Questions About Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Do you have questions about tankless wateryour electrical panel, installation is pretty simple. With
heaters? Here are a few things that can help youa good plumbing and wiring book, basic tools and a
find the right heater for you. Choosing the right sizefree day is all you need to install your own.
unit is different from ordinary tank type. The bestBig Advantages
tankless is rated by temperature rise and rate ofSince tankless hot water heaters sit unused 80
flow.percent of the time installing a tankless unit should be
The Right Capacitya big improvement over your aging unit. And the way
Instead think about how much water you use at onethese units are constructed, with copper, brass and
time. This means flow, or gallons per minutestainless steel replaceable parts, the life cycle is well
determine the power needs of the unit you need.beyond a tank water heater.
This depends on how many hot water outlets couldIt's easy to appreciate the never-ending supply of
be running at the same time. The temperature of thehot water. Of course, over indulgence could cut back
water entering the house also determines it and thaton energy savings. It does mean that a month's
temperature could be anything above freezing,worth of clothes can be washed in a single day
depending on where you live.without waiting for the hot water to recycle.
A typical tankless water heater delivers 2-½ -Tankless hot water heaters can be an economical
5 gallons per minute, depending on groundsolution for vacation homes and weekend retreats.
temperature. The colder the ground temperature, theSmaller units can be placed anywhere in the house as
less water flow available.dedicated on demand units or as a way to minimize
Gas or Electricheat loss through long pipe runs.
Gas units are usually bigger, more powerful and costUse The Resources
more than electric. With installation they could 2-1/2Most manufacturers and installers have maps, graphs,
to 3 times more than an electric or tank type heater.installation guides and other data to help make the
Most models must be installed by a certifiedright decision. Many home improvement stores have
technician because of special needs, like larger gas linesomeone on staff who can answer questions like
and approved air supply and vent. This is beyondminimum ground water temperature in your region.
most home owner's skills but at least oneWater is becoming a growing issue. Whether you are
manufacturer permits DIY installations.using it to wash your hands and face (4 gal) or
Electric tankless water heaters have the advantagewater your lawn (20 percent) there a need for
of costing about the same as a tank type. Once youawareness. A tankless hot water heater is one way
decide on the power rating you need and capacity ofto make a difference.