Your Guide to Solar Tankless Water Heaters

Whether it’s summer or winter, hot water is essential throughout the year. Though most homeowners use hot water through a traditional hot water tank, a shift has begun towards solar, tankless water heaters for an almost unlimited amount of hot water. Switching to a tankless water heater is the best replacement, particularly if you want a continuous hot water source minus the excessive costs incurred on your monthly utility bills.

The concept behind solar, tankless water heaters is that it heats water when needed instead of heating water stored in a tank. The solar, tankless system ensures that hot water is ready while taking up as little space as possible in your home and providing an uninterrupted hot water supply, especially when needed.

Solar Tankless Water Heaters: What Are They?

Solar Tankless water heaters, or instantaneous water heaters, are separate units that heat up your water instantly. They do not have water reserves or reservoirs compared to traditional tank water heaters. Instead, it heats up water through thermal conductivity as it flows through the heater and the plumbing system and generates hot water when needed. Also, unlike tank water systems, solar, tankless water systems provide almost limitless hot water, making it preferable for many. Sizes are also suitable to fit in any house since they are compact and more effective compared to a conventional water heater.

Types of Solar Tankless Water Heaters

1. The point-of-use heaters, which are small, only heat up water for one or two outlets, such as your kitchen sink. Due to its small size, it can fit under cabinets or inside a closet and near the electrical outlets. This is an advantage in preventing water loss because of the time delays in taking hot water to get into your water outlet or valve.

2. On the other hand, whole-house solar systems are more extensive and can function in multiple outlets. Because of that, whole-house heaters are far more expensive than point-of-use heaters.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

As said before, tankless heaters can heat water without using a tank. A heat exchanger increases the temperature to get that hot shower whenever possible. In transferring the heat, the heat exchanger is used from one place to another.

In turning the hot water valve, a flow sensor will detect water approaching and proceed to send a signal to start producing hot water. A fan is turned on by the control panel and opens the gas valve. The gas valve lets the gas in and lights up the burner.

Now the heat exchanger catches heat from the blaze. The heat exchanger then shifts it to the water moving midst a tube called the exchanger’s tubing. The mixing valve tempers the superheated water that exits the exchanger. Outside a wall or through a roof, a sealed vent transfers away exhaust gases and transports combustion air to the burner. Thus it gives a continuous supply of heated water and prevents reserve waste by heating inflowing water only when necessary, which makes the system cost-efficient in removing the reserve heat loss.

Tankless Water Heaters Installation

You may ask if a DIY (do-it-yourself) can be performed to install a tankless water system. Well, installation is best done by a professional to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. This will consist of electrical wiring, venting, removing, and rejoining gas to ensure that water will not outflow and prevent possible damage to your system.

How to Maintain Tankless Water Heaters

The tankless water system needs maintenance at most once yearly. Care is necessary to maintain the heater in perfect condition. Specifically, guarantees will not include loss from the accumulation of minerals.

Maintaining your tankless water system is a necessity to optimize its efficiency. You can call for a professional to provide service in keeping your system. The service includes cleaning, checking the burner, and changing the air filters and water if necessary.

What is The Lifespan of Tankless Water Heaters?

The lifespan depends on the type you have. Gas-powered water heaters operate for 20 years or more. On the other hand, electric-powered water heaters operate from 7 to 10 years, making their life span shorter than gas-powered types.

They are almost twice the cost of tank water heaters which price will depend on the fuel type and the size. Professional installation is also an added cost in buying a tankless water heater. The price ranges for gas-powered types are between $1,000 and $1,500. On the other hand, electric-powered classes range between $500 and $1,500.

Different Types of Tankless Water Heaters

When buying a tankless water system, you must consider each type before buying one. Below are the various types:

1. Gas-powered water heaters

The gas-powered tankless water system, also known as propane, heats up water quicker than the electric-powered tankless water system. These types also cost less than electric types. However, installation costs more and requires more maintenance.

2. Electric water heaters

Electric water heaters are less expensive to install than gas heaters. Electric types also do not need a ventilation system. They are also far more versatile, as they can be installed almost anywhere.

3. Condensing tankless water heaters

Condensing water heaters use extracted heat as a different way to heat water. However, these cost more than non-condensing water heaters. However, the installation cost is lower and has higher energy efficiency.

4. Noncondensing tankless water heaters

This water heater uses heat exchangers to heat water and then proceeds to vent the exhaust outdoors. Non-condensing water heaters cost less, but the installation costs more than condensing water heaters.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

• Because it does not generate hot water from a tank, it rarely runs out of hot water.
• They last almost twice as long as tank water heaters.
• They are far more versatile and can be installed on walls or outdoors.
• Since they do not have a tank, they take up less space, making them versatile.
• They are safer than tank water heaters. You would not have to worry about water leaks or spills.
• They are easy to winterize. You can drain a tankless heater in seconds using a compressor.
• They only need sufficient power to heat the necessary amount of water at any time.
  You would not have to worry about flooding due to a ruptured tank.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Installing Solar Tankless Water Heaters?

Water heaters are an essential part of your household. Therefore you should invest in one. Tankless water systems can cut costs on your electricity rates which will save you money. They also have an extended duration compared to conventional water systems.

Tankless water heaters might be expensive, but consider them a long-term investment. Countless people think that the long-term benefits payback for their initial expenses. But they will make your home more energy cost-efficient compared to a traditional tank water system. It can also change how you use water and even motivate you to use it more responsibly.

To help you determine if the tankless water heaters will be perfect for your home, we advise you to talk to an expert to provide options for switching to a more cost-efficient tankless water system.