Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless hot water heaters eliminate the need for energy inefficient water tanks. Instead of heating a predetermined amount of water until it is used, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, making them more efficient will eliminating the chance you will run out of water.

Do away with inefficient water tanks with a tankless heater.

Instead of heating and storing hot water in a tank for future use, a tankless water heater produces water on demand. When hot water is needed, a tankless heater uses an electric element or gas element to heat the water quickly. Therefore the hot water available is theoretically limitless and available to use at any time. Large residential tankless heaters produce 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute. However, smaller units may only be used to power a single fixture, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom shower.

According to some manufacturers, tankless water heaters use up to half of the energy of a traditional water heater and tank system. Water heaters are responsible for an estimated 20 to 30 percent of overall residential energy usage, allowing homeowners to reduce 10 to 15 percent of their energy usage. Tankless water heaters also have a much higher energy factor than traditional water heaters. Another green feature is the ability to replace parts on a tankless water heater, rather than buying a new unit. Traditional water tanks are discarded every eight to ten years, creating more landfill waste.

When choosing a tankless heater, it is important to consider the work load and power sources available. Installing a model that is not equipped to produce enough hot water for your household will only end in frustration, so make your calculations carefully and don't be afraid to call the manufacturer directly.

Electric: Electric water heaters are best for homeowners that want to install them without help. When choosing an electric heater, you must consider voltage, amperage, and circuit breaker requirements. While many manufacturers heaters in a wide variety of voltages, amperage and circuit breaker requirements are often more difficult to determine. Some units may require a circuit breaker devoted to that unit, and the amp draw of a particular unit may not match your electrical system. Call an electrician to evaluate the home before installation if you have any concerns.

Gas: Gas water heaters should only be installed by licensed professionals due to the potential hazards of a gas leak. They will require venting and careful sizing to make sure that the gas line can properly service them. However, gas heaters tend to have a higher flow per minute than their electric counterparts.

There are three types of tankless water heaters. The smallest, and least expensive, is a single point application heater. They are used to produce hot water for a single appliance, such as a kitchen sink. The second type is the multi point application water heater. A heater of this size could provide hot water for an entire room of appliances. The final type of heater is a whole house application heater, which will heat water for a whole house.

Calculating the flow rate and desired water temperature accurately is essential if you want to have enough hot water for your home. Each appliance in your home that uses hot water will have a flow rate. Appliances that are regularly used together, such as using a shower and dishwasher at the same time, should have their flow rates added together. Once the flow rate is calculated, the incoming water temperature and the desired water temperature should be determined. Subtract the incoming water temperature from the desired water temperature to determine the temperature the water must raise the water for your desired application. Both of these numbers are essential when picking a tankless water heater that will service your home.

While a tankless hot water heater is an excellent way to save energy in most cases, it may not be realistic for your budget. If you are concerned with reducing your energy consumption, there are other energy efficient hot water heater options available. Even small changes can help create a more energy efficient house.

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