TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Churchwell Plumbing
HOW DO TANKLESS WATER HEATERS WORK?
Tankless water heaters turn cold water hot almost as quickly as it can flow through the unit. When a hot water valve is opened at a fixture and water begins to flow through the heater, the flow sensor fires the burner (or heating element in electric models). Water lines coil around the heat exchanger, heating water to the desired temperature. When the valve is closed, the flow sensor turns off the burner.
Tankless Water Heater Process
1. When a hot water tap is opened unit detects the flow.
2. The flow sensor activates to determine the amount of hot water needed.
3. The igniter activates
4. The gas control valve opens to supply the correct amount of gas.
5. The fan and venture activate to provide the correct amount of as and fuel.
6. The premix burner ignites providing a flame to heat the water.
7. Cold water is pre-heated in the secondary heat exchanger.
8. Pre-heated water passes from the secondary to the primary heat exchanger.
9. The unit determines the outgoing set temperature and adjusts the flame to heat the water.
10. Heated water moves to the buffer tank.
11. Desired hot water amount delivered to the faucet.
Instant & Continuous Hot Water
Navien condensing tankless water heaters can provide you with an endless supply of hot water. Navien’s condensing tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. Navien achieves this by activation the unit the second you open a water tap, supplying you with an endless supply of hot water. Conventional tank-type water heaters eventually run out of hot water when you take multiple draws in a row from the tank. Since Navien Tankless water heaters only provide hot water when you need it and can provide an endless supply of hot water, you never have to worry about running out of hot water no matter how many hot water draws you have in a row.
Why Choose Tankless Over Tank Water Heater?
Navien condensing water heaters have on of the highest gas efficiency ratings on the market, with up to a 0.96 rating. Navien achieves this rating through the use of two stainless steel heat exchangers, which are used in combination to preheat the water before it moves to the primary heat exchanger to be heated to the right temperature for the end user. Navien uses condensing technology in the preheating of the water in the first heat exchanger and drips away any excess heat so the remaining exhaust heat can be vented out through schedule 40 PVC.
Tankless Water Heaters Take Up Less Space
Navien tankless water heaters are not only more efficient for you home, they also free up more valuable space. A standard tank water heater can take up a whole closet or garage space, where a tankless water heater will take up a smaller space and hang on the wall.
Accurate Temperature Control
In tankless water heaters, water lines coil around the heat exchanger, heating water to the desired temperature.
Runs Only When Needed
Tankless water heaters don’t keep a supply of hot water on hand; they heat water only as needed. One of the biggest down falls of tank water heaters is standby heat loss. If hot water is used only for taking a couple of showers in the morning and for using the dishwasher at night, a lot of energy is wasted keeping water hot while your at work or sleeping. With tankless the water is heated on demand by flow sensors igniting by your valve being turned on; once your valve is turned off the flow sensors turn off the burner.
Heat Exchangers
In a tank water heater is copper heat exchangers that in time become corroded and rust. In a tankless water heater are stainless steel heat exchangers that resist corrosion better than copper to prevent longer life.
Cost Of a Tankless Water Heater
While tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront they will save you money in the long run. While tankless only runs on command, a tank runs at all times… Think of this analogy, would you leave your car idling when not in use for a long period of time? With tank water heaters they are basically idling while not in use. Even if nobody draws from the hot water, you’re using gas and energy with a tank-type system!
Also take into consideration that the purchase price of a tank water heater is only a portion of the money you’ll invest. Life-cycle costs include installation, operation, maintenance, and eventually replacement of your water heater. Most tank water heaters have a life expectancy/warranty of 6 years. Navien Tankless water heaters have warranty of 15 years.