A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater or instantaneous water heater, works by heating water as it flows through the unit, providing hot water on demand. If you have any questions about tankless water heaters contact Golden Valley Plumbing. Here’s how it works:

1. Cold Water Inlet: When you turn on a hot water tap or appliance, cold water from the supply line enters the tankless water heater.
2. Flow Sensor: A flow sensor detects the water flow and signals the heating element to start.
3. Heating Element: Tankless water heaters heat the water using either electric heating elements or a gas burner. Gas tankless heaters use a burner and heat exchanger to rapidly heat the passing water, while electric tankless heaters use electrical elements to heat the water.
4. Heat Exchanger (Gas Tankless): In a gas tankless water heater, the cold water passes through a heat exchanger where it is heated by the gas burner’s flames. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the burner to the water without mixing it, ensuring that the water is heated instantly and without the need for a storage tank.
5. Temperature Control: You can usually adjust the desired temperature of the hot water using a control panel on the tankless water heater or a remote control. The unit continuously monitors the water temperature to maintain a consistent output temperature.
6. Hot Water Outlet: The heated water exits the tankless water heater and flows directly to your faucet, shower, or appliance, delivering hot water on demand.
7. Shutdown: When you turn off the hot water tap or appliance, the flow of water stops. The tankless water heater detects the decrease in flow and automatically shuts off the heating element or burner, conserving energy until hot water is needed again.

Key advantages of tankless water heaters include their energy efficiency, as they only heat water when you need it, which can lead to energy savings compared to traditional storage tank water heaters. Additionally, tankless units are typically more compact and have a longer lifespan. Golden Valley Plumbing serves all of Sacramento and the surrounding area.