By Andrew Hunt
Homeowners who like to be "taken away" by the soothing waters of a luxurious bath often find the preparation more trouble than it’s worth. Instead of slipping into the tub for a hot soak, many bathers end up sitting by the tub, constantly checking the temperature to make sure the hot water supply doesn’t run out before the tub is full.
The problem is that conventional hot water tanks often fail to have enough hot-water capacity to fill 60- or 80-gallon whirlpool baths. This leaves would-be bathers with three choices: wait until the hot-water tank recharges; only fill the tub half way; or settle for a tepid splash. No wonder that long soak can leave a homeowner cold—figuratively and literally.
But the wonders of modern technology have provided a solution to this problem that can keep the homeowner happily in hot water. Tankless water heaters are designed to provide an endless supply of hot water, allowing homeowners to fill the tub to the brim anytime.
Though common in other countries for years, tankless water heaters have only recently begun to take hold in the United States. They can be used for specific locations, or as the whole-house water heater.
Unlike conventional storage-tank water heaters, tankless versions heat water only as it is used. When a hot water tap is opened, sensors in the heater kick-on to activate the heating elements, which then deliver a constant supply of hot water.
Here are a few other benefits to tankless water heaters:
- Annual savings of up to 14% on energy bills. Homeowners only pay for the hot water they use.
- Space savings. With no need for a bulky tank, hot water heaters can be installed virtually anywhere in the house.
- Less maintenance. Unlike with standard tanks, tankless water heaters don’t get sediment accumulation, which means less annual maintenance for the homeowner.
- Longer equipment life. Tankless units are subject to less corrosion from constant exposure to water and high temperatures--the usual culprits in a water heater's demise.
A tankless job
Traditional tank-type water heaters work constantly to keep the entire water reserve at a usable temperature. This means that even when there is no demand for hot water, the heater continues to work. Considering that hot water heaters account for 20% of the home’s annual energy bill, using tankless technology can result in substantial savings for the homeowner over the life of the house. And for homeowners with large-capacity baths, tankless water heaters can provide all the hot water needed for a well-deserved soak.
Though tankless water heaters can operate on electricity, gas-powered heaters tend to deliver hot water at higher rates and are recommended for houses with more than two bathrooms.
Not a silver bullet
While tankless water heaters may seem to be the cure-all for a home’s hot water needs, like any appliance or system, care must be taken during the design, appliance selection, and installation process.
Tankless water heaters can provide enough hot water to fill the soaking tub, but they might not be able to keep up with the hot water demand for a home if multiple appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and showers are running simultaneously. It’s not that the water won’t be hot during times of high demand; just that the hot water needs to be shared with several sources. The result may be a reduced rate of flow that could lead to longer wash cycles or less-than-desirable shower pressures.
Other issues sometimes encountered with tankless hot water heaters occur when too little hot water has been called for. Some super-low flow fixtures may not trigger the heating element, so instead of running out of hot water, the homeowner never gets into hot water!
When choosing a tankless water heater for a home, builders should consult their plumbing trade contractors about maximum and minimum flow rates to ensure an adequate supply of hot water regardless of peak time water usage.
With the right product for the job, the builder will enjoy good customer satisfaction, and the customer will enjoy a virtually endless supply of hot water. It's a win-win situation.
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