In the article, I briefly overview the advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters are often used for convenience in cold climates, but is it worth the extra cost to remove your water heater?
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is an energy-efficient way to heat water. It uses a small fuel supply to heat the water rather than a tank of water. The heater can be installed anywhere a hot water supply is needed, such as a home, office, or car.
There are two main types of tankless water heaters: Direct Fired and Indirect Fired.
Direct Fired Tankless Water Heaters use a small fire to heat the water as it flows through the heater. The advantage of this type of heater is that they are very energy efficient and produce very little heat waste.
However, they can be less reliable in cold climates because the small fire may not be able to keep the water warm enough.
Indirect Fired Tankless Water Heaters use an electric heating element to heat the water as it passes through the unit. This type of heater is more reliable in cold climates because it produces consistent heat throughout the unit.
They can also be more expensive than Direct Fired Tankless Water Heaters, but they are generally more energy efficient.
The Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular in cold climates because they work well and don’t use any energy to keep the water warm. However, before making the switch, there are pros and cons.
The Pros of Tankless Water Heaters
- They’re not as energy-intensive as traditional water heaters.
- They’re relatively quiet.
- They tend to be more efficient than traditional water heaters, using less energy to produce the same amount of heat.
- They’re environmentally friendly because they don’t require any fuel or electricity to run.
- They’re easy to install – even if you have little experience with plumbing or wiring.
- They typically have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters, meaning you’ll save money over time thanks to fewer replacements.
- Some models have temperature settings that allow you to adjust the water temperature as needed, ensuring that everyone in your home can enjoy a comfortable bath or shower anytime or night.
- If something goes wrong with your tankless water heater, it’s usually easy and cheap to replace – even if you aren’t familiar with plumbing or electrical repairs.
- Overall, tankless water heaters are a great choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly option that doesn’t require much maintenance.
How to Set Up a Tankless Water Heater
You’ll need a few things to set up a tankless water heater. The most important of these is an electrician, plumber, or another qualified technician who can help you connect the necessary pieces of piping and wiring.
Once all the necessary connections have been made, you’ll need to install your water heater’s thermostat. This will allow you to control the temperature of your water as it flows through the heater.
Now that your tankless water heater is configured and ready to go, read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your new system operates perfectly and meets your needs.
The Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular because they offer many benefits.
These systems use a small tank that holds hot water rather than the traditional water heater with a large storage tank. This means that tankless systems can be installed in spaces that are not easily accessible or approved for a traditional water heater.
Energy efficiency is one of the biggest benefits of using a tankless water heater. Because there is no need to store heated water, tankless systems are much more efficient than traditional water heaters.
Studies have shown that tankless systems can achieve up to 90% of energy savings compared to traditional systems. Additionally, since there is no need to run an electric pump constantly to keep the system filled with hot water, this also saves your electricity bill.
Another big benefit of using a tankless system is its work in cold climates. Since there is no storage tank to freeze over during winter, tankless systems can work even in cold climates without issue. Additionally, since no continuous running of the electric pump is required to keep the system filled with hot water, this also saves on your electricity bill during cold weather.
The Advantages of a Tankless Water Heater in Cold Climates
A tankless water heater is perfect for cold climates because it doesn’t rely on a storage tank. Instead, the heater uses a small, self-priming pump to circulate hot water through a Stainless Steel coil to heat it quickly.
The advantage of this system is that there is no need to refill the tank and no chance of freezing pipes or valves. In addition, since there’s no cold water waiting in line to warm up, you can run your heater all day without worrying about wasted energy.
What is the Best Season to Install a Tankless Water Heater?
In the winter, a tankless water heater is more efficient because it doesn’t have to heat the water as much before it can be used.
Your utility bills will be lower because you’re not using as much energy. Some tankless water heaters also have a deicer function which helps to keep your sidewalks and driveways clear in the winter.
Conclusion
A tankless water heater does work well in cold climates, but be sure to have an adequate backup plan. A tankless water heater uses energy to heat the water as it flows through it, so if there is a power outage or the temperature outside is too low, the water will not be heated and may become unsafe to drink.
Have a backup system in place in an emergency, such as a propane tank or portable electric heater.
