How To Choose The Best Tankless Water Heater

Key Takeaways

• 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 a day.
• 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 where there’s no natural gas.
• When choosing a tankless heater, consider how much hot water you use. Look at the gallons per minute (GPM) rating to make sure it meets your needs without wasting energy.
• Pick the right size heater with help from a professional plumber 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.
• See the 10 Best Tankless Water Heaters 2024!

Trying to work out the best tankless water heater for your home can honestly be a bit mind-boggling sometimes. Every home is just so different: from virtually non-stop showers to putting their dishwasher through the ringer at prime times.

The detail sometimes 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.

Actually, 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 gives you hot water on demand without a bulky storage tank. They’re 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 most definitely a far cry from traditional tanks always heating water and then heating it again, heating water directly without storage.

Cold water is run through a pipe into the unit, where either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. It gets you an instant supply of hot water 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 bringing benefits thanks to the different types of energy in your home.

For example, electric units contain thick copper rods that aid in heating the water very fast. The thick copper rods make sure the distribution of heat is uniform, and they also enable a lot of energy to be saved where electrical infrastructure is well arranged in houses.

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

Types of tankless water heaters

Choosing the right tankless water heater can save space and reduce energy consumption. Understanding the different types will help you make an informed decision.

1. 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.
2. Electric Tankless Water Heaters – Electric models are perfect for smaller homes and apartments where space is limited. 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.
3. 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 fits best for 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 heats the water inside afterward.

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 filling up your 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

For a start, consider the hot water requirements in your house: the volume of hot water required, and the temperature level by various appliances, ranging from the shower to washing machines, dishwasher, and any other appliance that requires hot water.

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

Take into consideration 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 towards your home’s efficiency and comfort.

Choose the right size

The very first important is to choose the right-sized tankless water heater. This will ensure that you have enough amount of 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 a professional’s advice from any experienced plumber, and he will be in a good position to tell you the right size that you need 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:

1. Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters: These units require a ventilation system to expel exhaust gases outside your home safely. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 impact on the environment since there’s no combustion 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 will require a heater with high heating elements, usually present 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 works are supposed to 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 that may be associated with the energy bill.

Well-maintained equipment saves energy and performs more effectively. It contributes to identifying problems at their first stages, such as corrosion or scale on the heat exchanger, and helps to 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 would decide upon. It involves knowing if the type or size, for that matter, is one that you should consider installing in a certain place and whether you will need specific features or not. Indoor vs. outdoor setups will change how they work, while DIY vs. professional grade will affect the longevity and durability.

Well, how does professional installation save you time in setting up your system and possibly some of your money? Helps in saving 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 carefully be 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 surely it comes along 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 airflow properly set up.

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: doing the work yourself or hiring 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 to you.

Energy efficiency

With all such great features of the tankless water heater, now it’s time to think about its efficiency in using energy. The tankless models can be 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than the 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 a highest GPM (gallons per minute) rating to ensure that your home benefits, and not waste an ounce of heat or other 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 home is really an important decision, and there are some paramount things to consider ensuring the best requirement fulfillment in this regard.

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

Decide on a heater type you would prefer to purchase, and once you’ve made that decision, now it’s time to figure the heating source: gas, electric, or propane. Gas heaters may give out more hot water, but in the home, there must be venting. Electrics, on the other hand, 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 proceed to call an experienced plumber, who will make sure 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 right.

And don’t forget that a tankless heater also requires certain service. It will be good if the filter is cleared at least monthly and looked through once a year by an experienced person, so that many years of proper running are guaranteed.

A tankless water heater may cost more money up front, but in the end, if you consider it, it will actually save a whole 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, because there’s no need to keep gallons of water hot in a tank, your energy consumption will go down. 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 up the GPM for all devices you might use at once (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.