How Tankless Hot Water Heaters Work

Tankless water heater work by heating directly as it flows through copper coils as there is a demand for hot water. When you turn on a hot faucet a sensor turns on the gas to heat the pipes as the water flows. A tank type water heater keeps water hot all day long causing energy to be spent to keep the water hot even when it's not needed.

A tankless coil water heater uses a heating coil or heat exchanger installed in a main furnace or boiler. Whenever a hot water faucet is turned on, the water flows through the heat exchanger. These water heaters provide hot water on demand without a tank, like a demand water heater, but because they rely on the furnace or boiler to heat the water directly, tankless coil water heaters work most efficiently during cold months when the heating system is used regularly. That's why they can be an inefficient choice for many homes, especially for those in warmer climates.

The heater is box-shaped, and has two pipes sticking out one end: one a cold water inlet, and one a hot water outlet. These pipes lead into the heater to a cylindrical coil called a heat exchanger. Long tubes surrounding the heat exchanger are labeled the heated water jacket. At the bottom of the box is a row of small flames, called the boiler heat source.

Indirect water heaters offer a more efficient choice for most homes, even though they require a storage tank. An indirect water heater uses the main furnace or boiler to heat a fluid that's circulated through a heat exchanger in the storage tank. The energy stored by the water tank allows the furnace to turn off and on less often, which saves energy. Therefore, an indirect water heater is used with a high-efficiency boiler and well-insulated tank can be the least expensive means of providing hot water.

 The water storage tank also has a drain at the bottom of the tank, pipes for the cold water inlet and hot water outlet on top of the tank, and a temperature/pressure relief valve on top of the tank.

Indirect systems can be fired by gas, oil, propane, electric, solar energy, or a combination of any of these. Tankless systems are typically electric or gas-fired. Also, these integrated or combination water heating systems not only can work with forced air systems but also with hydronic or radiant floor heating systems.

For more information about tankless water heating systems visit the source of this article at http://www.energysavers.gov

Below are two tankless water heater brands we recommend.

How a Takagi Tankless Water Heater Works

1. A hot water tap is opened.
2. The water enters the heater.
3. A water flow sensor detects the water flow.
4. The computer automatically ignites the burner.
5. The water circulates through the heat exchanger (coil).
6. The heat exchanger instantly heats the water at the designated temperature (this takes only 5 seconds).
7. The heater can provide you with endless hot water continuously so no more running out of hot water in the middle of a shower!
8. When the hot water tap is turned off, the unit shuts down automatically.

Learn more about Takagi water heaters at takagi.com purchase one and we'll install it.

Rheem Tankless Water Heaters also Work in the Same Way

Tankless Water Heaters from Rheem are innovative, energy efficient water heating solutions for today’s homes. From point of use applications to whole home systems, Rheem has the water heating solution to fit your needs while providing a continuous supply of hot water from an energy-efficient and space-saving product. Imagine never running out of hot water again.

Prestige™ Series Condensing Tankless Gas and Tankless Gas units are great for:

Homes with busy families Enough hot water to load the laundry, start the dishes, bathe the kids and still have enough to enjoy a relaxing shower of your own.
Homes with luxury bathrooms Master bathrooms are meant to be luxurious and Rheem Tankless water heaters can support the hot water needed to bring them to life. Vacation homes Rheem tankless water heaters heat water only when a demand for hot water is made, this helps save energy over a traditional water heating system that continuously heats and stores water in anticipation of a hot water need.

Tankless Electric units are perfect for point of use applications including:

Under the counter for bathroom or kitchen sinks
Home remodels or additions
Detached buildings such as cabins, workshops and barns
Rheem Tankless Water Heaters have been featured in the Building Products Top 100 as one of the Top Green Products in the building industry today. The Top 100 list features new products and materials that are used by building professionals around the country.

To learn more about Rheem Tankless Water Heaters at Rheem.com