Are you thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater in Phoenix or Peoria? More and more homeowners across the Valley are swapping out their bulky storage tanks for compact, efficient systems that heat water on demand. Still, you likely want to know how tankless water heaters work before making the switch.
What Is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand or instantaneous water heater, heats water only when you need it. It’s typically about the size of carry-on luggage and mounts to the wall.
Unlike a traditional tank that keeps several gallons of water hot around the clock, a tankless unit skips the storage step. This means it isn’t subject to standby heat loss, which is the key to its incredible efficiency.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work
When you open a tap, cold water flows into the tankless unit, and hot water comes out. Here’s what happens in between:
- A flow sensor detects water moving through a pipe and signals the heater to turn on.
- A gas burner or electric element activates.
- The water passes through a heat exchanger and achieves the desired temperature rise.
- Hot water travels to your faucet, shower, or appliance.
When you turn off the tap, the system shuts down and awaits the next request for hot water.
Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters
So, how do tank and tankless systems stack up? While they both produce hot water, they differ in several ways.
Upfront Cost
Storage tanks are less expensive upfront and easier to install. Tankless units have a higher sticker price and may require electrical, fuel, or venting upgrades, which add to the installation cost.
Energy Efficiency
Traditional tank heaters keep 40 to 80 gallons of water hot at all times, even when you’re away or sleeping. Tankless units eliminate that waste with energy-efficient water heating and only heat water when it’s needed. As a result, tankless water heaters are up to 34% more efficient than conventional tanks.
Flow Rate
A tank model delivers steady hot water until it runs out. Tankless systems heat water continuously for an endless supply, but the flow rate is lower. If you often run multiple fixtures simultaneously, consider installing point-of-use units at specific sinks or appliances.
Temperature Consistency
Tank systems draw from a pre-heated supply of water, so it stays hot even if you shut off the tap for a few seconds. Tankless systems shut off between uses and take a moment to power back on, resulting in a brief burst of cold water.
Units installed in cold climates may also struggle to achieve the desired temperature rise, preventing the water from ever getting truly hot. Fortunately, this isn’t much of an issue in Phoenix, where groundwater temperatures are consistent year-round.
Lifespan
Tank heaters typically last 10 to 15 years, while tankless models often last 20 years or more with routine maintenance.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Now that you understand how tank and tankless units differ, should you install a tankless water heater in Phoenix? Consider the many benefits if you do:
- Lower water heating bills: When you heat water only as needed, you cut energy waste and lower your utility costs.
- Endless hot water: Take back-to-back showers without waiting for a depleted tank to reheat.
- Space savings: The unit’s compact size and wall-mounted installation free up space.
- Longer lifespan: A tankless system can serve your home for two decades or more.
- Lower risk of water damage: Without a giant tank of hot water in your utility space, there’s less potential for major leaks or floods.
- Ideal for Phoenix’s climate: Because the incoming water is relatively warm, tankless systems perform more efficiently and achieve the desired temperature more easily.
Call Morehart To Install a Tankless Water Heater
When it’s time to upgrade your water heater, choose Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating for a job well done. We have built our family-owned business on honesty, reliability, and hard work. Our friendly, licensed plumbers provide same-day service, free water heater replacement estimates, and financing to make your upgrade more affordable. We’re
Contact us today to schedule a tankless water heater installation in the greater Phoenix area.
