Tankless Water Heaters: Why All the Hype?

Becoming highly popular these days are the efficient tankless water heaters, which are also known as 'instant demand hot water heaters' as they have many benefits over using the traditional gas type heated systems installed within modern households.

Tankless, on-demand systems can generate heated water instantly after their very simplistic installation; also they are energy efficient and cost-effective.

Demand water heaters are far from being a new technology; in fact they most likely date back to the beginning of gas and electric power, however, in the past they had been plagued by problems relating to water flow output and energy efficiency, though today's technological know-how has encouraged many households and offices are making the switch. Already they are extremely popular within the poorer parts of the world, where heated water is necessary yet the infrastructure does not exist or is inadequate.

How do tankless water heaters heat up water? Traditional water heaters heat a tank which once has reached a certain degree of temperature is ready to use, this can take time and is also very inefficient. Water is constantly heated and reheated, even when you're away. The new tankless systems will heat water quickly as it streams through the conduit by using either gas or electricity to do so. There are pros and cons of this method, one of the cons being that there is limited output to the amount of warm water available. In other words, the more water you use the less heat is embedded in the water.

The most common question is which tankless heater is a better choice, Gas or electric? Gas and electric on demand hot water heaters have equal benefits and should be selected dependent upon your needs. Please read the following criteria for information on which of the two are better suited for your household or office.

Gas is more commonly used as a tankless water heater and will provide a greater throughput of water to the end user, however, with less efficiency as the pilot light must remain on when hot water is required. They are best suited for whole house applications.

Most people choose to leave this on at all times, though the more energy conservative may choose to keep it lit only when required. Some new technologies have automatic switching. Also, if you do not have gas plumbing at your location then it will be necessary to purchase a gas cylinder however if you would like to save some money you could improvise and pinch the one, which you use for your BBQ and have it filled at the local service station.

Electric tankless water heaters feature three primary and important benefits. First of all they are very easy to install and the installation can be performed quickly by your favorite electrician, and usually within a couple of hours. Apart from their simple of installation they are also highly cost-effective as in most parts of the world electricity is not expensive by comparison to gas. It is not unusual to cover the cost of your installation within a couple of months of installing an electric water heater. The third main benefit is that electric water heaters are very eco-friendly and this can often provide one with an extra piece of mind.

Replacing that old rusty tank type water heater is a great opportunity to try the latest advanced technologies. If you're in need of a new water heater, consider the hype, and go tankless.

Read more about tankless water heaters.