Are you tired of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower? Or maybe you’re frustrated with the high energy bills and constant maintenance required for traditional water heaters? If so, you’re not alone.
Traditional water heaters store and heat a large amount of water in a tank, which means you’re constantly paying to keep that water hot, even when you’re not using it.
Plus, over time, the tank can build up sediment, rust, and other debris, which can lead to reduced efficiency and costly repairs.
But what if there was a better way? Enter tankless water heaters.
These innovative systems provide instant hot water on demand, without the need for a bulky tank. Not only are they more energy-efficient and cost-effective, but they also take up less space and require less maintenance.
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, have been gaining popularity in recent years.
They are energy-efficient and provide hot water on demand, making them a great alternative to traditional tank water heaters.
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Most important reasons that Tankless Water Heaters are the future of home heating systems:
Energy efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of this heaters is their energy efficiency.
They only heat water when you need it. They use less energy overall and can help you save money on your energy bills over time.
Instant hot water
With a traditional water heater, you must wait for the tank to fill up with hot water before you can use it.
This can lead to running out of hot water, especially if you have a large family or use a lot of hot water throughout the day.
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, so you never have to wait for the tank to refill.
Whether you’re taking a shower, doing the dishes, or washing clothes, you’ll always have hot water when you need it.
Cost-effectiveness
They can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Because they use less energy overall, they can help you save money on your energy bills over time.
They also tend to last longer than traditional water heaters, so you’ll save money on replacement costs in the future.
Space-saving
Finally, They are space-saving. They don’t require a bulky tank like traditional water heaters, which means they take up less space in your home.
They can be installed almost anywhere, from a closet to a small utility room, which makes them ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
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Tankless water heaters vs Traditional tank water heaters in terms of energy cost savings:
| Cost Savings | Tankless Water Heater | Traditional Tank Water Heater |
| Energy Usage | Uses less energy overall, leading to lower energy bills | Constant heating of water in the tank leads to higher energy bills |
| Lifespan | Typically lasts longer than traditional tank water heaters, leading to savings on replacement costs | Needs to be replaced more frequently, leading to higher replacement costs |
| Maintenance | Requires less maintenance and fewer repairs, leading to lower costs | May require more frequent maintenance and repairs, leading to higher costs |
| Upfront Cost | Generally more expensive upfront | Generally less expensive upfront |
What are the types of tankless water heaters?
Gas-powered and electric-powered.
- Gas-powered use natural gas or propane to heat water.
They are more powerful than electric-powered tankless water heaters, which means that they can provide hot water to multiple appliances at the same time.
- Electric-powered use electricity to heat water.
They are less powerful than gas-powered tankless water heaters, which means that they are best suited for smaller households.
| Gas-Powered Tankless Water Heaters | Electric-Powered Tankless Water Heaters | |
| Power Source | Natural gas or propane | Electricity |
| Energy Efficiency | High | High |
| Heating Capacity | High | Low |
| Installation Cost | High | Low |
| Operating Cost | Low | High |
| Venting Requirements | Yes | No |
| Environmental Impact | Emit greenhouse gases | Less environmentally friendly |
What is the average cost of putting in a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heater installation cost varies depending on the type and size of the unit.
Gas-powered heaters are more expensive to install than electric-powered water heaters because they require additional venting.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a tankless water heater is $1,795. However, this cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the model and installation requirements.
Here is a list of some high-quality tankless water heaters:
| Model | Type | Average Cost |
| Navien NPE-240S-NG | Gas | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| Rinnai RUR98iN | Gas | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Rheem Prestige RTGH-95XLN | Gas | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 Plus | Electric | $1,000 – $1,200 |
| EcoSmart ECO 48 | Electric | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Rinnai Tankless Water Heater RUCS75iN | Gas | $1,500 – $2,000 |
What Size Do I Need?
The size of the tankless water heater you need depends on the size of your household and your hot water usage. You can use this formula to determine the size of the unit you need:
- Determine the maximum flow rate of hot water you need at any given time (in gallons per minute or GPM). For example, if you need hot water for a shower and a dishwasher at the same time, you might need 2.5 GPM.
- Look for a tankless water heater that can provide at least the maximum flow rate you need.
For a family of four, a heater with a flow rate of at least 7-10 gallons per minute and a temperature rise of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient.
This will ensure that you have enough hot water to run multiple appliances at once, such as a shower and a washing machine, without running out of hot water.
Therefore, it’s important to choose a unit that is the right size for your needs.
What is the downside of tankless water heaters?
One of the biggest downsides is the upfront cost of installation.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive to install than traditional tank water heaters, and the cost can be a barrier for some homeowners.
Another downside is that gas-powered water heaters emit greenhouse gases, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Electric-powered water heaters are less environmentally friendly than gas-powered tankless water heaters, but they still require electricity to operate.
What is the lifespan of tankless water heater?
The lifespan is typically longer than a traditional tank water heater.
They can last up to 20 years or more, while traditional tank water heaters typically last between 6-12 years.
However, the lifespan can be affected by factors such as water quality, maintenance, and usage.
How is Tankless Water Heater Maintenance?
They require regular maintenance to ensure that they operate efficiently and last as long as possible.
Here are some maintenance tasks that should be performed:
- Flushing the unit to remove mineral buildup.
- Checking and cleaning the air intake filter (gas-powered units only)
- Checking the pressure relief valve
- Inspecting the unit for any leaks or damage
- Checking and cleaning the burner (gas-powered units only)
It’s important to have a professional plumber perform these maintenance tasks to ensure that they are done correctly.
How long can you run a tankless water heater?
They can run continuously if there is a demand for hot water. However, they do have a limit to the amount of hot water they can provide at any given time.
If you exceed the maximum flow rate of the unit, the water will not be hot enough. It’s important to choose a unit that can provide enough hot water for your household’s needs.
How long it takes to replace a tank water heater with tankless water heater?
The length of time it takes can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the installation and the size of the unit being installed.
On average, a professional plumber can complete a installation in 4-6 hours. However, this timeline may be longer if the installation requires additional plumbing work, electrical work, or gas line installations.
