Considering a Switch to Tankless Water Heating? First Understand How It Works

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand unit, provides hot water the instant you want or need it. How is this different from a conventional tank heater? The tank style water heater uses energy throughout the day and night to keep that water at a consistent temperature all day every day, whether you use any or not, and your utility bill reflects that cost. The on-demand water heater heats the water at the source and only when you need it, therefore reducing energy consumption.

How a Tankless Water Heater Works

An on-demand water heater is connected to the cold water supply of your home. When you turn on a hot water faucet in your home or an appliance that requires hot water, like your clothes washer or dishwasher, the cold water is pulled into the unit and a gas or electric heating unit brings the water up to the required temperature immediately, hence the on-demand label.

Efficiency and Capacity

Tankless water heaters come in a variety of sizes. If your home regularly requires a decent amount of simultaneous hot water usage (if, for example, residents often take showers while the clothes washer and/or dishwasher is running), more than one tankless water heater might be necessary. A professional can help you determine your water heating needs to ensure that you get the right unit(s) installed in the proper location.

Maintenance

Under most circumstances, your tankless system should require very little maintenance. Like all home comfort equipment, however, there are tankless water heater tips you can use to make sure your unit operates as efficiently as possible, and to help avoid breakdowns or repairs. For help determining if a tankless water heater is right for your home, contact the professionals at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve been serving customers in the greater Cincinnati area since 1910. Image via Shutterstock.com