Tankless Water Heater Accrington

Tankless Water Heater FAQs

How to flush a tankless water heater?

Flushing a tankless water heater involves using a descaling solution to remove mineral buildup. This process typically involves:

1. Disconnecting the unit from the water and power supply.
2. Connecting hoses to the cold and hot water ports.
3. Circulating a descaling solution through the unit.
4. Flushing with clean water to remove the solution.
5. Reconnecting the water and power supply.

Consulting a plumber or following the manufacturer's instructions is recommended for a proper flushing procedure.

How do tankless water heaters work?

Unlike traditional tank water heaters that store hot water, tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, only heat water when needed:

1. Cold water enters the unit when you turn on a hot water tap.
2. A flow sensor detects the water flow and activates the heating element (gas burner or electric coils).
3. The heating element quickly raises the water temperature to the set point.
4. Hot water is delivered to the fixture, providing instant and continuous hot water for as long as the tap is on.

This eliminates standby heat loss and ensures hot water availability.

What are the disadvantages of a tankless water heater?

While tankless water heaters offer various benefits, they also have a few potential downsides:

• Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters have higher initial purchase and installation costs than traditional tank water heaters.
• Limited flow rate: They can struggle to provide enough hot water for multiple, simultaneous uses.
• Potential for cold water sandwich: If not equipped with a recirculation system, brief periods of cold water can occur between hot water draws.
• Requires specific venting (for gas models): Gas tankless water heaters need proper venting, which can add complexity and cost to the installation.

Is a tankless water heater worth it?

Tankless water heaters offer long-term energy savings, continuous hot water, and space efficiency. However, their upfront cost is higher. It is a worthwhile investment if you have high hot water demand, value energy efficiency, or need to save space.