What Is a Tankless Water Heater? How Is It Different Than a Hot Water Tank?
The most common home hot water system is a conventional storage tank water heater. These systems rely on a tank that stores and heats water. The tank intakes cold water and heats it over time. The tank contains a finite amount of water, and it takes several hours to heat a full tank. This means it’s possible to run out of hot water on heavy-use days.
In contrast, a tankless water heater has no tank for storing water. A tankless heating system is a self-contained heating unit that you connect to your home water supply. Water enters the tankless heater unit via an intake line and is heated instantly by electric or gas-powered heating coils. The hot water exits via an outlet line and is distributed wherever it’s needed in your home.
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Both tankless units and tank-based systems heat up water using an electric or gas-powered heating element. The difference with tankless systems is that the heating element is more powerful, and it heats water as it passes through the unit .
Inside a tankless heating unit the heat exchanger is an S-shaped pipe with a heating coil inside. When you turn on the hot water somewhere in your house, the flow sensor inside the heating unit causes the coil to heat up. As water flows through the intake line and into the heat exchanger, heat is transferred from the coil to the water. As the water exits the heat exchanger and re-enters the plumbing system, it’s piping hot and on its way wherever it’s needed.
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heater Installation
Tankless water heaters have several benefits that make them increasingly popular in many homes. They do have some potential issues but are overall a great choice for many families.
Tankless Water Heaters: The Benefits
Endless supply of hot water
Because your water is heated on demand, hot water is available 24/7. Provided you choose a tankless unit that’s appropriate for your family’s size and usage habits, there’s always plenty of water available.
Higher energy efficiency
Tankless water systems heat water on demand. This means no energy is wasted on keeping water hot 24/7, as with conventional storage tank water heaters. This makes tankless water heaters up to 34% more fuel-efficient than tank heaters.
Lower operating costs and longer lifespan
The sticker price on a new tankless water heater is higher than that of a comparable hot water tank. The cost to install a new tankless heater can be higher too. But the extra expense is recouped thanks to lower energy costs over the lifespan of the tankless system.
In addition, tankless units have a lifespan of 20 years or more, compared to 8 to 15 years for a hot water tank.
Smaller installation space
Much less installation space is needed for a tankless hot water system, than a hot water tank. If space is at a premium in your home, switching to a tankless system can free up some extra storage or living space!
Eco-Wi-fi compatible
The newest tankless water heater systems are so high-tech that they’re wi-fi compatible. This digital connectivity lets you download an app to your phone to help you manage your hot water system. You can use the app to:
- Monitor your hot water usage
- Adjust the thermostat to raise or lower the water temperature
- Identify and troubleshoot problems—or pass the information to your plumber should you need tankless water heater repair
Tankless Water Heaters: Disadvantages
Higher up-front costs
A tankless water heater is a bigger financial commitment than a tank system. Both the purchase price and the installation costs are higher.
Limited flow rate
Flow rate measures how quickly the system produces hot water and is measured in gallons per minute. The average mid-range tankless water heater has a flow rate of two to five gallons per minute. Each hot water appliance and fixture in your home uses a certain number of gallons per minute. For instance, a standard modern showerhead has a flow rate of up to 2.5 gallons per minute.
The flow rate limitation means that you can run into problems when using two or more hot water fixtures and appliances at the same time. Exceeding your water heater’s flow rate reduces the efficiency of the unit and can affect the water pressure and temperature.
This problem is fixable, as tankless heaters are modular units. This means you can install two or more tankless units to give your water heating system a higher total flow rate. A plumber can calculate the flow rate requirements of your home to make sure the unit installed is a proper fit.
Gas Tankless vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters: What’s the Difference?
Electric and gas tankless water heaters use the same principles of heat exchange to rapidly heat water on demand. The main difference between electric tankless vs. gas tankless water heaters is the fuel used to provide heat.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless electric water heating systems work via a heat exchanger that contains copper coil heating elements. Electricity heats the copper coils, and that heat is transferred to the cold water as it passes through the heat exchanger. By the time the water exits the heat exchanger, it has been heated to the temperature set on the unit’s thermostat. Electric units are not always powerful enough to support a family but are great choices for guest houses or houses with less demand.
Non-Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless gas water heater system works similarly to an electric system but with some extra components and steps. A tankless gas heater contains a burner that burns fuel to provide the energy needed to generate heat. This heats up the heat exchanger, which transfers its heat energy to the water as it passes through. Common fuel sources are natural gas from a gas line, or propane.
Gas-powered tankless heating units have some safety mechanisms to prevent unsafe gas buildups. They also have a venting system that safely vents toxic combustion gases outside.
Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heaters
These gas-powered tankless heaters trap the heat given off by combustion gases and use it to power a secondary heat exchanger. This improves the energy efficiency of the water heater, so it uses less energy and has lower operating costs.
What Kinds of Problems Can Occur with a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater can be a fantastic upgrade that makes your home more comfortable and convenient. But tankless units aren’t immune to problems; for instance:
Flow rate
If you exceed your tankless heater flow rate, you may have low water pressure or water that isn’t as hot as it should be. If the system is overloaded, it may even shut off.
You can deal with this by:
- Avoiding using multiple hot water appliances and fixtures at once; for instance, if someone is taking a hot shower, don’t run the dishwasher at the same time.
- Increasing flow rate by reducing the thermostat temperature
- Installing a second tankless heater to increase the flow rate
- Upsizing the tankless heater to one with a higher flow rate
Limescale mineral buildup
If your home has a hard water supply, then pipes and fixtures are vulnerable to limescale. It can take a long time, but limescale can eventually affect the efficiency of the heater.
You can reduce limescale by flushing out the water heater every 6 to 12 months. Alternatively, schedule annual maintenance for your home plumbing system, and ask your plumber to check for limescale.
The cold-water sandwich
This effect can happen when people take back-to-back showers. The second person to shower may get several seconds of hot water, followed by a few seconds of cold water, before it gets hot again. This is a quirk of the on-demand heating system that sometimes means a little cold water “sneaks past” after the end of the first shower. Some tankless water heater units come with a recirculation system that keeps a supply of hot water in the water lines and eliminate this problem. Alternatively, you can avoid the sandwich by running the water for a minute or so before getting into the shower.
Gas ignition or flame failure
If your gas tankless water heater isn’t working, check the fuel supply, and make sure both the water and gas valves are fully open. If the problem persists, you may be dealing with an ignition or flame failure. Due to the potential hazards of working around gas lines, it’s best to call a plumber to deal with the problem.
Tankless Water Heater Trouble: Signs That You Need to Call a Plumber
While there are simple solutions to some tankless water heater problems—like the cold-water sandwich—if your tankless water heater truly needs repairs, it’s best to call a plumber for professional help. Look for these signs of trouble:
Water is lukewarm
This can indicate problems with flow rate but may also be a sign of heavy sediment inside the tankless unit. Tankless units need to be maintained annually to rid the unit of sediment buildup on the heat exchanger. This helps keep the unit from malfunctioning and wearing out earlier than it should.
Water is not heating
If the water isn’t heating at all, it may be an electrical issue somewhere in the heating system. If your water heater is gas-powered, it could be an ignition problem. In this case, it’s particularly important to call a professional, as it can be hazardous to attempt tankless water heater repair on a gas system.
Hot water pressure is low
If your hot water pressure is low, but the cold water is unaffected, the intake or outtake line may be clogged. These lines are narrow, so they are vulnerable to clogs caused by limescale and sediment.
Water heater shuts off
This can be an overloading issue relating to flow rate. It’s also a possible sign of sediment buildup in the tankless unit. Some systems have descalers built in to help in areas with hard water.
CW SERVICE PROS OFFERS NORTH TEXAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER REPAIR, INSTALLATION, AND MORE
Having an endless supply of hot water on tap helps make home life more comfortable. When something goes wrong with your water heating system, it helps to know who to call! In North Texas that means CW Service Pros. We’re proud to serve the Lewisville, Plano, Carrollton, and surrounding DFW area with tankless water heater repair, maintenance, and installation services.
For all your tankless water heater needs, along with plumbing repairs and maintenance, call CW Service Pros. We’re here for you every day, with 24/7 availability for emergency calls.
Why Choose CW Service Pros for DFW Tankless Water Heater Services?
CW Service Pros has been in business since 1999. In that time, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing the very best plumbing services to our local customers. In our 25+ years serving Lewisville, Plano, Flower Mound, and other nearby suburbs, we’ve worked hard to earn and keep your trust.
- We aim for same-day appointments
Call CW Service Pros in the morning, and we’ll do our best to see you the same day.
- 24/7 emergency service
If you have a plumbing emergency, we’re here for you any time.
- Quality brands
We only work with the best. Brands we carry include Rheem®, Rinnai®, and Noritz®.
- Professional and friendly
Our technicians are plumbing experts who also excel in customer service.
- Pricing is clear and up-front
You get a written estimate, with no hidden costs.
- Permits and inspections included
If your job requires an inspection or permit, we’ll take care of it.
- Financing flexibility
More flexibility for payment gives you more options.
- Satisfaction guaranteed
We work safely and cleanly while minimizing disruptions. If you’re not happy with our tankless water heater repair work, we’ll stay on the job until you are.
The Best Plano Tankless Water Heater Repair, Courtesy of CW Service Pros
When you have a hot water problem at home, you need a quick solution. The lack of hot water can cause chaos in a busy household, and we understand that our customers count on us to offer speedy solutions.
As a leading provider of tankless water heaters in the DFW area of North Texas, CW Service Pros is a leader when it comes to repair services, too. We have extensive industry experience and a strong commitment to excellence in plumbing and customer service. That combination makes us the best choice for tankless water heater repair in Lewisville and neighboring suburbs.
CW Service Pros Offers Texas Tankless Water Heater Installation and Replacement
Do you have an older tankless water system that your family has outgrown, or is it old and in need of several repairs? If your current hot water system isn’t meeting your family’s hot water needs, it could be time to consider an upgrade.
Installing a tankless water heater can take anywhere from two hours to a full day, depending on what the job requires. To replace an existing tanked water heater with a tankless, it could require upsizing the gas system in the home, redoing venting through the roof, and re-engineering the plumbing system. This type of upgrade takes longer but usually can be completed within a day or two.
When the plumbing job is that intensive, it pays to call CW Service Pros. We can offer expert advice based on years of industry experience. Once you’ve made your choice of water heater, we can install the system and get it up and running quickly and cleanly. And if we’re replacing an old hot water tank, we’ll haul it away and dispose of it free of charge!
How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Lewisville Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heater installation is a significant financial investment. The good news is that investment is valuable: It will pay for itself over time in lower energy usage and higher energy efficiency.
For more information about the cost of a Texas tankless water heater installation, call CW Service Pros to talk to an experienced local plumber. We’re happy to talk you through your options, help you choose a new appliance with all the features and benefits you desire, and do the installation work too!
Let CW Service Pros Manage Your Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Once your new tankless water heater is installed, it can supply you with endless hot water for many years to come. But to keep it in good condition, it does need regular annual maintenance. This includes tankless heater flushing to remove sediment, cleaning to remove limescale, and replacement of parts that are worn or broken.
Not every homeowner has the time or know-how to DIY these tasks – so why not leave it to the experts? Call CW Service Pros to have all your tankless water heater maintenance taken care of. Regular maintenance keeps your hot water system in good condition, so you can enjoy instant hot water every day.
Does CW Service Pros Offer Warranties?
Yes, CW Service Pros warranties all parts we supply to you and the labor for all recommended work we perform. Should you ever need a technician, someone is available 24/7 to help you whenever you need. All water heater installations are permitted and inspected in your city as required by city code—another layer of protection for you.
Does CW Service Pros Offer Financing for Tankless Water Heater Repair or Installation?
Flexible financing options can make life that little bit easier when it’s time to install a new water heater or when you need tankless water heater repair services.
CW Service Pros offers convenient monthly payment plans. These include low interest payment options, as well as several no-interest options. Check out our financing page to learn more, or call us to talk about your financing eligibility.
Can I Get Any Rebates or Tax Credits When I Purchase a Tankless Water Heater?
Yes, you may qualify for a rebate or tax credit for tankless water heater installation costs! Depending on what model you buy, a rebate or tax credit could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
Check the Energy Star website for more information:
Click here to search for rebates on tankless units.
Click here for information about federal tax credits and incentives for energy efficiency.
LOOKING FOR TANKLESS WATER HEATER REPAIR OR INSTALLATION? CW SERVICE PROS IS HERE FOR YOU!
If your home currently uses a standard hot water storage tank, upgrading to a tankless water heater could be a dream come true. Imagine having an endless supply of hot water, always there when you need it! Imagine having enough water to fill up your soaker tub and relaxing in a hot bath after a long day. To make that dream a reality, call CW Service Pros.
Are you looking to upgrade your hot water supply? Do you have an existing tankless water heater that needs repairs or maintenance? CW Service Pros is the team for you. Call today, and we can send a licensed plumbing expert to inspect your hot water system and provide any needed tankless water heater repairs or maintenance.