Author: admintankless

As the holiday season comes round the corner, you are bound to be visited by guests! This is when a warm shower can soothe your body and mind. During the cold winter season, you will be glad that a tankless water heater is installed at your home.

By definition, tankless water heaters are used to heat water. This equipment will ensure the continuous flow of warm water. Tankless water heaters have become a norm in different parts of the world, especially in Japan and Europe. The tankless water heaters play an important role in the green movement. Energy-efficient tankless water heaters can last between 20 and 25 years. Also, they occupy very little space and energy.

In this article, you will read about how a tankless water heater works.

To understand how the tankless unit functions, you must be aware of how a conventional water heater works. The conventional water heaters have huge tanks that can store warm water. The tank heats water continuously. This means you will receive hot water at all times. Water from traditional water heaters is maintained at a steady temperature. The energy used to maintain water temperature even when you don’t need is known as “Standby Heat Loss”.

What are tankless water heaters?

Tankless water heaters don’t have a “huge storage tank”. These systems don’t lose energy in standby mode. That is because water is heated only when you want it to be hot. Tankless water heaters are also known as “on-demand systems”. The new water heaters can eradicate heat loss by 90%. This makes the tankless units extremely efficient.

The Heat Exchanger

The tankless water heaters generate hot water using a powerful heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is responsible for increasing the temperature.

By definition, the heat exchanger is the equipment used to transfer warm energy from one source to another destination. The heat exchangers are used in many appliances like the refrigerator, car radiators, and air conditioners.

The heat exchangers in a tankless water heater get activated with water flow. The moment it senses incoming water, it gets activated. Water flows into the heat exchanger and then into the tap. This means cold water gets heated at the exchanger and becomes hot.

Different Types of Tankless Water Heaters

Best Tankless water heaters are sold in two different variants: the whole house and point-of-use heaters.

• Whole-house heaters are meant for big homes. These heaters suffer a lag time. They can be used to heat an entire home. When you are unable to install individual tankless water heaters in each room, you can go for a whole-house system. In the long run, these systems will be cheap and reliable.
• Point-of-use water heaters are small units. These units can be used to heat water at one or two outlets. For example, you can heat water at your kitchen sink and washing machine pipe. These water heaters are extremely compact. They can be installed even inside a closet or kitchen cabinet. Point of use water heaters doesn’t suffer lag time. That is because they are installed close to the outlet.

Choosing the Right Product

When you are about to buy a tankless water heater, you must pick from natural gas, electric, and propane models. In most places, the Point-of-use water heaters are electric. Whole house water heaters can be powered using propane or natural gas. The model you choose depends on many factors.

• You must be aware of the “flow rate”. Flow rate determines the amount of hot water you require.
• Temperature rise plays a very important role. It is the difference between the desired output and groundwater temperature.
• The Federal Energy Policy Act 1992 introduces many limitations and regulations on how water heaters can be used. This policy limits household water fixtures to 2.2 gallons per minute. Before you buy a water heater, you must calculate the required flow rates and temperature rise.

On the whole, tankless water heaters have become important household equipment. Almost every home needs an energy-efficient water heater. Unfortunately, reliable water heaters are expensive. That is why you must understand the equipment and your need. It is always good to know how your tankless water heater works.

According to a recent study, The United States is one of the largest consumers of energy. The country consumes more than 100 quadrillions of BTUs every year. This is 3-times the amount of energy consumed in the 1950s. On the other hand, China’s yearly carbon dioxide emissions account for 19% of the world’s total emissions.

What are tankless water heaters?

In the past few years, many organizations and public bodies have stressed the need for efficient technologies and a green lifestyle. It is important to protect the planet and its resources. This is why more-and-more innovations are done in domains like “energy”. There are many innovative products to reduce the need for energy and cut down on global warming.

The use of tank heaters has grown significantly. The tank heaters are used to supply hot water to homes and offices. Water heaters have undergone many changes. Today, people are using tankless heaters. Tankless heaters use an edgy technology that reduces energy consumption drastically. It modulates the use of energy based on demand. Indeed, this is a great solution for many energy and water issues. With the help of tankless water heaters, residential and commercial properties will be able to manage both energy and water. There are different types of tankless water heater brands to choose from.

A marked difference between tank heaters and tankless ones would be their ability to handle energy.

The use of tankless water heaters is a part of the United State’s green movement. These tanks have helped people reevaluate their water and energy needs. Conversely, they are able to cut down on their energy bills. When done properly, homeowners will be able to save a lot of money and energy. With this being said, here are a few benefits of using tankless water heaters.

• Save More Energy:- All water heating and energy solutions depend on “saving” more. With the use of tankless water heaters, households can save up to 90% of energy. This is a strategic way of improving the property’s thermal energy efficiency. Water heaters with tanks have an efficiency rate of 65% or less. This clearly proves that tankless water heaters are extremely energy efficient. These tanks work by providing water on demand. When you don’t need hot water, the tankless water heaters wouldn’t consume energy to operate. so pick the best tankless water heater from the tankless water heater world and save your energy and money as well.

• Save More Space:- Are you running short of space for a water heater? Conventional water heaters have huge tanks that consume lots of space. When you plan to upgrade or repair the water heater, you must spend lots of money and effort. Are you prepared to spend this kind of money and time? If not, you must pick a tankless water heater. The electric tankless water heaters are “small”. They have a compact design that would fit anywhere. To be more precise, the water heaters are 90% smaller than conventional water heaters.

• Eco-Friendly:- The talk about tankless water heaters will remain incomplete without its “eco-friendly” nature. Both companies and homeowners are trying hard to reduce their carbon footprint. The Department of Energy in The United States saves up to 50% of energy with tankless water heaters. It is quite obvious that tankless water heaters use electric energy. This means you will no longer spend or hunt for natural gas. This reduces the likelihood of pollution. Tankless water heaters are reliable, designed with many standards in mind, and serviceable. The heat exchangers in these heaters are 99% energy efficient. They are strategically designed with “energy efficiency” in mind.

• Optimal Safety:- Traditional water heaters can cause burns. Many seniors and children have suffered burns from spiking water temperatures. Most tankless water heaters are built on smart technologies that don’t cause temperature fluctuations. These heaters don’t release harmful gases. This means you don’t have to invest in ventilation solutions. Tankless water heaters are extremely safe and easy to use.

• Lifespan:- Last but certainly not least, tankless water heaters have an extended lifespan. These heaters can last between 20 and 25 years. The tanks don’t rust or break down easily.

On the whole, tankless water heaters are meant for everyone. The tank has an interesting range of advantages. It is definitely superior to traditional water heaters.

Over the past few years, the demand for tankless water heaters has increased drastically. This can be attributed to the heater’s energy-efficient and compact nature. Tankless water heaters are designed to supply warm water to homes and offices efficiently. May it be the electric or the gas-based water heaters the equipment must be used only when hot water is required. This is how tankless water heaters work. These heaters can save up to 70% on your annual heating bills.

With this being said, here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a tankless water heater. Some steps may appear complicated. Installation of water heaters is not a DIY. At all times, try to hire a skilled professional.

Gas/ Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation Steps

Important Equipment

To install tankless water heaters you need the following gears:

1. A reciprocating saw
2. Screwdrivers
3. Hacksaw
4. Adjustable wrenches
5. The gas/electric tankless water heater
6. Spade bit
7. Drill machine
8. Propane torch
9. Flux
10. Silicone caulk
11. Copper pipes
12. Black pipes
13. Pipe insulation tubes
14. Flexible gas supply lines
15. A stainless steel vent pipe

• Step #1 – Remove the Old unit:- Before you install the new tankless water heater, you must remove the old unit. Turn off the water supply, power, and all gas supply valves. Double-check if these units are turned off! You must drain water from the old heater and disconnect it completely.
• Step #2 – Installation of gas supply lines:- Next, you must install the gas supply line. To install the gas supply line, you must install the valve and “T” in the existing lines. Use the corrugated stainless steel pipe to build the supply line. The supply line must be connected to the tankless water heater. Before you use stainless steel pipes, you must understand the building codes in your community. Some communities don’t permit black iron supply lines. Never deviate from the local building codes.
• Step #3 – Installation of copper pipes:- You must install the copper pipes. The copper water lines must not come in touch with the wall. You can use “Bell Hanger Brackets” to avoid contact. Also, you must insulate the copper water lines. Use the insulation pipe to protect the copper lines. The copper joints must be carefully cleaned and coated with flux. Afterward, you must solder the clean copper joints.
• Step #4 – A Vertical Platform:- The tankless water heater must be installed in an ideal spot. Even before you buy a tankless water heater you must identify a suitable installation position. Experts recommend a covered vertical platform. The heater must be positioned “high” above. It should clear all possible floor joists. Try to secure the vertical platform with screws that can cut into concrete surfaces. Remember, the screws must be able to hold the vertical platform.

Once you create a stable vertical platform, you must position and screw the tankless heater. The tankless heater should be placed carefully in the covered area. The screws should hold the tank permanently.

• Step #5 – The Valves and Supply Lines:- Low, you must connect the supply line, shut off valve, and the sediment trap. The gas shut-off valve is an important component. It must be attached to the stainless steel corrugated supply line. The sediment trap must be connected to the steel supply line too. These connections should be tightened using nuts and bolts. You can use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts.

Once the gas shut off valve is connected, you must attach the water shut-off valve. These water shut-off valves should be connected to the tankless water heater. The water pipes must be supported using bell hangers. You can use copper water pipes. Don’t forget to solder the copper joints.

• Step #6 – Sniffing Gas:- During installation, gas may bleed from the pipes. You must make sure there are no gas leaks. Use a gas sniffer to ensure if there are no gas leaks. The gas sniffer must be used to check all the joints.
• Step #7 – The Last Three Steps:- 

1. Piping and elbows
   The tankless water heater is now prepared for elbows, vent piping, and connectors. The connector has to be slipped and secured with a hose clamp. The elbows and vent pipes must be secured.
2. The interior and exterior thimble
   Through the outside wall, you must install a strong metal wall thimble. All shingles must be removed. The interior and exterior parts of the thimble must be installed. Don’t forget to include all the components of the vent pipe.
3. Powering the water heater
   The final step would be installation, plugging, and insulating the water heater and its pipes. Connect the tankless water heater to its power supply (microprocessor and thermostat). The hot pipes must be protected using pre-shared pipe insulators. Now, you can turn on the power, gas and start enjoying the warm water.

Water heaters without a tank have become quite popular mainly because they give the demand for hot water constantly. You can save a lot of time and money because you don’t end up with a dozen of hot water in the tank standby waiting for it to be used. With water heaters without a tank, you can get hot water whenever you want without the need for storing the water. However, before buying your water heaters, there are certain factors that you must consider or check the best tankless water heater reviews online.

• Usage factor: You will find both gas and electric variants and each of them have different uses and installation.
•  Features: Different water heaters’ brand offers different features which also defines the price of the product.
•  Price: Everyone has their budget and you will find many water heaters without tanks with different price tags. You have to do your research and see what all options you have available in the market.
• Flow Rate: Each product comes with a different rating depending on the heat they are capable of generating. So knowing this factor is important when you buy a water heater without a tank.

To Make Things Simpler For You, Here Are Some Best Water Heaters Brands.

• Rheem RTGH-95DVLN 9.5 GPM Natural Gas and without a tank:

Rheem is one of the best water heaters without a tank that you can use in your home. You can use two showers, do laundry, and run the dishwasher simultaneously. It is your most energy-saving option as well. What’s even better is that it comes at an affordable rate that makes it a good option for everyone. The installation process is also easy and it works quietly and quickly. It comes with a high rate of flow of impressive 9.5 GPM. With Rheem, you can be sure that you will never have to worry about the supply of hot water.

• Ecotemp FVI-12-LP High Capacity Water heaters with Propane without a tank:

It is a famous brand. It is cheaper as compared to Rheem. If you are looking for an energy-efficient device then it is the best product for you. While it is not such a good option, if you need hot water through multiple fixtures all at once, the tankless hot water heater is a superb option for those who live solo. The most attractive element of Ecotemp is its affordable price tag. It is designed specifically to use lesser fuel as compared to other gas models. It has a 3.5 gallons/minute output which can efficiently provide one shower at one time. If you have low-flow fixtures, you can easily use them in the winter. According to its size, the product is effective enough.

• Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG Indoor Water heaters without a tank, Natural Gas:

Takagi is a great water heater without a tank for a household with members up to 5 people. It is not as powerful as Rheem, but at a time, it can efficiently provide two showers. With a low-flow showerhead, one may get water supplies to three fixtures. For the functionalities, it provides the product which comes at an amazing price. It is a splendid product which is extremely easy to use. The product ranges at the price range which is same as the Ecotemp; it has more water heating capacity. In colder climates, you don’t have to worry about anything, Takagi will cater to all your winter needs. Besides, it is user-friendly that offers great convenience to its users.

• The Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus:

This water heater without a tank is considered the most advanced and reliable water heater that one can get from the market today. These stylish-looking water heaters without a tank can provide even temperature output irrespective of the demand for water. It comes with a single flow sensor design that adjusts the water flow automatically. Thus, it avoids inconvenience due to the fluctuation in temperature. Stiebel is to

install and operate because it needs no venting on the outside which saves a lot of time and money.

• Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Water heaters without a tank:

Rinnai RL75In Gas Water heaters without a tank provide a high flow rate of 7.5 gallons. BTU result range varies from 10,300 to 180,000. It can provide hot water with water 140 degrees F when installed in your house. For commercial purposes, it can offer 160 degrees F.

There are 2 main kinds of water heaters available in the market- Tank water heater or water heater without a tank. Today, we will discuss the main difference between the tank water heater and the tankless water heater.

What are Tank Water Heaters?

Generally, houses have tank water heaters which are otherwise known as water heaters with storage. As the name suggests, these water heaters come with a tank that can hold 20 to 120 gallons of water with gas burners or heating elements. At the top, the tank water heaters have hot water and at the bottom, these water heaters have incoming cold water.

This feature is given so that you get hot water consistently. Tank water heaters tend to lose heat via the walls of the tank. The tank comes with insulation, however, the temperature difference across this wall with insulation is huge. Thus, even with the large insulation, the heater tends to lose heat considerably.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tanklesstankless water heater, when it comes to tankless water heaters then there is no considerable heat loss because in it the water is heated when there is a requirement for hot water. In a tankless water heater, there is no water filled in it for standby. The system in the heater comes in two types whole house heaters and point-of-use heaters. Point-of-use heaters are put in one particular faucet and it supplies hot water to just one fixture.
Tankless water heaters are energy-saving and supply hot water constantly.
In standby, the water tends to lose its heat and to address this issue, tankless water heaters come into play. These types of heaters are generally installed in the place where you need the water heater like in the bathroom. One of the great features of a tankless water heater is that you will consistently have hot water and you will not run out of it considering that there is enough water heater to satisfy the demand for hot water. Additionally, they don’t have the loss of standby hot water. This is because no hot water is there to store in the tank thus no loss of heat is there when the heater isn’t running.

• The Heating Elements:

One of the main advantages of tank water heaters is that their heating elements are quite small. This is because a defined volume of water is stored in the tank and as it remains arranged as the hot water is used, an efficiently sized tank heater can cater to the hot water demand of the family without the need for electricity or gas to heat the water.

On the other hand, tankless water heaters generally have large-sized burners as compared to tank water heaters. A normal whole-house tankless heater that allows a family to use two showers simultaneously will have the burner generating 180,000Btu/hour. The biggest tankless water heaters come with burners with more than 300,000Btu/hour. If you want this much natural gas you need a burner with a greater gas supply.

The tankless water heaters with a substantial gas line need huge combustion of air. Whereas, a small tank of 125,000Btu/hour variant that is working at its maximum capacity needs around 30 cm of air to complete the combustion. At the same time, a 180,000 Btu per hour variant needs up to 45 cfm of air working at its maximum capacity.

• The Flow Rates

A tankless water heater has a flow rate of 0.5 or 0.6 GPM. This means that at flow rates lesser than this the water would not come. This is a big problem for people with bathroom faucets.

• Cost

A tankless water heater can cost double that tank water heater. The price entirely depends on the model and size that you choose. If you are going for a point-of-use tankless heater, then you would have to buy additional units. A normal tank water heater providing two showers simultaneously can come with a price tag of $700.00. The normal tank water heater comes across $220, on the other hand, a single tankless heater comes with a price tag of 980.
While the tankless water heater seems costly right now, it would help in saving a significant amount of money over the year.

Tankless water heaters are the new trend for homes and commercial places. Earlier, the water heater was considered a huge and bulky appliance that comes with a complicated mechanism. They also occupied quite a lot in your bathroom. However, with the launch of tankless water heaters, we all have a new perception of water heaters. Tankless water heaters, as the name suggests, don’t have tanks that store water. They are designed to provide hot water promptly.

Generally, people tend to avoid installing water heaters because they are expensive and their maintenance is also costly. However, they should know how beneficial tankless water heaters are for your house.

Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Move To a Tankless Water Heater-

1. Big saving on electricity bill:

According to a survey, a good tankless water heater saves more energy than a normal heater which means that you can save big on electricity bills. This is because they come with self-modulating technology. A tankless water heater features a sensor that detects the water flow to a particular rate of minimum activation and the heater is activated only upon reaching that specific level.

On the other hand, a normal burner will not be able to keep the water tank hot all the time. The normal heater keeps on working even when no one is at home. However, the tankless water heater comes with standby mode for times when you are not at home; thus, it provides energy consumption. You can also power off the heater when you are out on holiday.

2. They last longer:

One of the most important benefits of switching to the tankless water heater is that they are more durable. This is because they don’t have to be powered on all the time as compared to conventional heaters. Generally, homes that have tankless water heaters use only for a couple of hours regularly. But the normal tank heater has to work 24*7 to keep the water hot.

The tank water heater has water along with its elements such as magnesium, calcium, etc. Hard water has double these minerals once it is stored for all hours. Several minerals become so much that it all goes down to the bottom and accumulate there. This is one other reason tank water tendtendslast less as compared to tankless water. 

3. Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient:

According to research, a normal family can save up to 100 dollars every year if they use a qualified tankless water heater. A family that needs water of around 41 gallons regularly can save approximately 24-34% energy if they use an under under-sinless water heater. With a tankless water heater installation, you get a specific system that helps you save more electricity as well as water. This way you can save up to 32%-38% energy. However, the less water heater companies tend to claim 50%-60% energy, it depends on the water usage.

4. Tankless water heaters are easy to maintain:

This is another reason that you should switch to tankless water heaters. Tank water heaters are not easy to keep clean and maintain rather than tankless water heaters. However, with tankless water heaters, you can descale your tankless system in just an hour via its maintenance valve. Just close the cold water valves to protect the cold water from rolling in. You can use 5 gallons of white vinegar to cleanse the chemical out of the system. You can also use chemical cleaning solutions but it would hinder the drinking water’s safety. This is why white vinegar is preferred instead of chemicals.

5. Tankless water heaters raise the resale value of the house:

One of the reasons why people don’t buy or install tankless water heater is because it’s an expensive process. Although, for real estate agents and prospective home buyers this expensive process would be beneficial. In most of the cases, the installation of tankless water tends to increase the value of the home. In fact, you will be surprised to know that the value of tankless water heater has more value than a pool because of its usage. Also, a home that has tankless water heaters is considered as a greenhouse because they don’t produce greenhouse gas.

Now the time has come to replace your traditional water heater with a tankless water heater. This is also named an “on-demand water heater” or an “instantaneous water heater”. This new model is tank-free and doesn’t store water internally. This model will provide hot water whenever required. If you are looking at why you need the best tankless water heater, then you must read the following features.

Reasons to Consider a Tankless Water Heater over Other Water Heaters

• Energy Efficient

A good quality tankless water heater works and supplies hot water whenever it is turned on. All the other traditional water heaters automatically heat the water, even when there is no requirement for hot water. Even in the absence, these traditional water heaters heat the water. This traditional water heater either is an electric water heater or a gas heater. But all these traditional water heaters are a waste of energy. On the other hand, a tankless water heater heats the water whenever required and stops after work.

• Saves Space

A traditional water heater occupies more space that is approximately 16 square ft. and thus it is installed in the basement. On the other hand, a tankless water heater can fit in one-fourth of the space occupied by a traditional water heater. Thus it can be installed in a small closet.

• Little Maintenance

One major benefit of a tankless water heater that everyone loves is it needs a little maintenance. Also, in a tank water heater, as water is stored in the tank, it remains stored for the whole day. This could further lead to lead or rust formation and scale formation. This way a tank water heater needs much more maintenance than a tankless water heater. Cleaning on daily basis is needed such that you can get fresh water. Otherwise, you may get polluted water which may cause diseases. This problem doesn’t arise in the tankless water heater and thus it is preferred more.

• Money Efficient

The energy factor of the traditional heater is 0.60 which is not comparable to the energy factor of a tankless water heater which lies between 0.82-0.96. So, tankless water heaters save energy by being energy efficient. Also, tankless water heaters technology can convert a large amount of energy into heat. Although its cost is high, you can generate back your purchase by saving your bills.

• Eco-Friendly

The department of energy and environment has given a good star rating to most tankless water heaters as these heaters are those devices that save energy. This, in turn, protects our environment and natural resources. So, by installing a tankless water heater, you can take one step in the go-green process.

• Longer Life Span

A conventional water heater has a life of almost 15 years. But a tankless water heater has a lifespan of more than 20 years which can further be increased by replacing its damaged parts with new ones.

• Anytime Hot Water

A tankless water heater can provide hot water at any instance of the day which you can use for any use like bathing, washing, etc. It can heat up to seven gallons of water every 60 seconds. But in a tank water heater, you have to clean the tank first, and then you have to wait for the water to heat up. So, using a tankless water heater, you can get hot water at any time.

Conclusion

All these wonderful features of tankless water heaters cannot be enjoyed by you until you buy a Rheem water heater for your home. Also if you buy this model, there will be your effort in saving the environment. Also, you can save your electricity bills. Overall, it is a better device and a good source of hot water.