Facts About Instantaneous Water Heaters

Instantaneous water heaters, or better known as, “tankless” water heaters, do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether.  In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters. Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested.

Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

On demand hot water heaters are known for their energy efficiency since they do not waste energy to heat water on the standby like most traditional models do. This not only reduces overall energy consumption, it can save money on monthly utility bills as well. Tankless units heat water in a direct way, as soon as it is requested; whether by faucet, washing machine, dishwasher, or other household appliance.

How It Works:

Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit. Then, a heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

It’s that simple!

With tankless water heaters, there is no waiting for a tank to fill with water, or running out of hot water. On demand water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water without wasting energy. However, the output does limit the units flow rate. Instantaneous hot water heaters generally provide hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, but gas-powered units have a higher flow rate than electrical ones.

Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

If you have questions about tankless water heaters, including sales and installation, call a licensed master plumber for accurate and reliable answers, as well as, trusted service. They retain the proper tools, training, experience, and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Who Can You Trust for Water Heater Service?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding hot water heaters, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.” Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by not heating stored water, but rather, heating water up at the time of demand.

Tankless hot water heaters are available in gas, electric, point-of-use, and whole-house models. If a property is not already set up for gas fuel, then an electric unit would be the more cost-effective choice. The initial price of purchasing and installing a tankless water heater is typically high, but the long-term savings outweigh the upfront investment. And they can last for up to 20 years or more; a much longer life-span than traditional units. Tankless versions are a good fit for those who have very little space, environmentally-conscience, and looking to save money on future water and energy costs.

Tankless Water Heating

Tankless water heaters are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Whether gas or electric, they use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a powerful heating device called a heat exchanger is activated. The heat exchanger uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up. Heat exchangers are common devices used to transfer heat from one place to another. They are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, furnace systems, and even car radiators.

Once the water is heated to the demanded temperature, it is sent to the source, which can include faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. Although it takes a minute for the water to reach the desired temperature, it saves a generous amount of water and energy. This efficiency is usually evident on energy, gas, and water bills.

If you are thinking about purchasing a tankless water heater, it is strongly suggested to consult a licensed plumbing technician for accurate recommendations and professional advice first. You might be better suited for a traditional style water heater instead. Get to know your hot water needs with the help of a skilled professional before making any final decisions about water heaters.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater installation, service, sales, and more! Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about hot water heaters any time. We offer a wide range of water heater services, including water heater repair, installation, replacement, and even sales! And as a family owned and operated company, we maintain the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 when you need water heater service in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas.