What is a Tankless Hot Water Heater?
A tankless hot water heater, also known as an on-demand or instantaneous water heater, is a type of water heating system that heats water directly and instantly as it flows through the unit rather than storing preheated water in a tank. When a hot water tap is opened, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, which is heated by either a gas burner or an electric element. The heated water is then delivered to the point of use, such as a faucet or showerhead.
Tankless hot water heaters offer several advantages over traditional tank-based systems:
- Energy efficiency: They only heat water when needed, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
- Continuous hot water supply: Since they heat water on demand, there is no risk of running out of hot water as long as the flow rate is within the heater’s capacity.
- Space-saving: Without a bulky storage tank, tankless water heaters take up less space and can be installed in various locations.
- Longer lifespan: On average, tankless water heaters have a longer service life than tank-based systems, often lasting 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
However, tankless hot water heaters also have some drawbacks:
- Higher upfront costs: They are typically more expensive to purchase and install than traditional tank-based water heaters.
- Limited flow rate: They may not be able to supply enough hot water simultaneously for multiple appliances or fixtures, especially in larger households.
- Retrofitting challenges: Installing a tankless water heater in an existing home may require plumbing, electrical, or gas modifications.
What is the difference between a traditional hot water heater?
A traditional hot water heater, also known as a storage-tank water heater, is a system that heats and stores a large volume of water in a tank, maintaining a constant temperature until it is needed. When hot water is used, the tank releases the heated water through a pipe to the faucet or showerhead. Cold water then enters the bottom of the tank, replacing the used hot water, and the heating process begins again.
Here are the main differences between traditional and tankless hot water heaters:
- Storage: Traditional water heaters have a storage tank that holds and heats water, while tankless water heaters heat water on demand without a storage tank.
- Energy efficiency: Traditional water heaters continuously heat water in the storage tank, leading to standby heat loss and increased energy consumption. In contrast, tankless water heaters heat water only when needed, resulting in higher energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
- Space requirements: Traditional water heaters require space for the storage tank, which can be pretty large, depending on the capacity. Tankless water heaters are more compact and can be installed in smaller areas or on walls.
- Lifespan: Traditional water heaters typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
- Hot water supply: Traditional water heaters can run out of hot water if the demand exceeds the tank’s capacity, requiring time to reheat the new water. Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water as long as the flow rate is within the heater’s capacity but may struggle to supply enough hot water simultaneously for multiple appliances or fixtures in larger households.
- Upfront costs: Traditional water heaters are generally less expensive to purchase and install compared to tankless water heaters. However, the long-term operating costs and energy efficiency should be considered when comparing the two systems.
From Tank to Tankless Hot Water Heaters:
Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC of Hackensack, NJ, Embraces Conversion with Discounts
The venerable hot water tank has finally met its match. For the last ten years, debates have continued about the efficiencies and longevity of tank vs. tankless water heaters. However, the game is over.
Recent updates in materials and processes for on-demand hot water from a tank unit can stand side by side with a new tankless.
First, the obvious, there is no need to run precious water up to two stories until it’s warm enough to take a shower. There is a tiny learning curve that avoids pushing the handle to the furthest heat position. Do that and step into the shower and you may get scalded!
Next, the life span of the tankless system is now easily 20 years besting the typical tank system by double the lifespan.
Efficiency: While these systems are more expensive, they are also more efficient. Consumer Reports indicate tankless water heaters are 22% more efficient than standard models. The monthly savings might be nominal, but homeowners can expect to save hundreds of dollars annually.
Space savings: Whether using a 40-gallon, 50 gallons, or 75-gallon tank, the space needed for a tankless water heater is a fraction of what those tanks take as tankless are bolted onto a wall using no floor space whatsoever.
Tax breaks remain: Because they are more efficient, tankless heaters qualify for federal tax credits, which help offset the steep installation cost, usually 10%. Consider a Bradford White tankless system if your existing 8+ year tank is headed to obsolescence. The program will run from Monday, May 20, 2019, to June 30, 2019. There is no fixed discount until the initial inspection is done, and “stacking,” i.e., using TV ad discounts or downloaded $25 discounts cannot be used with this program. However, we expect the discount to be pleasing to our customers.
About Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC
Exclusively Serving Bergen County, New Jersey
Michael Muccia is a Master Plumber and the owner and operator of Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is a full-service Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) service company based in and serving Bergen County, NJ, since 1978. The Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC team of trained and certified service technicians offers various services, including general plumbing and heating maintenance, for residential and commercial clients.
Whatever your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or ventilation needs are, it’s easier with Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. We treat our customers, large and small, with the best service in the industry. We know you have a choice when considering an HVAC company, and no matter what we do for you, we treat it as the most crucial job in our history. Our experience proves that we know how to work efficiently, which keeps costs low, uses only the best components within budget, and stands behind the work we do.
Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC has locations in the following areas:
Hackensack | Hillside | Ramsey | Waldwick | Maywood | Tenafly
