Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular in new homes. Unlike storage tank heaters that hold a large volume of water in an insulated tank that you can use at any time, tankless water heaters generate hot water on demand. When you open the hot water tap, cold water flows through the tankless heater. As it flows through, the unit gets heated by either an electric heating coil or a gas burner. The water then gets distributed to taps in your home.
How Tankless Water Heaters Function
To help you learn how a tankless water heater functions, here’s a breakdown of the steps:
- It all begins when you switch on the hot water tap.
- When the water begins to flow, the flow sensor detects the water and signals the control panel to generate hot water.
- Once the control panel gets triggered, it instantly adjusts the burners to achieve the preferred water temperature.
- After the burner starts heating the water, it revolves around the heat exchanger until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Then, the water leaves the tankless water heater and begins flowing through your pipes until it reaches the final destination.
- Once the demand for hot water diminishes, the tankless water heater automatically goes off and stops consuming energy.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters provide hot water until the tank becomes empty. However, with a tankless water heater, your home can have a steady supply hot water at a rate of around 2-5 gallons per minute. Some gas-powered heaters can generate hot water at a higher rate than their electric counterparts. In addition, tankless models are more compact than standard water heaters, thereby saving you more space.
Furthermore, most tankless models have a panel that allows you to manage the settings. If you use a gas-powered heater, this means you can adjust the gas valve. For electric makes, it means determining the amount of electricity consumed. This feature helps you manage your water and utility bills. Tankless models also last for up to 20 years, if they’re well-maintained.
Trust the Experts
If you have decided to install a tankless water heater in Eureka, CA, and the surrounding areas, Evans Mechanical is ready to help. At Evans Mechanical, installing and maintaining tankless water heaters is one of our specialties. We also provide heating and cooling services. Schedule an appointment today!