Introduction
Water heating accounts for a significant portion of energy consumption in most households. Traditional water heaters store and constantly heat a large volume of water, resulting in significant energy wastage. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand, thereby reducing energy consumption. In this article, we’ll explore whether tankless water heaters are energy efficient and what factors contribute to their efficiency.
What are tankless water heaters?
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, are compact and wall-mounted units that provide hot water as it’s needed, without the need for a storage tank. Unlike traditional water heaters, which heat and store a large volume of water, tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed.
How do tankless water heaters work?
Tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to heat water as it passes through the unit. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows through a pipe into the unit. The heat exchanger rapidly heats the water to the desired temperature and sends it to the tap. The process is repeated every time hot water is needed, resulting in significant energy savings.
Are tankless water heaters energy efficient?
Yes, tankless water heaters are generally more energy efficient than traditional water heaters. According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be up to 34% more energy efficient than traditional water heaters for homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day.
Benefits of using tankless water heaters
In addition to their energy efficiency, tankless water heaters offer several other benefits, including:
- Endless hot water supply
- Longer lifespan than traditional water heaters
- Compact and space-saving design
- Reduced risk of water damage
Tankless water heaters vs. traditional water heaters
Traditional water heaters store and constantly heat a large volume of water, resulting in significant energy wastage. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand, resulting in significant energy savings. While tankless water heaters are generally more expensive to purchase and install, they typically have a longer lifespan and can save homeowners money in the long run.
Factors affecting the energy efficiency of tankless water heaters
Several factors can affect the energy efficiency of tankless water heaters, including:
- Flow rate: The flow rate of water affects the amount of energy needed to heat it. If the flow rate is too high, the unit may not be able to heat the water adequately, resulting in increased energy consumption.
- Temperature rise: The temperature rise is the difference between the temperature of the incoming cold water and the desired output temperature. The greater the temperature rise, the more energy the unit will consume.
- Unit size: The size of the unit should be appropriate for the hot water demands of the household. A unit that is too small may not be able to keep up with the demand for hot water, while a unit that is too large may consume more energy than necessary.
Tips for improving the energy efficiency of tankless water heaters
To improve the energy efficiency of tankless water heaters, consider the following tips:
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water consumption and lower the demand for hot water.
- Set the temperature on the unit to an appropriate level. Setting the temperature too high can increase energy consumption and pose a safety hazard.
- Consider using a recirculation system to reduce the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach the tap.
- Have the unit serviced regularly to ensure that it’s operating at peak efficiency.
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are generally more energy efficient than traditional water heaters and offer several other benefits, including a longer lifespan and reduced risk of water damage. Factors that affect the energy efficiency of tankless water heaters include flow rate, temperature rise, and unit size. To improve the energy efficiency of tankless water heaters, consider installing low-flow showerheads and faucets, setting the temperature to an appropriate level, using a recirculation system, and having the unit serviced regularly.
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