How to Choose a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters heat water on-demand and are energy-efficient. A professional plumber should install them, but the savvy homeowner wants details about their tankless water heater.
There are two kinds of tankless water heaters: gas or electric. Gas tankless water heaters are more efficient and heat water faster than the electric ones.
Tankless water heaters are available in numerous sizes, and the most significant question we get from our plumbing customers is the size that will be most effective for you. Size is the key while selecting a tankless water heater as choosing one that is too small won’t provide enough hot water for your household needs, and selecting a big one will cost you more, and you may find yourself overpaying for what you may never use.
Here are some factors that will facilitate your choice of the right tankless water heater size:
Household size
When appropriately configured, the tankless water heater can deliver hot water to the entire household, but you will need a large heater as small ones won’t be able to serve the whole house. Considering the size and occupancy of the home is crucial because a bigger heater is required for multiple people using the shower, washing dishes with a faucet, and doing laundry at the same time. Calculating the maximum simultaneous water usage during peak hours will help you choose the right size of the heater. A small one will suffice where the hot water requirement is for one task at a time.
Flow rate
Flow rate per minute is the next consideration while choosing the right tankless water heater size. The quantity and types of fixtures it will serve in your house determines the size of a tankless water heater. GPM (gallons per minute) or flow rate is the result you get after the calculation. Add the flow rate of each fixture that uses hot water to get your maximum GPM. So, if the tankless water heater supplies hot water to two showers and a kitchen faucet, we assume the peak demand of the shower is 2.5 GPM, and the kitchen faucet is 0.75GPM, then your total peak demand for hot water is 5.75 GPM
Temperature rise
Once you recognize the amount of hot water needed per minute, the subsequent thing to work out is how hot the water should be. Temperature rise is the difference between the temperature of the water getting in the tank and the outgoing hot water. For example, the incoming water temperature is 50-degrees Fahrenheit, and you want the temperature of the water coming out of your tankless water heater to be around 105-degrees Fahrenheit, you will need a water heater that produces a temperature increase of 55 degrees. You can use a ground temperature map to find out your region’s average groundwater temperature. Choose a tankless water heater that best matches the calculated flow rate and temperature rise needs.
A tankless water heater should supply sufficient hot water at a comfortable temperature during the peak usage time. We can help you select a size that meets or exceeds your peak hot water needs. Sizing is essential to induce the most benefits out of your tankless water heater. Decide between a gas or an electric tankless water heater depending on your home hookups. Once you are sure of the size, and you are prepared for your purchase.
If you have any questions about the size, model, flow rate, or location of your tankless water heater, we can answer them either before or during installation.
Trust MNS Plumbing, a licensed and friendly plumber in the Phoenix area, for all your gas water heaters, electric water heaters, and gas line installation and repair needs.
