Saving Energy with Tankless Water Heaters

As the name insinuates, a tankless water heater is one that lacks the storage tank of a standard water heater. In a storage water heater, water is heated within the tank and then released as hot water is used within the home. When the temperature of unused water in the tank falls below the set temperature, it is reheated to ensure that a ready supply of hot water is available at all times. Water within the storage tank is heated and reheated regardless of whether it is needed, resulting in wasted energy.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand, eliminating the wasted energy associated with storage water heaters. In tankless water heaters, an electric element or a gas burner heats water only when hot water is demanded. When a hot water faucet is turned on, for instance, unheated water travels to the tankless water heater and is heated before being transported to the faucet. Because of this functionality, tankless storage heaters are also called demand water heaters, or instantaneous water heaters. This technology results in less wasted energy since water is not heated unless it is going to be used. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a tankless water heater will consume 24% – 34% less energy than a storage water heater in a home that consumes 41 or less gallons of water per day.

Tankless water heaters are available in different capacities that raise the temperature of water by certain amounts based on its flow rate, or the number of gallons per minute. Bathroom sink faucets, for example, have a lower flow rate than bathtub faucets, so less energy is needed to heat the water for sink faucets. Tankless water heaters are available in smaller capacities that can heat water for just one sink or one bathroom, or in capacities sufficient for an entire home. The availability of various sizes gives homeowners the opportunity to install a tankless water heater for a specific purpose, such as heating water for a washing machine or dishwasher.

Tankless water heaters have stringent electrical and venting requirements, so hiring a professional for tankless water heater installation is advised.

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of home improvement products from 50+ brands such as Delta Faucets, Kohler, Danze, Grohe, American Standard, Price Pfister, InSinkErator, and Moen. For more information and to find the right bathroom faucet, pull out kitchen faucet, a full line of whirlpool faucets and more, please visit www.OverstockDeals.com.