| Every American household spends 25 on your | | | | light of a tank-type model heats the water in the |
| monthly water heating costs by installing a tankless | | | | tank, a savings that is just lost with the |
| water heater in your home. A tankless water heater | | | | instantaneous units. |
| is a demand-type unit. This means that it operates | | | | If you purchase a model that uses a standing pilot |
| ONLY when hot water is drawn in your home. The | | | | light, you can always turn it off when it's not in use |
| opposite is true of conventional tank-type heaters. In | | | | to save energy. Alternatively, you can purchase a |
| a conventional heater, water is stored in its tank and | | | | model with an intermittent ignition device. This |
| kept heated continuously, whether you are asleep, at | | | | resembles the spark ignition device on some gas |
| work or away on a vacation. This is a surprising | | | | kitchen ranges and ovens. You should check with the |
| realization to many homeowners, but it is a fact. | | | | manufacturer for models that have this feature. |
| Tankless water heaters, also called combination, | | | | Tankless water heaters are more efficient than tank |
| instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash, | | | | water heaters, but reviews say they take some |
| on-demand or instant-on water heaters, are gaining in | | | | getting used to. If you want to switch to a more |
| popularity. The chief advantages of tankless water | | | | efficient tankless water heater, be aware that you'll |
| heaters are a continuous flow of hot water and the | | | | need some time to adjust, since water delivery is |
| saving of energy, thereby reducing your monthly | | | | different than with a tank water heater. Since |
| energy bill. These water heaters heat the water as | | | | tankless systems don't start heating water until you |
| the water flows through the device. They do not | | | | turn on the tap, there is a delay of about 3/4 gallon |
| retain any water internally except for what is in the | | | | before the water runs hot. |
| heat exchanger coil. | | | | Flow rate of hot water from a tankless system is |
| There are tankless water heater systems that work | | | | greatly affected by the temperature of your |
| at the point of use, such as under your kitchen or | | | | groundwater. The warmer your groundwater, the |
| bathroom sink. Also, there are larger units that serve | | | | better the flow rate. Homes in colder climates will |
| multiple plumbing fixtures, even your entire house. A | | | | need a larger system to get an adequate hot-water |
| tankless water heater can also be used as a booster | | | | flow rate. The average groundwater temperature in |
| for dishwashers, washing machines, and as a backup | | | | the U.S. is about 50° Fahrenheit. Most people like |
| for solar or wood-fired domestic systems. | | | | shower temperatures of between 105° and |
| Although gas-fired demand water heaters tend to | | | | 120°, so your groundwater temperature would |
| have higher flow rates than electric ones, they can | | | | need to be raised by 60° to 75°. |
| waste energy if they have a constantly burning pilot | | | | You can check online for reviews of tankless water |
| light. This can offset some of the energy savings. | | | | heater systems, and then decide if it is the right fit |
| Moreover, much of the heat produced by the pilot | | | | for you and your lifestyle. |