Southlake, TX – May 21, 2010 – Tankless water heaters, already rapidly displacing conventional tank-type heaters in American homes because they are vastly more efficient than traditional tank-type heaters, just got better with new technology that makes them ultra-efficient.
Condensing tankless water heaters from industry-leader Rinnai offer unheard-of operating efficiency of up to 97%. In plain terms, 97% of the gas a homeowner pays for is used to heat water. Until now, tankless water heater energy efficiency percentages have topped out in the low 80s (compared to tank-type heaters performing in the high 50s).
Master plumber Jamie Wooldridge said Rinnai uses an innovative design with two heat exchangers to boost performance. As cold water passes through a copper heat exchanger a gas flame heats it to a pre-set temperature. The new wrinkle is that before the cold water gets to the copper exchanger, it passes through a stainless steel heat exchanger where it is pre-heated by the hot exhaust gasses created by the flame.
“It’s an ingenious design,” Wooldridge, president of Berkeys Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, said. “Using exhaust gasses to pre-heat the water means a condensing tankless water heater uses less gas, saves money and dramatically reduces carbon dioxide emissions.”
Tankless water heaters have rapidly gained popularity in the past five years because they deliver operating savings of up to 40%, offer an endless supply of hot water and are quite small – about the size of an airline carry-on bag. The small size allows them to be installed in more places and closer to where people use hot water, so water can arrive at the tap faster.
Wooldridge said his customers have been asking for tankless water heaters more each year. In 2008 Berkeys installed more tankless heaters than tank-type heaters, and the percentage continues to increase every year.
“We believe condensing tankless water heater technology may sound the bell for the final round in tank-type water heaters,” Wooldridge said. “The combined benefits of cost savings, protection of the environment and better performance make a compelling case for condensing tankless heaters. Homeowners who install the Rinnai models we offer by December 31this year also will be able to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,500.”
About Berkeys
Berkeys Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has specialized in the needs of homeowners in Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Flower Mound for 35 years. Berkeys reputation for prompt, honest service from licensed and factory trained technicians assures customers the best in professional service and equipment. To learn more, call Berkeys at 1-877-BERKEYS, or visit our Website at www.berkeys.com.