In the contemporary society, people are focusing on energy efficiency and the sustainability of energy sources hence opting for modern solutions that will help them cut on their bills. One such solution is the electric tankless water heater and here we are going to discuss the working of this machine. Conventional water heaters on the other hand are fueled water heated and stored in a tank for use and therefore the following are benefits of an electric tankless water heater. In this electric, full-size, tankless water heater buying guide we will cover: the advantages and disadvantages of electric, tankless water heaters, top options currently available, and reasons to purchase a electric tankless water heater for your home.
What is an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
An electric tankless water heater is a small construction that is used to heat water regardless to the construction of a tank, in which the water is heated as it passes through the heater. This is an important advantage of this technology since they ensure constant supply of hot water especially in homes that use lots of water. As it only heats water only when required it, cuts energy wastage as compared to conventional water heaters.
How Does an Electric Tankless Water Heater Work?
In case you move a hot water handle, cold water moves in the electric tankless water heater. Inside the unit, strong electrical components increase the temperature of the water to the necessary level very fast. You do not have to wait for a certain amount of water to heat and be ready for use, the water is instant and hot. This process is quite efficient because energy is only consumed whenever hot water is required and this makes this option popular to many people.
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater – Tempra 29 Trend – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White
Point of Use Electric Tankless Water Heater
There is a popular type of the electric tankless water heater which is called point of use electric tankless water heater. Well, these units normally sit next to the water outlet for instance if it is a sink or shower, they provide hot water right at the point of usage. They are most suited to localised small usage of hot water and are advantageous in that energy is not wasted in heating long pipelines characteristic of large installation and systems.
Electric Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
The following are the Electric Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons that you need to consider before deciding if the electric tankless water heater is the best for your home. Here’s a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of these systems:
Pros of Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Energy Efficiency: Electric tankless water heaters have the benefits of energy saving since they only heat water as it is required. They only heat water in the container in case of a demand, meaning that they will be 30% energy efficient than tank water heaters. This efficiency results in low energy requirements thereby contributing to low utility costs and minimized rates of depletion of natural resources.
- Endless Hot Water Supply: Another advantage that is worth mentioning is constant water heating since the electric tankless water heater does not store the water. You will not have to struggle with situations whereby there is no hot water to bath or wash dishes after several appliances have been used.
- Space-Saving Design: They are more miniaturized electric tank types and thus no need for massive water storage tank which allows installation in cramped areas. This feature makes them suitable for people living in small houses, apartments among others.
- Longer Lifespan: Tankless electric heaters are known to last longer than their electric tank storage counterparts. They can get to up to 20 years hence making them worthy to be invested in especially for those who take proper care of them.
- Reduced Risk of Water Damage: Conventional water heaters have a tendency of leaking or even exploding and cause so much damage due to flood. In fact, the risk is absent in electric tankless water heaters because there is no storage tank to break down.
Cons of Electric Tankless Water Heaters
- Higher Initial Cost: Electric tankless water heaters are relatively expensive in the initial investment as compared to the traditional tank water heaters. Nonetheless, in the long run, the expenses are saved through the aimlessly high energy bills that hotel owners incur.
- Limited Flow Rate: Some of the disadvantages of electric tankless water heaters include their inability to supply hot water at the same time to various appliances or showers especially when in a large household. For instance, taking shower, washing dishes and clothes simultaneously might lower the temperatures of water.
- Electrical Requirements: When purchasing an electric tankless water heater, you may have to upgrade your electrical panel to support the unit’s power requirements if your house does not meet this condition. This modify can be a factor towards increasing the total installation cost.
- Inconsistent Water Temperature: It is claimed by some users that water heated using an electric tankless water heater is sometimes hot sometimes lukewarm. This problem is normally attributed to the unit capacity and the amount of hot water required by the household.
EcoSmart ECO 27 Tankless Water Heater, Electric, 27-kW – Quantity 1, 17 x 17 x 3.5
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Like any other device, growth and efficiency in the Electric Tankless Water Heater requires the best installation and maintenance. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your investment:
Installation Tips
- Hire a Professional: However, passionate do-it-yourself homeowners can opt for either of the two methods of installation since it better to hire a licensed professional for your electric tankless water heater installation. This makes sure that unit is well fixed and safe to use and in some occasions, one may need to connect the unit according to the local construction standards.
- Check Electrical Requirements: Therefore, when considering the PG&E electric tankless water heater, do ensure that your house wiring can support the requirements of the unit, before making the purchase. Sometimes a new appliance requires newest and complex electrical wiring and panel and may demand a change of the wiring and panel.
- Location Matters: Finally it would be advisable for one to select an installation location that brings the water heater in close contact with the hot water outlets that are frequently used. This minimizes on the heat loss and also guarantees fast supply of hot water to the intended recipients.
- Proper Ventilation: However, as electric tankless water heaters do not utilize the venting of gas types, adequate infrastructural ventilation around the unit is recommended to prevent over-heating and general use deterioration.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Descaling: They also begin to build up inside the heating elements of the electric tankless water heaters thereby hindering their efficiency over time. You should clean the exterior of the pipes and other equipment frequently especially if you are located in areas with hard water.
- Inspect the Unit Annually: Take your car in for an annual safety check by a mechanic in order to determine any early signs of wear, corrosion or other problems. Thus, and often it is the organizations that are shifted to addressing potential issues early, in order to avoid making fixes later that are even more expensive.
- Clean the Inlet Filter: Almost all electric type of tankless water heater has an inlet filter to prevent debris and sediment from entering the system. Always replace or clean this filter as regular cleansing of this filter prevents water blockage and promotes good water flow.
- Monitor Water Temperature: Pay particular attention to the water temperature settings so that they can suit your kindred. It is wasteful to set the temperature high unnecessarily since this will lead to wastage of energy and on the other extreme setting the temperature low will result to inadequate hot water.
Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater, GRAY
Conclusion: Is an Electric Tankless Water Heater Right for You?
There are many factors that determine whether an electric tankless water heater is the best one for your home the requirements of your household, your pocket, and your aim of saving energy and money. There are many benefits that these units provide including energy efficiency, constant hot water, and more space utilization. It is, however, important to remember that there are some negatives that may in fact offset those positives: namely, that it costs more upfront and that the required wiring upgrade isn’t free.
A point of use electric tankless water heater can therefore be necessary to those who require hot water in some part of the premise without having to install a central heater. Whether the purpose is for environmental concern, cost cutting on electricity bills or simply upgrading your homes water heater, there is always a best electric tankless water heater for use.
Thus in conclusion on the list of Electric Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons depending on the family’s specific circumstances it might be noted that the advantages outweigh all the possible disadvantages to make this type of water heater worthy with a closer look for many households. Doing it right with the right model and right installation and maintenance will make it possible for you to enjoy your endless hot water as long as you want.
