With the trend towards larger homes and greater energy efficiency, the conversation around tankless water heating systems gotten much louder.
Tankless water heaters are a home appliance of the future. However, you might be wondering – how do they work? What are they? With the trend towards larger homes and greater energy efficiency, the conversation around tankless water heating systems gotten much louder. In this piece, we will do a deep dive into all the details around tankless water heaters, and explain why they are an excellent investment for any home. Here is everything that you need to know about tankless water heaters.
What Exactly Are They?
Unlike your conventional water heaters, tankless (or on-demand) systems do not store water inside a central tank for any future use. Instead, they heat up water only when a hot water faucet is opened up. Tankless systems can be housed inside your mechanical room, but some homeowners still install units close to where there is a significant demand for hot water. This is wonderful for kitchens, especially if a conventional water heater is far away from your shower or kitchen sink.
This Isn’t New Technology
Tankless water heaters are very prevelant in Europe and South America, so the concept is battle-tested and well understood. If maintained the right way, they can last 20 or more years, almost as twice as long as conventional water heaters. They also eliminate the need for separate cold and hot water pipes from a central location to your faucets.
They Reduce the Likelihood of a Flood
Because these systems only use around half the amount of plumbing pipe and eliminate the need to keep a 40-gallon reservoir of water inside your basement, they significantly reduce the risk of dangerous flooding.
Routine Maintenance is Still Important
Most household water sources provide water which is known as “hard” water or water that has a high mineral content. Hard water is tricky with tankless water heaters. You might need a water softener, but sediment buildup and aging are a lot less of a problem. So it is a bit of a toss-up, and consistent maintenance will help with preventing damage down the road.
Should You Invest in a Tankless Water System?
If you’re doing new construction on your property, then you should discuss tankless systems with your builder. If your hot water demands are relatively modest, and you’re committed to proper maintenance, a tankless system might be the best choice to go when you have to replace your water heater. For any more questions regarding water heaters, call a plumber from B&D Plumbing!
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!