Great question! The primary difference lies in how they deliver hot water. Traditional water heaters store and continuously heat a large tank of water, ensuring there’s always hot water ready when you turn on the tap. On the other hand, tankless water heaters, as the name suggests, don’t store water. Instead, they heat water directly and instantly as it flows through the unit. This on-demand approach means you get hot water faster, and you’re only heating the water you use, making it a more energy-efficient option.
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, so theoretically, they can provide hot water indefinitely as long as they’re operating within their capacity. However, the flow rate is crucial. If you have multiple appliances or fixtures using hot water simultaneously, you’ll want to ensure your tankless system can handle that demand. During our consultation, we’ll discuss your household’s needs and recommend a unit that ensures you never run out of hot water, no matter how many showers or dishwashers are running!
Just like any appliance, a little TLC goes a long way! While tankless systems generally require less maintenance than traditional water heaters, it’s still a good idea to have them inspected annually. This ensures they operate efficiently and helps identify potential issues before they become bigger problems. Additionally, depending on your water hardness, descaling might be needed from time to time to prevent mineral buildup. At Screaming Eagle Plumbing, we offer maintenance packages to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.