How tankless water heater works?

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater or instantaneous water heater, provides hot water as needed without the need for a storage tank. Here's how a tankless water heater works:

1. Cold Water Inlet: When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water from the main water supply enters the tankless water heater through a dedicated pipe.

2. Flow Sensor: Inside the unit, there is a flow sensor that detects the water flow when you open a hot water tap. This sensor signals the heating element to start heating the water.

3. Heating Element or Burner: Tankless water heaters use either an electric heating element or a gas burner to heat the water. In electric tankless heaters, electricity heats the element, while in gas tankless heaters, a gas burner is ignited to heat the water.

4. Heat Exchanger: The heating element or burner is located within a heat exchanger, which is designed to transfer heat efficiently to the passing cold water. The heat exchanger is often made of materials like copper or stainless steel, which have excellent thermal conductivity.

5. Temperature Control: Tankless water heaters are equipped with a thermostat that monitors the temperature of the outgoing hot water. When the water reaches the desired setpoint temperature, the thermostat adjusts the heating element or burner to maintain a consistent hot water temperature.

6. Continuous Supply: Tankless water heaters can provide a continuous supply of hot water as long as there is demand. Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, which can run out of hot water once the tank is depleted, tankless units heat water on-demand, allowing for extended use without interruption.

7. Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient because they only heat water when needed. There is no standby heat loss associated with maintaining a large tank of hot water at a set temperature.

8. Sizing: Properly sizing a tankless water heater is crucial. The unit's capacity is determined by its flow rate (in gallons per minute, GPM) and the temperature rise it can achieve. To meet the hot water demands of your household, it's important to choose a tankless unit that can provide the required flow rate at the desired temperature rise.

9. Maintenance: Tankless water heaters may require periodic maintenance, such as descaling to remove mineral deposits that can accumulate in the heat exchanger. Regular maintenance helps maintain efficiency and longevity.

Tankless water heaters are available in both electric and gas models and are suitable for residential and commercial applications. They offer space savings, energy efficiency, and a continuous supply of hot water, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.