A tankless water heater promises energy efficient and money-saving values. This appliance is very popular for its many advantages although the price is still quite high. You will have to consider many things before purchasing any product to avoid disappointment. Here is a list of tips on how to choose a tankless water heater.
1. Power Source
In terms of power source, a tankless water heater is available in two variants including gas and electric. Both types use the same heating mechanism, but require different installation procedures. With the electric type, you will need to carefully pay attention to product specifications including voltage, amperage, and the availability of circuit breaker. It is essential that you purchase only an electric water heater that complements the existing electricity installation.
Another variant is gas-powered tankless water heater. If you do not have any reliable knowledge about gas lines and electricity, you should hire a professional to install this appliance in your house. Both types are equally excellent in performance. Read the article for details.
2. Types
Based on size and functions, there are 3 different types available which are single point, multi point, and whole house. The least expensive is a single point type, which will work to its full potential in supplying hot water for an appliance only for example shower. The multi point tankless water heater may supply sufficient amount of water for two or more appliances in the house. It is more expensive compared to the single point type.
The largest one is whole house type. If you install this model, you are not likely to need any additional water heater appliance. The power and capacity should provide hot water for all appliances in the house.
3. Size
To decide the proper size of a tankless water heater to use, you must calculate the average flow rate of your existing appliances. Of course, it is only useful if you frequently use two or more appliances at the same time. Flow rate is the amount of water that flows or comes out from the pipes at a given time (usually minute).
A regular size of tankless water heater can provide 5 to 7 gallons per minute. Your water heater should provide adequate supply when the connected appliances are used together.
Please put in mind that the temperature of the incoming water is probably higher compared to the desired temperature. Normally, a tankless water heater allows to you to adjust the heat. You should only purchase a unit that complements your need.
4. Brand
Some popular brands include Rinnai, Stiebel Eltron, Navien, and Noritz. Rinnai offers a wide variety including luxury series and value series, while Stiebel Eltron brings forward ease-of-use feature.
Navien has the products for both indoor and outdoor installations as well as commercial and residential units. Noritz delivers various sizes of tankless water heaters for residential use.
5. Price
The price varies depending on size and features. In general, the price is relatively expensive compared to tank water heater, but the tankless variants have better durability aspects and long term efficiency values.
Conclusion
You should indeed consider various essential issues concerning tankless water heater. If you need to greatly improve the energy-efficient aspect, you must calculate water flow rate and average temperature also. Fortunately, there are many different products with good specifications available in the market. If you put the mentioned tips on how to choose a tankless water heater mentioned above into account, it should easy to determine a specific product that complements your need.