A tankless water heater provides hot water instantaneously on demand. Only the amount of hot water needed is heated at a time, and no hot water is stored in the system.
How Long Can a Tankless Water Heater Provide Hot Water?
A tankless heater is triggered by the flow of water when you open a faucet. The electrical elements then get hot and heat the water as it passes through the heating unit. The process will continue for as long as there is a flow of water. How hot the water will get will depend on factors such as ratings of the heating elements and water pressure.
What Advantages Does a Tankless Water Heater Have?
One of the main advantages is that it consumes less power compared to alternatives. The heater turns on only when the hot water is needed and turns off immediately after. There is no constant reheating stored water to keep it at the required temperatures. That means that the amount of energy wasted is minimal. The energy savings translate to money savings when it comes to paying energy bills. The savings can be more than 50% compared to a tank water heater, though the exact percentage depends on the model that you buy.
Can Tankless Water Heaters Work with Hard Water?
Because there is no water stored in a tankless water heater, the minerals in hard water will not have enough opportunity to build up in the heat exchanger and cause damage. Furthermore, the heat exchanger is flushed each time water flows through it, which makes it difficult for hard water to have any effect. However, if you regularly get hard water in your home, you should consider using a water softener.
How Do I Determine the Right Size of a Tankless Water Heater for My Home?
The size should be determined based on the amount of hot water needed at a time. For example, you can consider the number of showers that it can run simultaneously. A majority of models are made for one or two showers. Keep in mind that a tankless water heater can provide hot water continuously for as long as you need it. You can thus save some money by choosing the right size for you wisely.