Also known as demand-type water heaters, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. You can get hot water from these heating devices without the installation of a storage tank for this purpose. The tankless water heaters work in a different manner when compared to the traditional water heaters.
The traditional tank water heaters store and heat large quantities of water in a tank. The tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through the unit. The heat exchanger in the device raises the water temperature immediately to the desired level.
As the tankless water heaters only heat water on demand, they’re quite energy efficient than the traditional water heaters. By installing tankless water heaters, you can also save a lot of space. Such water heaters also last longer than the traditional water heaters, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
You get to save a significant amount on energy bills as well. However, the tankless water heaters can be more expensive to install initially and may have a lower flow rate. This might cause certain issues in homes where water usage is considerably higher.
History of tankless water heaters
The concept of tankless water heaters has been around for more than a century. Edwin Rudd was the first to acquire a patent for tankless water heater in the late 19th century. It was not until the 1990s that such water heaters began grabbing a lot of attention. Soon, they gained popularity in the United States and other countries. They became a more efficient alternative to traditional storage tank water heaters.
In recent times, the demand for energy-efficient appliances has been growing to a great extent. The technological advancements and an increased awareness of the benefits of such appliances have ensured their wider availability. Today, the tankless water heaters have become a lot more affordable than ever before.
They have now become a popular option for new home buyers. Those looking to upgrade their existing water heating systems also prefer these water heaters. They have a variety of applications in both residential and commercial settings in recent times.
Places where tankless water heaters are used
Home owners need hot water for some of their appliances, showers, and sinks. They use tankless water heaters as a primary source of warm water for such appliances. Individual installation of these water heaters is possible for each point of use, such as a sink or shower. Alternatively, the home owners can also have them as an entire tankless water heating system.
You’ll also find such water heaters in commercial buildings today. They include office buildings, restaurants, and hotels. Tankless water heating systems at such places provide hot water for a variety of applications. Their installation is also possible in series to meet the demand for hot water.
You’ll find tankless water heaters in factories, laboratories, and hospitals. They’re installed at such places mainly for industrial applications as they require hot water for cleaning and processing.
Hot tubs, swimming pools, and showers also use tankless water heaters. Such outdoor applications of these water heaters are required mainly for providing hot water on demand.