What is an On-Demand Water Heater?
An on-demand, or tankless, water heater is a system for heating water as it passes through the pipes, usually very near the point of use. Traditional tank water heaters bring the water to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 C), in order to ensure the water supply lasts long after the heater turns off. Since this is obviously far too hot to be pumped out of a shower of faucet, cold water is added to the mix in the pipes. Coupled with the loss of thermal energy over time, the average tank heater has an efficiency of approximately 80%. On-demand water heaters have a number of advantages over their tank-using counterparts. While tanks often degrade over time and begin leaking, the apparatus used in an on-demand water heater is much less susceptible to the burdens of age, and will often outlive the house they’re installed in. The amount of energy used is a fraction of that used in a tank water heater, due to increased efficiency and a much smaller window during which a heating source i
A tankless or “on-demand” water heater is designd to heat the water just as you need it. The two biggest advantages are unlimited continous hot water and reduced operating cost because you are not storing any hot water. Most US homes have storage tank water heaters that are inefficent and of limited capacity. There are several very good models of “on-demand” heaters available. Paloma and Aquastar are two very good manufacturers.
What is a tankless water heater? On-demand and tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous or point-of-use water heaters, only heat water as it is needed. Water is not heated and stored in a storage tank like conventional water heaters. Some units are very efficient, with an Energy Factor of .70 to .80 or greater depending on whether they use a pilot light or electronic ignition. That represents approximately 20 to 30 percent savings compared to a conventional gas water heater. They are also compact. Tankless water heaters last longer and don’t run out of hot water. However, because some smaller models can heat only 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute, such models may not be able to meet a heavy load such as a shower and clothes washer at the same time. While they are highly efficient, tankless water heaters are also considerably more expensive. There is a tax credit available for tankless water heaters. See our Web site: http://.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/RES/tax/waterheaters.shtml.
What is a tankless water heater? On-demand and tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous or point-of-use water heaters, only heat water as it is needed. Water is not heated and stored in a storage tank like conventional water heaters. Some units are very efficient, with an Energy Factor of .70 to .80 or greater depending on whether they use a pilot light or electronic ignition. That represents approximately 20 to 30 percent savings compared to a conventional gas water heater. They are also compact. Tankless water heaters last longer and don’t run out of hot water. However, because some smaller models can heat only 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute, such models may not be able to meet a heavy load such as a shower and clothes washer at the same time. While they are highly efficient, tankless water heaters are also considerably more expensive.
