Rather than store many gallons of water in a tank and keep it perpetually at a preset temperature, a tankless water heater supplies hot water only when needed.
How Does This Happen?
When the hot water tap is turned on, cold water begins to flow through a heat exchanger, which activates a heating element that rapidly heats the water. The temperature is set by a control unit so you get the desired temperature of hot water.
What Is A Heat Exchanger?
A heat exchanger is either tubes or coils inside the tankless, and they’re heated by the heating element. This provides hot water.
How Much Hot Water Can A Tankless Supply?
Common perception is that a tankless can provide an endless supply of hot water, and to a degree, this is true.
However, an endless supply of hot water depends on several factors, including:
- The total number of appliances that could simultaneously use hot water
- The number of people that reside in the home
- The location of the tankless
- Flow rate in gallons per minute, or GPM
- Temperature rise
- Functional power supply
To achieve the fabled “endless supply of hot water,” your tankless must be adequately sized for your household and the demands that can simultaneously be placed on the unit. It also needs to be sized according to the location, the flow rate, and the GPM available.
These measurements are determined by the maximum demand that may be placed on the unit at any give time. Although it’s tempting to get the biggest unit available, that’s counterproductive because a unit that’s too large for your needs won’t provide the best service and you may run out of hot water. It can also be more expensive to operate so you won’t save any money and your unit may need replaced sooner than if it was correctly sized.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Only Electric?
Tankless water heaters are available to suit most applications, including electric, solar, gas, and propane. If you have any questions, we’ll be happy to answer them.
Why Is A Tankless Better?
Although some homeowners prefer a traditional water heater, the trend is toward more energy-efficient and user-friendly appliances. These factors make a tankless water ideal for many.
When properly installed and sized, a tankless water heater can ensure that you don’t run out of hot water, even during peak usage time. If you’re in the Miami, Florida area, you’re fortunate to be close to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, one of the best in the area. Our motto is “We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime” and we have an excellent reputation in the area.
Can I Install A Tankless Myself?
We don’t recommend installing a tankless water heater as a DIY project for several reasons. Unless you’re a plumber by trade, you may not be aware of all that’s required. For instance, Miami requires a permit and inspections when installing a water heater and not obtaining them can be costly, as well as illegal. If not properly sized and installed, you may run out of hot water.
Why Call A Professional For Installation?
A professional can determine the size tankless water heater you need, which is one of the most important aspects of installing a tankless. We’ll determine the best installation location and the best type of tankless for your needs so that you’re happy with your new water heater.
Our trucks have a small warehouse of common supplies so that we can get the job done right the first time. We won’t need to run to the local hardware store for parts like a homeowner might.
We live by our motto, “We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime,” so you know if you schedule an appointment, we’ll be there on time and we’ll do the job right the first time.
Need A Tankless Water Heater Installed?
If you’ve decided that a tankless water heater is in your future, call us today to schedule a consultation. We’ve been in the plumbing business for a very long time and we’d love to help you upgrade your water heater.
All our technicians and plumbers are fully vetted, so you can be comfortable having them in your home. After your installation, we’ll provide tips on maintaining your unit so that it provides the best possible service for the longest time possible. Although tankless water heaters are almost maintenance-free, Miami’s water can leave sediment or mineral buildup in the unit, and Florida’s sometimes turbulent weather might cause damage to the unit.
We recommend annual inspections to ensure the best function possible and keep your water heater running its best. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or you can schedule online at your convenience.
