Have you heard the buzz about tankless water heaters? These compact units have been used in Europe and Canada for decades, but they’ve only recently begun to make an impact on the American market.
Rather than maintaining 40, 50, or more gallons of hot water in a dedicated tank, tankless units heat water on 
demand, as it’s used. The “as it’s used” part is key. In other words, none of us are using hot water 24 hours a day, but with a traditional water heater, we’re paying to heat water 24 hours a day.
Tankless water heaters cost more to purchase and install than their traditional, tank-type counterparts, but in the long run, they save both money and energy. Another savings: tankless units can last 5 to 10 years longer than traditional tanks, plus you may be eligible for federal, state and/or local tax incentives or rebates when installing them.
The size and number of tankless units required varies from one household to another and is based mainly upon the volume of water needed. Rinnai® Corporation, a tankless unit manufacturer, offers a feature on its website ( www.rinnai.us) to help you determine if the additional cost is worth it for your situation. To calculate your payoff period, you’ll be asked for information such as the tankless model you’re considering and the number of people in your family. (Larger families typically use more hot water and thus may realize payback in a shorter period of time.)
The photo to the right shows two Rinnai units installed. Note that in this picture only the top portion of each
unit is functional. The bottom portion covers plumbing and is an aesthetic addition only.
Because tankless units can be so compact (approximately 24” X 18” X 9” without the plumbing cover), choosing a tankless system can increase usable space within a home. Units designed specifically for exterior use can be installed on the outside of the home as shown here, saving even more interior space along with the cost of venting. Installing multiple units to reduce the distance between the hot-water source and the faucet in another option. (A shorter traveling distance equals less water wasted and less time waiting for hot water to reach its destination.)
Two additional benefits of using tankless hot water heaters include:
- The hot water never runs out! With a tankless heater, you can take as long a shower as you want, because the unit will produce a continuous supply of hot water as long as the hot water faucet is on. Note, however, that “continuous” hot water should not be confused with “instant” hot water. If your tankless heater is at one end of your house and your bathroom at the opposite end, it will still take time for the hot water to arrive at the tap.
- No chance of flooding: If a tank-type water heater springs a leak, you may be faced with a flood and possible water damage. Because there is no tank full of water, a tankless unit cannot drain all over your floor.
Tankless units can be powered by gas or electricity. Typical gas-fired systems supply between 5 and 9 gallons per minute, making them a viable choice for whole-house use. Electric models use a heating element to bring water up to temperature and can usually supply only about 3 gallons per minute. They also can be more expensive to install and operate and are usually not the best choice for whole-house water heating.
Because of the electric fan and electronic sensor inside a gas tankless water heater, these units will not operate without electricity – hence the outlet located between the two units in the top photo. However, you can incorporate a backup battery to maintain programmed hot water settings and to keep the unit operating for a certain amount of time if the power is out. (Ask your supplier for recommendations.)
NOTE: Tankless water heaters require cleaning due to hard water-deposit build-up. With this in mind, be certain to also ask your supplier about maintenance requirements for the unit you are considering
Is there a subject you’d like me to cover? Let me know by sending an email to tracy@tracystips.net.
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