Many homeowners today have heard about tankless hot water heaters. These may also be referred to as an instant heater or on-demand heater. Generally, an instant heater for hot water is designed to heat water through a coil system as water passes through the system. This is unlike a tank or storage heater that holds many gallons of hot water in a tank and maintains the water at a certain temperature until it is needed. As a full-service plumbing company, we are able to assist with all of your hot water system needs, and this includes repair and installation services for a tankless hot water heater.
The Benefits of an Instant Heater
While some homeowners already have an instant heater installed in their home, many others are thinking about transitioning from a storage heater to a tankless model. There are a number of benefits that you can enjoy by doing so. For example, with a tankless model, you generally will reduce your energy consumption. This is because a storage heater must maintain the temperature of the water regardless of if it is being used. In addition, an instant heater also has a smaller, slimmer design. Replacing a tank-style system with a tankless model can free up a considerable amount of space in your home that may be used for more functional or beneficial purposes.
Is This the Right Option for You?
While there are many benefits associated with the use of an instant heater, this may not be an ideal solution for every home. A tankless water heater system is designed to heat water on demand, and this means that it can only heat a certain amount of water as it passes through the pipes. Some heating systems are not able to provide sufficient hot water if multiple needs for hot water are present in the home at the same time. For example, when the dishwasher and washing machine are running at the same time, there may not be sufficient hot water for use of the shower. It is possible to run out of hot water with a storage heater as well, however. When making the determination about whether an instant heater is a sound option for your home, it is important to consider the demand that your home may have for hot water. Specifically, you should ensure that the system you select can keep up with the peak usage your home may have at the same time. If the consumption of hot water is high in your home, you can consider installing a storage water heater instead.
When Your System Needs Repairs
Just as a storage tank hot water heater may need to be serviced from time to time, the same holds true for an instant heater. The most obvious sign that a system needs repairs is if it is not keeping up with the demands of your home as it had in the past. In some cases, you may notice that the water is lukewarm at best, or it may be unheated. Other signs that an instant heater needs to be repaired include indications that water is leaking from the system, if the water has a foul odor or if the water has a unique color or tint.
Whether you are thinking about making an upgrade to an energy efficient model of instant heater or you need repairs for an instant heater that is already installed in your home, our plumbing company can be of assistance to you. We strive to provide you with the best overall experience from start to finish with our quality service and affordable rates. For any hot water heater needs, contact our office today to begin learning more about how our services can benefit you.