If you’re on this page, it means your current water heater is about to kick the bucket and you’re preparing yourself for its imminent replacement. Whether your water quality has significantly deteriorated or you’re constantly calling for plumbing repairs in your Gloucester home, it’s smart to plan ahead when considering a water heater upgrade. Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular amongst local homeowners for their endless advantages. Keep reading to find out how tankless water heaters work and whether they’re the right choice for your home.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater provides homeowners with hot water on-demand. Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless models don’t store hot water in a massive container for later use. Instead, they heat water as needed. When a family member turns on the tap for hot water, the tankless water heater is activated. It automatically draws cold water from the plumbing system and runs it through a complicated series of heat exchanger coils. Once the water is heated to the right temperature, it is sent to the respective faucet, ready to use.
This innovative technology heats water instantaneously, so users don’t have to wait for long periods of time, making this appliance a favorite amongst homeowners. The most popular models of tankless water heaters are fueled by propane gas, though some utilize electricity as well. These appliances are also programmed to recalibrate their heat output based on the amount of water homeowners are planning to use. For example, if the demand for hot water is minimal, the tankless water heater will use less fuel to heat the water. If the demand increases, it will adjust the fuel usage and heat settings to maximize efficiency.
How Does it Compare to a Traditional Water Heater?
Traditional water heaters are the most common model in American households, but they’re not necessarily the most efficient. Standard tank water heaters work by drawing enough water from the plumbing system to fill up the container, where the water is heated to match the temperature set on the thermostat. If the temperature drops at any point, the heater will automatically start to reheat the water. This is a continuous cycle for standard tank water heaters.
What Advantages Will I Be Getting?
What About Maintenance?
Just like traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters need to be serviced at least once a year to maintain their efficiency. The process for flushing out a tankless water heater is a little more complicated than a standard tank water heater, so we recommend letting a professional plumber in Burlington County or surrounding areas perform the correct maintenance procedures for your tankless water heater.
If you’re ready to upgrade your water heater to a highly-efficient tankless model, contact a Hutchinson expert to set up a professional installation today.