| As the name insinuates, a tankless water heater is | | | | is not heated unless it is going to be used. According |
| one that lacks the storage tank of a standard water | | | | to the U.S. Department of Energy (1), a tankless |
| heater. In a storage water heater, water is heated | | | | water heater will consume 24% - 34% less energy |
| within the tank and then released as hot water is | | | | than a storage version in a home that consumes 41 |
| used within the home. When the temperature of | | | | or less gallons of water per day. |
| unused water in the tank falls below the set | | | | Tankless water heaters are available in different |
| temperature, it is reheated to ensure that a ready | | | | capacities that raise the temperature of water by |
| supply of hot water is available at all times. Water | | | | certain amounts based on its flow rate, or the |
| within the storage tank is heated and reheated | | | | number of gallons per minute. Bathroom sink faucets, |
| regardless of whether it is needed, resulting in | | | | for example, have a lower flow rate than bathtub |
| wasted energy. | | | | faucets, so less energy is needed to heat the water |
| Tankless models, on the other hand, heat water on | | | | for sink faucets. |
| demand, eliminating the wasted energy associated | | | | Tankles heaters are available in smaller capacities that |
| with the storage models. In tankless heaters, an | | | | can heat water for just one sink or one bathroom, |
| electric element or a gas burner heats water only | | | | or in capacities sufficient for an entire home. The |
| when hot water is demanded. When a hot water | | | | availability of various sizes gives homeowners the |
| faucet is turned on, for instance, unheated water | | | | opportunity to install one for a specific purpose, such |
| travels to the heater and is heated before being | | | | as heating water for a washing machine or |
| transported to the faucet. Because of this | | | | dishwasher. |
| functionality, tankless storage heaters are also called | | | | Tankless heaters have stringent electrical and venting |
| demand or instantaneous water heaters. This | | | | requirements, so hiring a professional for installation is |
| technology results in less wasted energy since water | | | | advised. |