Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous or demand water heaters, produce hot water only when it is needed. As we do not use heaters for our homes when we are away, tankless water heaters do not heat water unless there is a demand. This saves energy and money.

They are also more efficient that storage water heaters. Absence of a tank saves energy since other water heaters reheat cooled off water, resulting in standby loss. In tankless water heaters, the process is done between the faucet and the heater itself.

Tankless water heaters are used for remote BBQ or outdoor sinks, bathrooms or hot tubs, pool showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and showers, among others. They work whenever a hot water tap is turned on. The cold water travels through a pipe and into the heater unit. Electric heaters heat the water through electric heating elements, while gas-powered heaters use burners. These maintain the constant supply of hot water, typically at a rate of two to five gallons or 7.6 to 15.2 liters per minute. Gas tankless water heaters have higher flow rates as compared to the electric ones.

However, smaller tankless water heaters cannot supply hot water for simultaneous usage, such as washing the dishes while taking a shower. It is recommended to install either more tankless water heaters or one that is capable of running for the whole house.

Installation of tankless water heaters can be pricey. And because it is made to heat water instantly, it uses a lot of electricity whenever it is turned on. There is also a short delay between the water flow starts and the time the cold water is heated, which results in cold water immediately followed by hot water.

The following are factors to consider before selecting a tankless water heater for your home:

•    Application
Single point application means only one fixture will use the electric tankless water heater.

•    Thermostatic
Thermostatic tankless water heaters act as boosters for the loss of temperature from long pipe runs, dishwashers, and sanitation. These units are ideal for places such as hospitals, laboratories, and schools, where constant and precise temperature control is important.

•    Whole House – Indoor
Larger tankless water heaters are made to serve entire dwellings or establishments, where there are a lot of points of use.

•    Whole House – Outdoor
This is similar to whole house indoor tankless water heaters, except they are for use outdoors.

Once you have selected a tankless water heater, you will need to have it installed. Do not attempt to do the installation yourself unless you are a qualified, licensed plumbing and heating contractor. Proper installation can optimize energy efficiency, whereas haphazard installation will not only cost you more money to maintain, but may cause hazards as well.

Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the care and maintenance of the tankless water heater. While storage water heaters last ten to fifteen years, tankless water heaters can go for as long as twenty years, and longer with proper care and replacement of worn-out parts.