|
Bookmark this page: Tankless water heaters
In
North America, most people currently use a storage tank, water
heater system
to provide hot water in their homes. A storage tank system
constantly heats water
even while you're at work or sleeping. An instant tankless water
heater system,
does not store hot water. It heats the water as you use it, saving
you money.
There are two types of instant tankless water heaters:
Tankless Gas Water Heater:
When a hot water tap is opened, the cold water enters the heater and
triggers the
heating elements or burners to turn on. Your hot water tap acts as
an ignition
key for the energy used to heat the hot water you need. The water is
then heated
as it flows through the heating elements or heat exchanger. As you
change the water
flow, a water valve or thermostat controls the heating elements or
burner flame
to maintain a constant temperature. The amount of energy used is
proportional to
the volume of hot water used. The water temperature can be adjusted
to produce
outlet temperatures ranging from 100° to 140° F. When the hot water
tap is turned
off, the system shuts down.
Tankless Electric Water Heater:
When a hot water tap is opened, heated water is drawn off the top of
the tank.
Cold water is fed into the bottom of the tank to replace the
outgoing hot water.
The incoming cold water triggers the tank's electric heating
element, or an electrical
coil. The water is heated for as long as necessary to bring the
entire tank back
up to the preset temperature. If demand surpasses the tank's storage
capacity,
you must close the tap and wait until the tank reheats all the
water. Stored hot
water loses heat through the side walls and up the flue pipe (if
it's a gas heater).
As the water temperature drops, the heater kicks on to reheat the
water again.
Overall, a very inefficient system.
Disclaimer
|