Ditch the Tank: How to Choose a Tankless Water Heater

March 21, 2024 Roger Neustadt how to choose a tankless water heater

When deciding what to consider when buying a hot water heater gas or electric, several important factors should guide your decision:

1. Energy Efficiency
Gas water heaters typically have lower operating costs due to the lower price of natural gas than electricity. However, electric models, especially heat pump water heaters, can be more energy-efficient in the long run.
2. Installation Costs
Electric water heaters are generally less expensive to purchase and install, as they don’t require venting. Gas models may have higher upfront costs due to the need for proper ventilation and gas line connections.
3. Available Fuel Source
The available fuel sources in your home may limit your choice. If you don’t have a natural gas line, an electric water heater might be your only option.
4. Space and Ventilation
Gas water heaters require proper ventilation, which can limit installation locations. Electric models are more flexible in terms of placement.
5. Lifespan and Maintenance
Electric water heaters typically have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance compared to gas models.
6. Environmental Impact
Electric water heaters can be more environmentally friendly, especially if your electricity comes from renewable sources.

Key Takeaways

See the 10 Best Tankless Water Heaters 2024!
Tankless water heaters save space and energy by heating water only when needed. They can be 34% more efficient for homes using less than 41 gallons of hot water daily.
There are three main types of tankless water heaters: natural gas, electric, and propane. Natural gas units heat water fast for big families but need venting. Electric models are good for small spaces and easier to install, but they might raise your electricity bill. Propane heaters also require venting but work well with no natural gas.
When choosing a tankless heater, consider how much hot water you use. Look at the gallons per minute (GPM) rating to ensure it meets your needs without wasting energy.
With help from a professional plumber, pick the right size heater to ensure you have enough hot water and save energy.
Maintenance tasks like cleaning filters and yearly checks should be considered to keep the heater running well for up to 20 years.

Determining the best tankless water heater for your home can be mind-boggling. Every home is different, from virtually nonstop showers to putting their dishwasher through the wringer at prime times.

Sometimes, the details may be too technical to follow, but this could easily be missed in the midst of it: getting that perfect hot shower when most required.

Tankless water heaters can be up to 34% more energy-efficient in homes whose daily demand for hot water never exceeds 41 gallons. This article helps you wade through the maze of choices.

We can help you decide how much hot water you need, the best size for your home, and whether gas or electric will serve you best. Ready to find your perfect hot water solution? Let’s heat things up!

Understanding Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand without a bulky storage tank. It’s efficient, saving space and energy for your home.

What is a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water only as needed. They are a far cry from traditional tanks that always heat water and then heat it again, heating water directly without storage.

Cold water is run through a pipe into the unit, where a gas burner or an electric element heats it. This gives you an instant hot water supply at your tap without waiting for the tank to refill or reheat.

The tankless heating system has become available in many options: natural gas, propane, and electric models, all of which benefit from the different types of energy in your home.

For example, electric units contain thick copper rods that aid in quickly heating the water. The thick copper rods ensure uniform heat distribution and save a lot of energy, as electrical infrastructure is well arranged in houses.

Different factors determine which home model is most suitable, such as flow rate requirements and the groundwater temperature in your area. But next, let’s see how you can pinpoint the perfect size for your home.

Types of tankless water heaters

How to choose a tankless water heater? By choosing correctly, you can save space and reduce energy consumption. Understanding the different types will help you make an informed decision.

Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters—These heaters use natural gas to heat water quickly and are ideal for homes with existing gas lines. They offer high gallons-per-minute (GPM) rates, making them suitable for families needing lots of hot water simultaneously. However, they require a ventilation system to expel exhaust gases safely.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters – Electric models are perfect for smaller homes and apartments with limited space. They cost less upfront than gas models and don’t need a venting system, but they might lead to higher electricity bills. Installation involves hooking up to your home’s electrical system and may include upgrading your electrical panel to handle the load.
Propane Tankless Water Heaters—Similar to natural gas heaters, propane units provide hot water on demand using propane as their fuel source. They’re a great option if your home doesn’t have access to natural gas but still wants the performance of a gas heater. Like their natural gas counterparts, these heaters also need proper ventilation.

Each type has unique features, like energy efficiency ratings and temperature rise capabilities. Consider what best suits your home’s needs—prioritizing energy conservation with an electric model or meeting peak hot water demand with a natural gas or propane heater. Remember to check the installation requirements, like plumbing enhancements or adding a ventilation system, which could influence your final choice.

How they work

From the types of tankless water heaters presented above, it can be said that the operation mechanism is quite different. The commonly followed process by all these tankless water heaters lies in the way hot water is delivered. A tankless water heater delivers heated water without needing a storage tank.

A cold water pipe flows into the unit when the hot water tap is turned on. An electric element or a gas burner then heats the water inside.

This method ensures that tankless water heaters deliver a constant hot water supply. You don’t have to wait for the storage tank to fill with enough hot water; this allows the heater to adapt smoothly to your demands, for example, if you want a quick shower, laundry, or even hot tub. So, it gives room for efficiency in energy conversation.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

Picking the right tankless water heater means knowing what matters most for your home. Let’s explore how to make that choice with confidence and smart planning.

Determine your hot water needs

how to choose the best tankless water heater

For a start, consider your house’s hot water requirements: the volume of hot water required and the temperature level of various appliances, including the shower, washing machines, dishwashers, and any other appliance that requires hot water.

It will enable you to determine the capacity of the tankless water heater that will serve you best for a number of your home appliances that need hot water.

Consider the volume of GPM gallons per minute; it is essential, given that you need to know how many gallons of hot water your heater will have to discharge at one time. It requires quite a few BTUs (British Thermal Units) to rapidly heat the cold water; hence, sizing is a very important decision for your home’s efficiency and comfort.

Choose the right size

The first important step is to choose the right-sized tankless water heater. This will ensure that you have enough hot water yet do not waste energy. Count the number of bathrooms depending on the number of people in a household.

A small unit might not keep up if you use lots of hot water at once.

Seek professional advice from an experienced plumber. He will be in a good position to tell you the right size for loads from the shower or even the dishwasher. That way, you do not have to guess, and you do not have to use all that unnecessary energy every day.

Select the appropriate power source (natural gas, propane, electric)

After figuring out the right size for your tankless water heater, the next step is to pick a power source. Your choice between natural gas, propane, and electric will impact the unit’s efficiency, installation requirements, and running costs. Let’s look at what each option offers:

Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters: These units require a ventilation system to expel exhaust gases safely outside your home. They are known for higher flow rates, meaning they can heat more water faster than electric models—ideal if you have a large family or high hot water demands. Keep in mind that installing the ventilation might add to the initial cost.
Propane Tankless Water Heaters: Similar to natural gas heaters, propane models also need venting for safety. However, they use propane stored in tanks as their fuel source. This can be a great option if you don’t have access to natural gas lines or prefer storing your own fuel supply. Remember, you must monitor your propane levels to avoid running out.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters: One of their biggest perks is that they don’t require complicated venting systems, making them easier and often cheaper to install than gas or propane options. Electric heaters are perfect for smaller spaces and have less environmental impact since no combustion is involved. However, they typically have lower flow rates and might increase your electricity bill depending on usage.

Each type has its benefits and, in the same manner, limitations; it all boils down to what will suit the setup in your home the best and, of course, what will accord with your energetic preferences. Think about the cost of purchase, long-term, such as fuel price, and how much saving from low energy usage.

Finally, consider the local climatic conditions; cold incoming groundwater requires a heater with high heating elements, usually in gas-powered heaters.

Last but not least, always consult with professionals for installation, especially in the case of gas and propane units that need exact handling of the pipe fittings and have an excellent scope of ventilation knowledge.

Consider maintenance requirements

Keeping the tankless water heater in prime condition will need to be regularly maintained. The filter will have to be cleaned from time to time for it to be free from any clogging, thus increasing its efficiency. Arrange for a yearly inspection by a professional.

It ensures that all functions run effectively, helping to keep the unit working for up to 20 years. Such maintenance is key to ensuring uninterrupted hot water while saving part of the costs associated with the energy bill.

Well-maintained equipment saves energy and performs more effectively. It helps identify problems at their first stages, such as corrosion or scale on the heat exchanger and helps avoid costly repairs.

Remember these easy steps, and your tankless water heater will operate smoothly for many years to come, providing space savings and reduced energy consumption every time you turn the tap on.

Condensing vs. Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters

Choosing between condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters is critical in ensuring you have a system that meets your home’s hot water needs efficiently and cost-effectively. Here’s a detailed comparison to help guide your decision:

Feature	Condensing Tankless Water Heaters	Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
Efficiency	Approximately 10% more efficient than non-condensing models.	Less energy efficient compared to condensing models.
Exhaust Temperature	Cooler exhaust allows venting with PVC pipes.	Hotter exhaust requires metal venting.
Initial Cost	Typically more expensive to purchase.	Less expensive upfront compared to condensing models.
Operating Cost	Lower operating costs due to higher efficiency.	Higher operating costs.
Venting and Installation	More flexible installation options due to cooler exhaust.	May require more complex venting solutions.

It really just boils down to cost consideration versus long-term savings, efficiency, and venting. While condensing tankless water heaters have a higher outlay of capital at the beginning, the cost to operate is lower, and it will, over time, more than defray the upfront cost difference by way of energy savings. Non-condensing units usually give a higher energy bill but can be very attractive for their much lower purchase price. Consider the requirements and installation in your home.

Other Factors to Consider

As such, finding the best tankless water heater is not just finding the type you decide upon. It involves knowing if the type or size is one that you should consider installing in a certain place and whether you will need specific features. Indoor vs. outdoor setups will change how they work, while DIY vs. professional grade will affect longevity and durability.

Well, how does professional installation save you time in setting up your system and possibly some of your money? It also helps save the environment from your hard-earned money through energy efficiency.

Indoor vs. outdoor installation

Indoor tankless water heaters are saved from harsh weather, as they avoid being exposed to freezing temperatures, which could be disastrous for the system. Installation inside also protects your heat exchangers and water pipes from ruining, hence increasing the life expectancy of your heater.

This choice is great for those who experience severe winters.

This makes for a much easier layout to arrange outdoor installations. Moreover, they are simple because the heaters are placed outside. The units do not require venting through walls or roofs; therefore, the installation is far less intrusive. Just bear in mind that outdoor heaters would have to be installed in such a way as to be exposed to outdoor weather. This will free up indoor space, but remember to consider if they will be exposed to outside weather conditions and possible security risks.

Special features (e.g., DIY vs. professional installation)

One has to make a choice between doing it himself or seeking professional help for the installation of the tankless water heater; it is something that should be carefully considered. One really needs to be very considerate about his skill level, experience, and available time.

Sure, doing it yourself should save money in the long run, but it surely comes with a full load of issues, from sweating and soldering to interpreting elaborate instructions. Professionals do that every day; they will take care of everything from the installation of the relief pressure valve to properly setting up airflow.

You should consider the costs versus the benefits of everything. Of course, hiring professionals may increase the cost, but it usually accords peace of mind through warranties or assurances that your investment is protected from mishaps or faulty installation.

It is worth considering: whether to do the work yourself or hire a professional largely depends on weighing these variables, such as your comfort with HVAC systems, how much time you have, and how much the safeguarded warranty is worth.

Energy efficiency

With all these great tankless water heater features, it’s time to consider its energy efficiency. Tankless models can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than traditional storage tanks.

This significant reduction in energy consumption leads to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

An energy-efficient water heater that does its service to you, your pocket, and planet Earth. Check for units with the highest GPM (gallons per minute) rating to ensure that your home benefits and does not waste an ounce of heat or another resource.

By selecting a model optimized for efficiency, you ensure warm showers with reduced guilt over energy use.

Final Thoughts

The selection of a good, decent tankless heater for your home is an important decision, and some paramount things to consider ensure the best requirement fulfillment in this regard.

First, you must know how much hot water you use at home. That is the number of showers, dishwashers, washing machines, etc. This will indicate the right unit size in terms of the gallons per minute (GPM) required.

Decide on a heater type you would prefer to purchase. Once you’ve decided, it’s time to figure out the heating source: gas, electric, or propane. Gas heaters may give out more hot water, but there must be venting in the home. On the other hand, electric heaters are just right for small spaces and are easy to install. Propane will work just fine if one has no natural gas available.

You may also call an experienced plumber, who will ensure you purchase the heater of the perfect size and assist in mounting it; proper installation is very important for safety and for the heater to work properly.

Remember that a tankless heater also requires certain service. An experienced person should clear the filter at least monthly and look it over once a year to guarantee many years of proper running.

A tankless water heater may cost more upfront, but it will actually save a lot by using less energy than a traditional heater. Just do your research, and enjoy infinite hot water whenever and wherever you need it!

FAQs

1. What is a tankless water heater, and how does it work?

A tankless water heater heats water directly without using a storage tank. When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, and either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. This means you get hot water on demand without waiting for a tank to fill up!

2. Why should I consider getting a tankless water heater?

Think about this: no more running out of hot water during back-to-back showers! Plus, your energy consumption will decrease because there’s no need to keep gallons of water hot in a tank. Imagine lower utility bills every month while enjoying endless hot showers.

3. How do I know what size tankless water heater I need for my home?

Your perfect match depends on the flow rate –gallons per minute (GPM) – and temperature rise needed in your home. First, add the GPM for all devices you use simultaneously (like showers and sinks). Then, find out how much temperature increase is required from incoming to desired output temperatures… It sounds complex, but don’t worry – manufacturers provide guides to help you choose just right.