The modern home is a symphony of conveniences, and one of the unsung heroes in this orchestra of comfort is the humble water heater. But have you ever wondered, “How does a tankless water heater work?” or asked yourself, “What is a tankless water heater?” Let’s unravel these mysteries together.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
Unlike traditional tank water heaters that store and heat gallons of water in a large storage tank, a tankless water heater heats water on demand, hence its other name — the “on-demand water heater.” This sleek, space-saving device offers numerous benefits, including energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and never running out of hot water.
The Step-by-step Process: From Cold to Hot
Many homeowners are making the switch to tankless water heaters. However, if you’ve always had a traditional tank unit, you might be confused as to how a tankless unit operates. So, how does a tankless water heater work exactly? Let’s go over the step-by-step process in more detail below.
Step 1: Detection of Water Flow
The process begins when you turn on a hot water tap in your home. The flow of water is detected by the tankless water heater, activating the heating process. The “flow rate” is a key aspect of how a tankless water heater works, determining the amount of hot water the unit can produce per minute.
Step 2: Gas Burner or Electric Element Activation
Once water flow is detected, the tankless water heater springs into action. Depending on whether it’s an electric tankless water heater or a natural gas model, a gas burner or an electric element is activated. This is the heart of what a tankless water heater is — an on-demand, instantaneous water heating system.
Step 3: Heat Exchange
The water then flows over a heat exchanger, a device that transfers heat from the gas burner or electric element to the water. This is where the water is heated. The heat exchanger is a crucial component, directly impacting the efficiency and performance of the unit.
Step 4: Delivery of Hot Water
Finally, the hot water is delivered straight to your tap, providing a continuous flow of hot water. With a tankless water heater, you’ll never run out of hot water again.
Longevity and Cost Considerations
While the initial cost of having a tankless water heater installed may be higher than traditional water heaters, they typically last up to 20 years — almost double that of most storage tank models. So, in the long run, a tankless water heater can be a cost-effective choice.
The Space-Saving Design
One of the significant advantages of a tankless water heater is its compact, space-saving design. Unlike traditional water heaters that require a large storage tank, a tankless water heater is about the size of a suitcase, freeing up valuable space in your home.
Installing a Tankless Water Heater with Arlinghaus
So, how does a tankless water heater work? As you can see, a tankless water heater operates on an on-demand basis. This means it heats water as you need it, eliminating the need for a storage tank and providing continuous hot water. If you’re considering making the switch to a tankless water heater in the Kentucky, Cincinnati, or Indiana areas, Arlinghaus is here to help. Our team of professional plumbers is proud to install tankless water heaters in Cincinnati, OH, and beyond.
We understand that choosing a new water heater is a significant decision. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive information about how a tankless water heater works and guiding you through the process.
Now that you know what a tankless water heater is and how it works, why wait to make an upgrade? Embrace the benefits of on-demand hot water, lower energy bills, and increased space in your home by scheduling a tankless water heater installation with Arlinghaus today. Remember, in the long run, investing in a tankless water heater could save you money and provide endless hot water for your home.