Take a moment to look at your home's water heater. Chances are this is the longest time you have paid attention to this device, although you and your family rely on it day in and day out. The large tank you see is not the norm anymore!
The concept of the water heater is simple. All the hot water your household uses come from a reserve supply that is traditionally held in a tank until it needs to be dispersed. Tank sizes vary, and those with larger capacities ensure no one in the house has to suffer from a "cold shower."
The problem with this design is that the water in the tank is heated constantly, although the supply goes unused a majority of the time. The idea is somewhat absurd when you think about it. Wouldn't it be cheaper and more efficient to use hot water only when you need it, instead of wasting energy on heating hundreds of gallons that will just sit there? The solution to this problem is a tankless water heater.
Instead of utilizing a water storage system, these machines provide hot water on-demand, which means you only pay for what you use. There is no tank that gets heated throughout the day, and you never have to worry about running out of hot water. An added benefit of tankless models is their space-saving size.
While conventional water heaters can only be installed in designated rooms (e.g. the basement or a separate room on the main level), their tankless counterparts can be mounted on walls and even outside in some cases. What's more, given the absence of a tank, these water heaters have an average lifespan that is 10 years longer. They cost a bit more up front, but the long-term return ensures these additional expenses will be paid back quickly.
For homeowners who have only ever encountered traditional water heaters, tankless technology can come off as a bit confusing. Where in fact does the hot water in your home come from? The secret lies in something called a heat exchanger, which is connects directly to the return pipes in your home. Once the water passes through the device, its temperature will raise to the desired degree.
Heat exchangers can be powered by natural gas, propane or electricity, making it possible for any home to have a tankless water heater. In addition, the latter can come in the form of point-of-use or whole-home set-ups, the difference being how many faucets are controlled from the same heating source.
If you are in need of tankless water heater installation, contact your trusted Pittsburgh Plumbers today. This is one home improvement you do not want to miss!