Tankless water heaters have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and cost savings. Unlike traditional tank water heaters, tankless water heaters only heat water as it is needed, which can save energy and reduce utility bills. In this article, we will explore how tankless water heaters save energy.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
Before we dive into how tankless water heaters save energy, let’s first understand how they work. Tankless water heaters heat water directly as it passes through the unit, without storing it in a tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows through a pipe and into the unit. A gas burner or electric element then heats the water as it passes through, providing a constant supply of hot water on demand.
Energy Efficiency of Tankless Water Heaters
The energy efficiency of tankless water heaters is one of their main advantages over traditional tank water heaters. Since tankless water heaters only heat water as it is needed, they do not waste energy heating and reheating water in a tank. This can lead to significant energy savings and lower utility bills for homeowners.
Additionally, tankless water heaters are often more efficient than tank water heaters due to their design. Traditional tank water heaters can lose heat through the walls of the tank, which can cause the unit to work harder and use more energy to maintain the desired temperature. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not have a tank and therefore do not lose heat in the same way.
Sizing and Efficiency
To maximize energy savings, it is important to select the right size tankless water heater for your home. A unit that is too small may not be able to provide enough hot water for your needs, which can cause the unit to work harder and use more energy. A unit that is too large may also use more energy than necessary to heat the water.
Additionally, it is important to consider the efficiency of the unit when selecting a tankless water heater. The efficiency of a tankless water heater is measured by its energy factor (EF), which is a ratio of the unit’s energy output to its energy input. The higher the EF, the more efficient the unit is.
Gas vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Both gas and electric tankless water heaters can be energy-efficient, but there are some differences to consider when selecting a unit. Gas tankless water heaters typically have a higher upfront cost but can be more efficient than electric units, especially for homes that use a lot of hot water. Gas tankless water heaters also have lower operating costs since natural gas is often cheaper than electricity.
Electric tankless water heaters, on the other hand, may be a better choice for homes with low hot water demands or where gas is not available. While electric units may have a lower upfront cost than gas units, they can be more expensive to operate due to the higher cost of electricity.
Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Proper maintenance is important to ensure that a tankless water heater continues to operate efficiently and save energy. It is recommended to flush the unit regularly to remove any mineral buildup that can reduce efficiency. Additionally, it is important to have the unit serviced by a professional to ensure that it is operating properly.
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters can provide significant energy savings and lower utility bills for homeowners. By only heating water as it is needed, tankless water heaters can be more efficient than traditional tank water heaters. When selecting a unit, it is important to consider the size and efficiency of the unit, as well as whether a gas or electric unit is the best choice for your home. Proper maintenance is also important to ensure that the unit continues to operate efficiently and save energy.
No comment