When it comes to heating water in the home, tankless systems are becoming more popular by the day. A tankless hot water supply provides instantaneous hot water on demand. By using a heating filament installed in strategic areas of the home, you can simply open the hot water faucet and enjoy hot water as soon as it comes out of the tap. And because there's no need for a hot water tank to hold and maintain water at a specific temperature, tankless systems are more efficient than their counterparts.
If you're ready to install a tankless system in your home, this piece will guide you on the steps you and your plumber will need to follow.
1. Ensure there's enough capacity
Perhaps the biggest limitation of tankless systems is capacity. Because there's no reservoir of hot water that's stored in your home, the tankless system may be limited in its capacity to provide enough water to everyone. You may notice that the flow rate is reduced when many people are trying to use hot water at the same time. For example, if the dishwasher and washing machine are both using hot water, your shower may not release with the same pressure that it usually does.
You can avoid this problem by making sure that there are enough heating elements installed around the home. This will ensure that each faucet can deliver enough water when opened.
2. Install energy efficient coils
As you determine how many heating elements (or coils) you'll need for the home, consider obtaining energy-efficient coils for the home. Energy efficiency is important as it can help you save hundreds of dollars in electricity/gas every year. Even if the upfront cost may be higher, the long run savings potential is truly worthwhile. Consult your plumber regarding energy efficient heating elements that are available in the market.
3. Replace your pipes as necessary
If you're switching from a tank to a tankless system, you may also consider upgrading your pipes. Old or damaged pipes may not be capable of withstanding a constant supply of hot water, and the last thing you want is to end up with a burst pipe in the middle of a shower. Consider copper, galvanised steel, or Chlorinated PVC pipes to support your hot water system.
4. Track your energy consumption for the first few months
After installation, you may be concerned whether your new tankless system is actually saving you money. Carefully track your water consumption, electric, and gas bill for the first few months after installation. Keep track of your utility trends and determine if any adjustments will be necessary.
For more information about the process, contact local hot water installation services.
