Because of their size, tankless water heaters might seem easy enough to shop for and purchase on your own. However, there are few crucial factors that you absolutely should know before making an investment in this energy-efficient appliance.
1. What is your home’s preexisting fuel source?
What powers your current water heater: electricity or gas? Keep in mind that switching fuel sources is going to add steps to the installation process. Switching to a gas-powered water heater will involve installing a new gas line. Switching to a water heater powered by electricity might make an additional circuit necessary in your home so that no current circuits get overloaded.
2. What flow rate will your water heater need to meet your hot water requirements?
The water heater’s flow rate is how many gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water it can deliver. When considering how big the flow rate needs to be for your home, you’ll need to think about how you use hot water.
- Are one or more showers frequently used in your home simultaneously?
- Do you tend to run water-using appliances while someone in your household is showering?
The more hot water you use at the same time, the higher your water heater’s flow rate must be. Some especially large and busy households install two tankless water heaters: one for the bathrooms and the other for appliances and the kitchen.
3. What temperature rise do you need?
In a traditional tank water heater, cold water has a chance to warm up inside the tank, where it’s stored and continuously heated throughout the day. Conversely, tankless water heaters don’t store water, and they need to be capable of heating water as it passes through them quickly.
This means you need a tankless water heater that can easily overcome the difference between your inflowing cold water’s temperature and your desired temperature. That difference is known as the temperature rise.
Columbus Tankless Water Heater Installation
With these crucial factors to consider, it’s always helpful to involve a professional plumber in your water heater purchase so that you can be sure you’re buying a model that’s an ideal fit for your household. At The Rooter Works Plumbing and Drains, our water heater installation experts specialize in making your switch from “tank to tankless” straightforward and stress-free: (614) 412-3324.
