Category: Water Heater

As our homes evolve with the times, so do the technologies we implement within them. Gone are the days of bulky, energy-consuming water heaters; say hello to the new age of tankless water heaters.

Are you curious about how tankless water heaters work? Below, we will discuss what a tankless water heater is in detail. By the end, you’ll better understand their functions, benefits, and what makes them so different from their traditional counterparts.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

If the time has come to replace your current water heater, you may have a few questions about your options. So, what is a tankless water heater, exactly? Unlike traditional water heaters that continuously heat water in a large tank, tankless water heaters heat the water directly as it flows through the unit. In simple terms, the water heats up on demand. This means no more waiting for a storage tank to fill up or heat, ensuring you never run out of hot water again.

The Mechanics Behind Tankless Water Heaters

The principle behind how tankless water heaters work is simple. Here is what to expect:

Heat Exchanger

At the core of how tankless water heaters work is a component called the heat exchanger. When you open a hot water tap, cold water travels into the unit and over this heat exchanger. Depending on the type of tankless water heater, a gas burner or an electric element heats the exchanger, which in turn heats the water. By the time water exits the unit, it's at the desired temperature, ensuring that the water is heated efficiently and quickly.

Flow Rate & Energy Types

The speed at which a tankless water heater can heat the water is referred to as its flow rate. Gas water heaters often have higher flow rates compared to electric tankless water heaters. However, the choice between gas and electric models will often depend on your home’s setup and your personal preference. While gas models use propane or natural gas, electric models use your home’s electricity.

The Benefits of Going Tankless

The decision to get a tankless water heater installed depends on your household's needs. When making your decision, there are several benefits of tankless water heaters worth considering.

Space Saving and Aesthetic Appeal

One of the biggest advantages of tankless water heaters is their compact size. These units are significantly smaller than traditional water heaters, making them perfect for homes with limited space. You can easily mount them on a wall or even hide them in a closet, maintaining a clutter-free home environment.

Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly

Tankless water heaters are incredibly energy efficient. Since they only heat water when required, they don’t continuously consume energy like traditional water heaters. This not only reduces your energy bill but also reduces your carbon footprint, making your home more environmentally friendly.

Longevity and Reliability

A typical tankless water heater has a lifespan of up to 20 years, almost double that of some traditional water heaters. Their design minimizes the chances of rust and corrosion, ensuring they last longer. Plus, with fewer parts that can wear out, they tend to require less maintenance over time.

Install a Tankless Water Heater Today!

Now that you understand how tankless water heaters work, it's time to decide if they're the right fit for your home. If you’re keen on making the shift or just want more information, G.F. Bowman is here to help. We strive to be a leading tankless water heater installation company, offering top-notch service that you can rely on.

Let us help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a quality water heater service with our experts in Harrisburg and Lebanon, PA, and invest in a solution that's both eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run!

Is a Faulty Water Heater Affecting Your Home?

Water heaters, tankless water heaters, and storage tank water heaters are an integral part of life as you know it. Not only do they supply hot water for you to shower with, but they also supply hot water to modern-day appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine. Can you imagine the wrench that would be thrown in your day if you got up late only to realize you have no hot water to shower with before work? A day when your water heater issues are big enough to mess with your entire day.

Or it breaks down the day you volunteered to wash your kid’s white little league team uniforms? You don’t have to wait for cold water to come out of the tap instead of hot to know your water heater is failing or broken. Luckily there are some signs you can watch out for. Below you’ll find information that will allow you to investigate your water heater.

A Noisy Water Heater Is A Red Flag

Water heaters are made of metal and as it gets older, sediment from the water will settle on the bottom of your water heater. As the water heater heats the water over and over, it causes the sediment to harden.

The noise you hear is caused by this hardened sediment clanking around the bottom of the tank. Not only does this cause the water heater to heat less efficiently, using more gas or electricity, but it also causes further damage to the tank itself.

The more often the heating element has to heat the water, the faster the metal tank wears down. This can cause small cracks or holes. As the hardened sediment hits the inside of the tank, it can also cause small leaks so make sure to watch out for water heater noises.

Colored Water Is Cause For Concern

If your hot tap water is no longer clear and your cold water is, it’s time to inspect your water heater. As sediment settles on the bottom of your tank as it ages, it can cause water to be dirty and thus tainted. Since your water heater is made of metal, it’s also possible that the inside of an older tank has started to rust.

Your hot water may look slightly discolored, cloudy, or even rusty in color. It’s important to address this sooner than later before any of your appliances or water pumps are affected. Don’t freak out just yet though. It’s best to call in a professional before swapping out your tank. Old metal pipes can also cause some water discoloration and you’ll want to rule that out before buying a whole new water heater.

Metallic Water Signals The End Is Near For Your Water Heater

One of the biggest tell-tale signs of a failing water heater is metallic water. Just like when testing watercolor, you’ll want to make sure your cold water isn’t affected before there’s cause for alarm. If you notice a metallic smell or taste from your hot water, it’s likely that your aging water heater has tainted your water.

Since the tank is made of metal, small particles can easily make their way from the rusty tank walls, through your pipes, and out of your shower, sink, or appliances. This is important to notice sooner than later since ingesting metal residue on plates from the dishwasher, even in small amounts, is quite unhealthy.

Have Trust In G.F. Bowman, Inc.

Family owned and operated since 1967, G.F. Bowman, Inc. is serving Lebanon for all of your plumbing and indoor comfort needs. Trusted friendly technicians offer peace of mind and high-quality workmanship at affordable prices. From drain cleaning to HVAC maintenance, G.F. Bowman, Inc. offers fast quality solutions with a focus on exceptional customer service.