A tankless hot water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, heats water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where it is heated by a gas burner or electric element. This delivers a constant supply of hot water, eliminating the need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.

Unlike traditional tank water heaters that heat and store a predetermined amount of water, tankless water heaters heat water only when it is needed. This difference can result in more efficient energy use, lower energy bills, and continuous hot water availability.

Tankless water heaters are generally more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters because they eliminate the need to maintain a large supply of pre-heated water. Many models have an Energy Factor (EF) rating of 0.96 or higher, meaning they convert almost all the energy they use into heating water, reducing wasted energy and utility costs.

One of the advantages of tankless water heaters is their compact size. Unlike traditional water heaters that can take up significant floor space, tankless units are small and can be installed in tighter spaces, such as closets, under cabinets, or mounted on an interior or exterior wall.

Yes, there are models designed to supply enough hot water for an entire household. It’s important to choose a model that matches your water usage needs based on how many gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water the unit can produce. Your installer, such as 3R Plumbing & Mechanical, can help you determine the appropriate size based on your water demand.