subject: Tankless Water Heaters: Free Austin Guide [print this page] Tankless Water Heaters: Free Austin Guide
Traditional water tanks have been around for over fifty years, and are inefficient and prone to leaks. Tankless water heaters offer an alternative that may save you money, reduce maintenance headaches, and eliminate the chance of catastrophic flooding from a rusted-out water tank.
Tankless water heaters produce hot water only when you need it, without storing water in a large tank. They are located close to where hot water is needed, directly beneath sinks and adjacent to baths and showers.
Tankless water heaters heat the water with either a gas burner or electric element. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water instantly travels through a pipe into the unit. This way, tankless water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water whenever it is needed. There is no waiting for a storage tank to fill up with hot water or run out before you are done with your shower.
The average tankless water heater delivers two to five gallons (7.6 15.2 liters) of hot water per minute. The typical gas-fired model will produce higher flow rates than similar electric tankless water heaters.
You can install a "whole house" type tankless water heater to overcome peak demand problems, or install two or more tankless water heaters, connected in parallel for simultaneous demands of hot water. You can also install separate tankless water heaters for appliances, such as a washing machine or dishwasher that place high demands on hot water supply.
Whatever your home water heating requirements may be, chances are good that you will be able to consign your old water tank to the junkyard and enjoy instant hot water from your new tankless unit when it is time to upgrade.
