Tankless Water Heaters – Repair, Installation & Replacement Memphis
Tankless water heaters, also referred to as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, are a popular solution for homeowners looking to replace their bulky conventional tank heaters. Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water, so you never have to worry about your water turning icy cold halfway through a shower. They take up less space than tank heaters, offer higher energy efficiency, and can last up to four times longer. As a result, tankless water heaters can significantly reduce your energy bills while preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home.
How a Tankless Water Heater Works
Tankless water heaters work by delivering a constant supply of hot water to your plumbing system without requiring a storage tank. When you turn on your hot water tap, the water flow signals to the water heater that you need a fresh supply of hot water. This activates sensors within the unit that detect the strength of the flow to determine the amount of hot water you need and the temperature you’ve set. These actions ignite the burner and direct incoming water through the heat exchanger, which heats the water to the desired temperature. After you close the tap, the tankless water heater automatically turns off.
Unlike a conventional tank heater that must completely fill with hot water before it will distribute the water to your system, a tankless water heater provides immediate hot water directly to the taps throughout your home or business space. When a tank heater runs out of water, you are forced to endure cold water until the tank fills up again. With a tankless water heater, the heating element rapidly heats the water as it travels from your pipes into the unit, providing an endless supply of hot water to all the necessary faucets and appliances.
Benefits of Installing a Tankless Water Heater
There are a number of benefits to switching from a conventional tank heater to a tankless water heater, including:
- Energy efficiency. A tankless water heater can be up to 34% more energy efficient than a tank heater in homes that use 41 gallons of water or less each day, and up to 14% more energy efficient in homes using 86 gallons per day. You can increase these savings an additional 27-50% if you install a separate heater for every appliance that uses a large amount of hot water, such as a dishwasher or washing machine.
- Cost savings. While tank heaters must constantly keep the burner hot to ensure the tank is filled with hot water, tankless heaters only activate their heating element when you turn on your tap. This means you can avoid the standby energy losses that plague tank heaters, saving up to $100 per year on your energy bills.
- Compact design. Tankless water heaters are wall-mounted or installed on the exterior of your home. They take up approximately 80% less space than a tank heater.
- Long life span. Many tankless water heaters feature a life expectancy of 20 years or more and are constructed of easily replaceable parts that can extend their life span even further. Tank heaters typically last for a maximum of 12 years with regular maintenance.
- Added home value. Due to their innovative technology and energy savings, tankless water heaters can increase the resale value of your home if you decide to put it on the market in the future. A study conducted by Zillow found that homes with tankless water heaters sell 43 days faster than expected at a 4% higher price.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
If you are interested in exploring your options for updating the water heating system in your home, contact Premier Plumbing and Mechanical today. Our expert team of licensed plumbers will work with you to evaluate your home’s hot water needs, thoroughly explain the advantages and drawbacks of tank and tankless water heaters, and help you find the perfect fit for your home.