This here is your standard conventional hot water we are noramlly use to seeing in a home. Within the last few years a new type of hot waters are starting to be installed in new homes.

                                          

Demand water heaters are common in Japan and Europe. They began appearing in the United States about 25 years ago. Unlike "conventional" tank water heaters, tankless water heaters heat water only as it is used, or on demand. A tankless unit has a heating device that is activated by the flow of water when a hot water valve is opened. Once activated, the heater delivers a constant supply of hot water. The output of the heater, however, limits the rate of the heated water flow.

Demand water heaters are available in propane (LP), natural gas, or electric models. They come in a variety of sizes for different applications, such as a whole-house water heater, a hot water source for a remote bathroom or hot tub, or as a boiler to provide hot water for a home heating system. They can also be used as a booster for dishwashers, washing machines, and a solar or wood-fired domestic hot water system.

Demand water heaters cost more than conventional storage tank-type units.
The appeal of demand water heaters is not only the elimination of the tank standby losses and the resulting lower operating costs, but also the fact that the heater delivers hot water continuously. Gas models with a standing (constantly burning) pilot light, however, offset some of the savings achieved by the elimination of tank standby losses with the energy consumed by the pilot light.
An alternative to the standing pilot light is an intermittent ignition device (IID). This resembles the spark ignition device on some gas kitchen ranges and ovens. Not all demand water heaters have this electrical device.

Most tankless models have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. In contrast, storage tank water heaters last 10 to 15 years. Most tankless models have easily replaceable parts that can extend their life by many years more.

                                      

 

                                                    

 
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13 Comments on Demand (Tankless or Instantaneous) Water Heaters

JAN
16

I've yet to come across one of these units but it's my understanding there are some cons with this system. From what I've read these units do not provide instantaneous hot water so you have to let the water run longer to achieve the desired temperature thus waisting water and energy. The other downside I read about is these systems are limited in the amount of hot water they can produce at one time. Both of these drawbacks can be corrected using a specialized pump.

Despite those limitations I think this is a great alternative to the bigger, shorter life span units they replace.

9:42am • #1
551,697 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

We added a Tankless last year (check my blog for posts about it) and we just love it!

We can now fill our bath tub! lol!!!

your friend in Charlottesville!

follow me on Twitter!

9:43am • #2
119,377 Points

Vince, the unit might have not been sized correctly for the fixtures it was going to be utilizing. you need to determine the flow rate and the temperature rise you'll need for its application (whole house or a remote application, such as just a bathroom) in your home.

First, list the number of hot water devices you expect to use at any one time. Then, add up their flow rates (gallons per minute). This is the desired flow rate you'll want for the demand water heater. For example, let's say you expect to simultaneously run a hot water faucet with a flow rate of 0.75 gallons (2.84 liters) per minute and a shower head with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) per minute. The flow rate through the demand water heater would need to be at least 3.25 gallons (12.3 liters) per minute. To reduce flow rates, install low-flow water fixtures.

                                              ~ Roy

9:56am • #3
119,377 Points

Charles, I will definitely take a look at it, Thanks. ~ Roy

9:59am • #4
219,911 Points 4 Featured Posts

Roy - I'd love to know what the cost of converting a standard water heater to a tankless system would be.

Perhaps that's another blog for you? I'm sure there are others who'd like to know as well.

4:45pm • #5

We have a tankless and had some problems at first.  But I must say the water gets HOT!

10:36pm • #6
JAN
17
536,483 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Roy, I am starting to see more of these in houses today. There are some new construction homes that including these as part of their "Green" package...

~~ Your friend in Brentwood, TN - Michael

3:58am • #7
128,242 Points 2 Featured Posts

Roy,

I have not yet come across a tankless water heater.  After reading this post, they sure seem to be the wave of the future for water heaters and I have no doubt that they will receive a WARM reception given the benefits you mentioned including the longer life expectancy.  I hope they start showing up in homes in Red Lodge, Montana very soon.  Thank you for the info.

3:54pm • #8
JAN
18
340,208 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I have seen more and more builders here that are starting lean towards tank-less water heaters. I think they are a good idea if you get the right one.

1:14pm • #9
JAN
19
567,590 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I can highly recommend tankless water heaters. Not having a tank full of water sitting around means more storage area, too.

5:19am • #10
7 Featured Posts

Roy - a couple of years ago I checked into a tankless heater (gas) for my house.  I checked the website of the most advertised company, at least in my area, and local companies for installation costs.  Using their website formula I was to break even in 17 years.  Then they stated their units last 17-20 years.  And that's using THEIR numbers.  I am not sure I see that benefit.  I agree that they look better and take up less space - good bennie there.  But financially there is not much to it apparently.

My hybrid, which I bought new in 2005, was supposed to get 33-36 mpg, using EPA numbers.  I get 26-27, the same as the non-hybrid model.  And I paid a huge premium for the hybrid -- which I will never recover. 

I think the time to install one is when a house is first built.  That way it is amortized and just part of the payment...

8:46am • #11
JAN
20

I'm seeing more and more of these as our city has great rebates for all energy related devices, Austin TX.  They have enormous appeal for remodels or new construction, but something that I'm seeing is the failure to put a pan beneath them which can allow water damage to the home.  I'm surprised the city is not cracking down on this as the IRC and manufacturer's info recommend them.

10:06am • #12

we're seeing them more often in Canada. They take up less space and if they're sized right perform pretty well.

8:24pm • #13

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Roy Peterson P.R.E.I.

El Paso, TX

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