maintenance

While tankless water heaters generally require less maintenance than traditional models, they are not maintenance-free. It’s essential to flush the system regularly to prevent mineral buildup and maintain optimal performance. Whether you choose a gas, propane, or electric tankless water heater, following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines is vital.

Making the Transition

If you’re convinced that a tankless water heater is the right choice for you, the next step is to research brands and models to find one that fits both your needs and your budget. You can learn more about Bradford White’s Infiniti^® Series Tankless Water Heaters here. Your plumbing professional can help you find the best tankless water heater and provide you with personalized advice based on your home’s unique circumstances. (We can help you find a Bradford White plumbing professional in your area if you don’t currently have one.)