Is it really True that Tankless Water Heaters Give an Endless Supply of Hot Water?

Posted: Aug 14, 2012
Author: Minyard Plumbing, Inc.

For more than 20 years, tankless water heaters have been used in Asia and Europe. It’s only recently that they have gained acceptance in the US. A tankless water heater is more energy-efficient than a traditional tank because it heats water as it’s used and needed, instead of heating and re-heating it in a storage tank.

So, do tankless water heaters produce an endless supply of hot water? Yes, they do – your hot water will not run out. This is particularly convenient for large families in large homes whose hot water demands are high. Also, homes with spa systems or soaking tubs are good candidates for tankless systems. If you’re thinking about upgrading the size of your tank from 40 or 50 gallons, you’re strongly advised to consider a tankless water heater instead.

Conventional hot water tanks are based on gallon capacity and the recovery rating is one hour. In contrast, tankless water heaters are based on flow rate. As long as you use hot water at a flow rate that doesn’t exceed the heater’s maximum rate, there’s no recovery period – hot water is unlimited.

However, it is important to point out that tankless water heaters don’t provide “instant” hot water. The water still needs time to flow from the heater to the faucet or shower.

We are a certified Rinnai tankless water heater dealer and installer in Taylorsville, North Carolina. If you choose a Rinnai tankless water heater, you get the reliability and durability of a commercially graded copper heat exchanger with a 12-year limited warranty on the exchanger.

For more info, contact us at Minyard Plumbing.