A Step By Step Walkthrough On How a Tankless Water Heater Works

Tankless water heaters are very different from the tanked variety. Instead of holding hot water in a large tank, the water heater only kicks on when there's a demand for hot water. Because they're so different, in this article, we're going over tankless water heaters. We'll talk about when the water heats up and the parts that allow that to happen. We'll lay out the process step by step so that you know what to expect when you turn on the tap.

Before The Hot Water

STEP 1 - You Call For Hot Water: When you turn on the hot water at a faucet or shower, you open a path for the water to flow. With a tanked water heater, hot water to travels from the tank through your pipes. With a tankless water heater, there's still cold water sitting in the pipes at first. Once the water starts flowing, sensors tell the water heater to heat up.

STEP 2 - The Water Heater Starts Heating Up: Once the sensors trigger the internal computer, it calculates how hot the burners need to be. It can use a gas burner or an electrical element to get to the right temperature. Either way, it starts heating up around an aluminum heat exchanger. Now the cold water can heat up.

Along for the Ride 099: Kurt Madsen, Plumbing

Click this link for a video showing what it takes to install a tankless water heater.

Once The Water Water Heater Warms Up

STEP 3 - The Water Flows Through The Heat Exchanger: As the water flows through the water heater, it circulates through the heat exchanger. By the time it gets to the end of the exchanger, it will warm up to the right temperature. From there, the water leaves the water heater and travels through the pipes to your faucet.

STEP 4 - You Get Hot Water Until You Turn It Off: Now that the water heater is up and running, it keeps working for as long as you have the water turned on. Once you stop calling for hot water, the tankless water heater shuts down and stops using energy. That way you get to save on energy along with constant hot water.

Is A Tankless Water Heater Worth It?

Click this link for a video discussing whether a tankless water heater is worth the switch.

Tankless water heaters are very different from tankless options. Those differences let you enjoy constant hot water as long as you know what to expect. If you have any other questions about how a tankless water heater works, it's a good idea to ask a plumber you trust. If you don't already know one, Any Hour Services would be happy to help. One of our licenced plumbers can answer your questions and let you know what options might work for you. You can give us a call or schedule an appointment online.

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