One of the latest types of appliances available to energy conscious homeowners and apartment dwellers is the tankless water heater. This device is environmentally friendly, takes up little space and can be a tool in lowering your energy bill. It could, in fact, be exactly what you and your family need.

What Is a Tankless Hot Water Heater?

Tankless hot water heaters is a means of reducing the energy required to heat up the water for a large or larger water tank. These small devices are designed to provide water “on-demand” – a reason some refer to them as on-demand heaters. This demand-type of water heater is also called an instantaneous heater for its fast and immediate delivery of hot water. Simply put, tankless water heaters are small appliances that provide hot water when requested without wasting or losing energy during the typical standby process associated with larger water tanks.

Two Major Types of Waterless Tanks

Two major types of tankless systems are becoming popular in the United States. These are:

• Point-Of-Use Water Tanks: These tanks are small. This allows you to fit them conveniently into a cabinet or in a closet. However, although they reduce the lag time between source and request, therefore resulting in less water loss, they are usually only capable of handling the water needs of one or two outlets.
• Whole-House Water Tanks: Much larger than point-of use tanks, whole-house tanks will provide sufficient water for the home. However, they are more expensive than other tankless types.

It is important to talk to an expert, such as our staff at Apex Plumbing before you make a decision on what type will work best in your situation. This will make the selection process easier.

Selecting the Right Tankless Water Heater

Before you go ahead and purchase any tankless water system, you need to stop and consider certain factors that will directly affect your decision. Some refer to the qualities of the appliance. Others are characteristics of your current residence and its demands. What you need to deliberate upon are:

• Size: Look at the size of your residence and the size of the water heater
• Purpose: What will the water heater do? Is it to fulfil one or two hot water requirements or answer the demands of an entire unit?
• Fuel Type: What fuel normally heats your home and/or water tank? Is it compatible with the needs of your tankless system?
• Energy efficiency: Is the model you are considering energy efficient? Have you looked at the various energy ratings for it?
• Costs: Prices for tankless water heaters varies. Be sure to talk to experts about this to make sure you know both the costs of the heater and its installation.

At Apex Plumbing, we will make sure you understand completely exactly what installing tankless systems entail.

Installing a Tankless Water Heater

If you do decided to purchase this type of water heater, make sure you understand the specifics. Know how to maintain it to the proper standards. When it comes to installation, always talk to the professionals. At Apex Plumbing, Chicago, we are ready with qualified heating and plumbing contractors to ensure your tankless water heater will be able to optimize its energy efficiency immediately.