What is a Tankless Water Heater and how does it work?
A tankless water heater, also known as an “on-demand” or “instantaneous” water heater, heats water only when you need it. Unlike a traditional water heater that stores and continuously heats a large tank of water, a tankless unit heats water as it flows through the device. This design offers improved energy efficiency, a continuous supply of hot water, and a longer lifespan.
How tankless water heaters work
- Demand detection: When a hot water tap is turned on anywhere in the house, a sensor inside the tankless unit detects the flow of water.
- Activation: The sensor signals the unit to turn on. If it’s a gas-powered model, the gas burner ignites. If it’s an electric unit, the heating elements activate.
- Instant heating: Cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where it flows through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger (either a gas burner or an electric element) quickly heats the water to the preset temperature.
- Continuous supply: The heated water is then sent directly to the faucet or appliance. The heating process continues until the tap is turned off, providing an unlimited supply of hot water.
- Shutdown: Once the hot water flow stops, the heating element or burner turns off, and no more energy is used until the next demand.
Key Benefits of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater
Upgrading to a tankless water heater can provide many advantages for your home, including:
- Unlimited hot water: Perfect for large households or homes with multiple bathrooms.
- Energy efficiency: Only heats water when needed, reducing energy consumption.
- Space savings: Compact wall-mounted units free up floor space.
- Reduced risk of leaks: No large storage tank means less chance of catastrophic water damage from tank failure.
- Long-term performance: Modern technology and high-quality components deliver dependable service.
For New Jersey Residents Considering Switching From a Tank to Tankless for the First Time
In New Jersey, switching from a tank water heater to a tankless unit requires a plumbing permit and compliance with several state and municipal regulations. A licensed master plumber must perform the installation. The regulations primarily cover gas line sizing, venting, water supply connections, and electrical requirements, as a tankless unit often has different needs than a traditional tank model.
How hard water damages a tankless water heater
The high mineral content in hard water, primarily calcium and magnesium, is the source of the problem. Here’s what happens inside the unit:
- Scale buildup: When hard water is heated, the minerals precipitate out and form a hard, crusty layer called scale. Because a tankless heater heats water on demand, this process happens repeatedly within its heat exchanger, accelerating the buildup.
- Reduced efficiency: The layer of scale acts as an insulator, preventing the heat exchanger from transferring heat to the water effectively. This forces the unit to work much harder and consume more energy to achieve the desired temperature, driving up your utility bills.
- Restricted water flow: As the scale accumulates, it can clog the narrow water pipes and pathways within the unit. This restricts the flow of water, leading to a noticeable drop in hot water pressure at your taps.
- Overheating and premature failure: Restricted water flow can cause the unit to overheat, triggering safety sensors to shut the system down. This extra strain and frequent overheating significantly shorten the lifespan of the tankless heater, which is otherwise expected to last 20+ years.
- Inconsistent temperature: The uneven buildup of scale can cause fluctuations in water temperature, leading to frustratingly inconsistent hot water.
Tankless Water Heater Care Tips for Homeowners
- Flush the system annually: This helps remove mineral buildup that can reduce efficiency and shorten the system’s life.
- Check the filter: Many tankless units have inlet water filters that should be inspected and cleaned regularly.
- Maintain proper ventilation: Keep the area around your unit clear of dust, debris, and storage items to ensure airflow and safe operation.
- Monitor water temperature settings: Set your system to a safe, consistent temperature to prevent scalding and reduce strain on the unit.
- Schedule professional maintenance: Annual service from a licensed plumber ensures your system operates at peak performance year-round.
Upgrade to On-Demand Hot Water with PlumbWell
If you are ready to enjoy endless hot water and improved efficiency, PlumbWell can help with expert tankless water heater services in New Jersey. From installation to ongoing care, we will ensure your system is sized, installed, and maintained for maximum performance. Contact us today and one of our PlumbWell professionals will assist you in providing you with your new tankless system.