Due to their energy efficiency and compact design, tankless water heaters have become very popular. AAA AUGER promotes their use and requires that all of our licensed plumbers gain manufacturer’s certification (if offered) before installing any specific brand. If a tankless water heater is an option for you, there are many factors that should be carefully considered.
Why are tankless water heaters more energy efficient than conventional water heaters?
Conventional tank-type heaters heat water for future use. Because there may not be an immediate demand for the hot water, the heater uses additional energy to maintain the water’s temperature. Because tankless water heaters heat water upon demand, energy is not wasted maintaining the water’s temperature.
Why aren’t conventional water heaters obsolete?
Installation Cost
Tankless water heaters may not always be the most economical solution. Although tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, the initial investment may not be offset by the savings from operation. This is most prevalent in existing applications.
Tankless water heaters require a significantly higher power supply than conventional heaters. In gas fired applications, the entire gas system may require updating. In electrical applications, it may be necessary to install a high amp electrical service. Either case may substantially increase installation costs.
Most manufacturers require that a water softener be installed where hard water exists. Failure to do so will significantly decrease the life of the heater and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Should a water softener be necessary, installation costs may increases substantially
Performance
Performance is another factor that should be considered. Tankless water heaters perform differently from conventional water heaters.
In a tankless water heater, as hot water is drawn, an inlet valve opens and allows water into the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is designed much like an automotive radiator with water lines routed through fluted fins. Unlike a radiator designed to cool water, the heat exchanger is surrounded by a high powered heat source. Water, as it travels through the heat exchanger, is heated rapidly providing a semi-endless supply of hot water.
When selecting a tankless water heater, there are two factors that must be considered, the demand for hot water placed thereupon and the lowest ambient water temperature common to the area. Most tankless water heater manufacturers provide a graph that illustrates performance losses based upon these two factors.
Demand is calculated by water supply fixture units (WSFU’s). A fixture’s WSFU is directly proportional to its highest flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). Therefore, to assure an adequate supply of hot water, the system’s WSFU’s must be figured as though all fixtures were running simultaneously.
Unfortunately, in many applications, multiple heaters may be required to assure ample supply. No matter the heater, performance losses should be expected when pushed to flow rate capacities. These performance losses result in diminished hot water volumes and/or decreased water temperatures. However, these limitations can often be avoided with little effort. Sometimes it simply comes down to changing personal habits; i.e. avoid showering while running the clothes washer.
What to do?
AAA AUGER encourages that tankless water heaters always be considered before conventional heaters. However, return on your investment may take many years to realize. Furthermore, when looking to upgrade, the heater may need to be replaced or may require major service at or before the break even point. Regardless, once installed, the savings in actual operational costs are significant. For those committed to energy conservation, there is no better choice.
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The technology continues to improve on tankless heaters. Per my earlier blog, a big concern for people with hard water was the heat exchanger within the heater becoming riddled with mineral deposits thus impeding the water flow.
Typically, the heat exchanger was made of copper. Through further research, manufacturers have experimented with different metals. As a result, many manufacturers are offering their tankless heaters with heat exchangers comprised of nickel or stainless steel. So far, these materials have yielded excellent results. Of course, this does not negate the need for routine maintenance.
Another draw back to tankless heaters dealt with installation costs. Many of the heaters required stainless steel venting material. On homes with steeply pitched roofs, the cost of the vent alone was a serious consideration. As an alternative, many manufacturers offer a tankless heater that can be mounted outside on the exterior wall. There were initial concerns about how well the heaters would withstand severe climates; however, these heaters are proving to be able to withstand the elements with virtually no trouble.
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Mr. Villamil,
I would not recommend an electric tankless heater. The savings in energy usage do not typically make up for the installation costs. However, if interested, we could take a look at your home and give you a price upon inspection.
Thanks for your interest,
David
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Are your tankless water heaters electric ?
What is the cost for a 2200 square feet house ?
Can a tankless water heater be installed along with a water softener ?
How long will the installation take ?
What does the warranty cover and for how long ?
Converse Texas 78109
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Did you know that in Southamerica there are no Hot Water Heaters keeping hot water 24/7 and wasting energy? Yes tankless heaters are the eco friendly way to go. If you have hard water as 85% of homes do, a hard water conditioner or softener is a must to protect your tankless heater. My research found a better alternative to salt based water softeners which has been approved by many tankless manufacturers: electronic descalers sold under different brands and have been proven to keep the heaters scale free. The advantage of these systems is that they require no salt and no maintenance and use negligible power. Besides preventing scale, electronic descalers will remove pre exiting scale, the water tastes better and feels better to the hair and skin. I highly recommend this technology for anyone that has hard water, even with traditional hot water heaters, as it will highly prolong their life and performance.
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Note that tankless water heaters may be a good alternative for businesses as well as homes. Pubs, Restaurants, Hotels, Motels, and more, all use TWH’s for the very large cost savings, being able to expense or depreciate the up-front costs. So if you have an in-home business, or you just want to make points with your boss by cutting expenses, keep that in mind.
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