In a Tankless Water Heater, in order to properly heat your water to temperature, the tankless unit uses something called a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger transfers energy from electric coils or gas burners to your water in order to heat the water. In this article, we will describe what tankless water heater heat exchangers are, how they work, and why they are important.
What Is a Heat Exchanger?
A tankless water heater heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from one source to another. There are heat exchangers in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and car radiator. In this case, it’s transferring the energy generated by electric coils or gas-fired burners to the water that comes out of your faucet. This exchanger would be activated by an incoming flow of hot water when you turn on the tap for hot water at home. When you do so, the cold initial flow will activate the exchanger to transfer its stored energy into heating up your drinking/showering/washing machine, etc…water before it gets down your pipes!
There are many tankless unit models available with different types of tankless water heater heat exchangers. You have the option of choosing electric coils or a gas-fired burner as your energy source.
Electric Tankless Heaters
The tankless water heater with an electrical coil heat exchanger is activated by a flow switch that monitors the inlet water temperature and starts the heating process when it gets cold enough. The switch remains on until the outlet water reaches the setpoint temperature, then turns off. This type of tankless unit can be installed almost anywhere since there is no exhaust vent required.
Gas-Fired Units
However, if you choose to go with a tankless water heater that has a gas-fired burner heat exchanger, beware! These models must be installed near an exterior wall and require a combustion air supply and an exhaust vent to the outdoors.
Why Is The Heat Exchanger Important?
The heat exchanger is an important part of your tankless water heater. It’s what helps to raise the water temperature so you can have a piping-hot shower when you want it! Make sure to research the different types of heat exchangers available before making your purchase, in order to find the best tankless water heater for your needs.
