Understanding How Tankless Water Heaters Work
If you’re looking to purchase a new water heater, you’ve probably heard about the advantages of a tankless water heater. Not only are they more energy-efficient and cost-effective, but they also provide hot water on demand. However, before you make the switch, it’s important to understand how tankless water heaters work.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
Unlike traditional water heaters, which store a large amount of water in a tank and heat it continuously, tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through the unit. When you turn on a hot water faucet or appliance, cold water travels through a pipe and into the tankless water heater. The unit’s heating element heats the water as it flows through the unit and delivers hot water to your faucet or appliance.
The Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
There are several benefits to using a tankless water heater, including:
Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters because they only heat water as it’s needed. This means that they use less energy and can help you save money on your monthly energy bills.
On-Demand Hot Water: With a tankless water heater, you’ll never run out of hot water. Because the unit heats water on demand, you can enjoy a continuous supply of hot water for as long as you need it.
Space-Saving Design: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters, which means they take up less space in your home. This can be especially beneficial if you have limited space in your utility closet or garage.
Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Your Home?
Although a tankless water heater has numerous benefits, it is vital to assess if it’s suitable for your household. Here are some factors to consider:
Upfront Cost: Tankless water heaters are typically more expensive than traditional water heaters. However, they can help you save money in the long run by using less energy and lasting longer.
Installation: Installing a tankless water heater requires a professional plumber and may be more complex than installing a traditional water heater. This can add to the upfront cost of the unit.
Water Usage: If your household uses a lot of hot water, a tankless water heater may not be able to keep up with demand. In this case, a traditional water heater may be a better option.
Maintaining Your Tankless Water Heater
To ensure that your tankless water heater continues to function properly, it’s important to have it serviced regularly. Here are some maintenance tips:
Flushing the System: Over time, mineral deposits and debris can build up inside your tankless water heater. Flushing the system regularly can help prevent clogs and keep your unit running smoothly.
Checking the Venting: Proper venting is essential for the safe operation of your tankless water heater. Make sure the venting is clear and unobstructed to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Inspecting the Unit: Have a professional plumber inspect your tankless water heater annually to check for any signs of wear or damage.
Trust the Experts at United Plumbing for Your Tankless Water Heater Needs in San Jose
At United Plumbing, we specialize in tankless water heater installation, repair, and service in San Jose. Our experienced plumbers can help you determine whether a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home and provide expert installation and maintenance services to ensure that your unit continues to function properly for years to come. If you’re experiencing a leaking water heater or need water heater repair in San Jose, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Our Reviews
Stanley W2024-10-04We recently hired United Plumbing to replace our old HVAC system. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Their technician, Oleg, thoroughly inspected our attic and crawl space to accurately assess our needs. The estimator, Fariza, provided a clear and competitive quote based on Steve's findings. The installation team, Oleg and Valerii, were true professionals. They were courteous, efficient, and meticulous in their work. The quality of their installation was outstanding. We were highly impressed with United Plumbing’s professionalism, responsiveness, and fair pricing. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy HVAC company.Matt W2024-10-03Victor showed up quicker than any other technician from any company could during a AC malfunction during a heat wave. He was thorough and fixed the main and secondary issues. Great job.David Tresslar2024-10-03Semenov was knowledgeable and straightforward with descaling my tankless water heater. Didn’t try to upcharge me. $130 cost for descaling, same as buying the tools. Good value.Robert Garnero2024-10-02United Plumbing responded quickly with a fair estimate for my garbage disposal replacement. They were able to schedule for the next day and the work was done professionally and on time. Perfect!Sandy Fried2024-10-01Igor B is very knowledgeable and professional. He and the United Plumbing staff were super responsive and communicative. I highly recommend United Plumbing!Katie Little2024-10-01Super fast to respond to my request and very easy to communicate with. Alex was prompt, professional and friendly and didn’t make me feel bad that I had a very simple job I probably could have figured out myself. Great service. I’ll be back.Grace C2024-10-01This was the 3rd company I looked into for my plumbing issues. I was able to get a same day appointment and the technician Almaz arrived at the start of the 2-hour window they quoted. I even got a text that he was on his way. I had two pipe leaks, one under the bathroom sink and one in the crawl space. Almaz was careful and thorough in diagnosing the latter and worked his way down the tight crawl area. We ended up cutting out dry wall in my garage to get an actual quote. Their prices seem very fair and so far I’m very happy I went with them. Will update once the fix is complete.Laurie Frederick2024-09-30Excellent serviceman, Alex. Company receptionist and online/ texting to keep me (client) updated every step of the way. I want that easy of a client because so had specific requests and they handled everything. 5 stars **** New sump pump installed under house.Miyana Harris2024-09-29Had some plumbing issues with backed up pipes. I contacted United Plumbing and was able to get a service update within 30 minutes on a Sunday which was amazing. Alex came out and took care of the issue at hand swiftly and efficiently.
