Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide
What is a Tankless Water Heater
We are all use to seeing the big round white tank in the basement or hideaway closet used to heat and store water for whenever we need it. They are part of the panoply of mechanical devices that make modern living tolerable. Without a hot water tank, we’d be boiling water over a stove to take a hot bath. The alternative is of course a cold shower.
The hot water heater was invented in a time when energy was abundant and cheap. Finding ways to reduce the impact of this limited resource was the inspiration for discovering the process used today in tankless gas water heaters. Instead of keeping 40, 50 or even 100 gallons of water at a temperature of 125˚ F, the instant tankless water heater raises the temperature of tap water as needed – on demand. The savings in energy is obvious.
The units themselves take up far less space than a conventional hot water tank. In most cases only about 1/8th the space required for a standard hot water heater. It turns on only when needed. A tankless water heater unit does not experience the same wear and tear either.
A hot water heater will maintain the water at a sustained temperature far above ambient and this causes elements to burn out or in common cases, the tank begins to leak from metal fatigue or too much heat. Installation of a tankless gas water heater requires the services of a licensed plumber in most states. It is a similar process but the units themselves are more expensive than the traditional tank.
Instant Hot Water
This term, of course, is a misnomer. Just like a standard water heater, the gas or electric tankless water heater takes time for the water to get from the unit to the faucet or shower head. If it takes 30 seconds for a standard water heater, it may take 40 seconds for the tankless version. The difference is that the cold water coming through the system starts out cold rather than hot as in a standard tank. To solve the instant hot water problem, adding units closer to the user means that the water has a shorter distance to travel and thus allows it to heat up faster.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Like everything mechanical, water heaters do have a limited functional life. Standard water heaters range from about 6 to 10 years depending upon the quality of the unit, the manufacturer and the use. Instant water heaters, on the other hand, last more than twice as long and rarely does anything go wrong with them. The amount of money saved in the cost of energy over the same period more than makes up for the higher purchase price and installation cost.
Inline Water Heater
Essentially the same as a tankless water heater, the inline system heats hot water very close to the outlet. They are often used as a booster to commercial dishwashers or other areas that require very hot water. Hospitals, schools, restaurants, manufacturing plants, bottlers and other commercial applications often use a variety of inline water heaters. However, the homeowner can also use these for many uses through the property from dishwashing to cleaning the car. Units vary in price, but begin under $200.
There are both pros and cons to everything, but in the long run, the tankless unit will be far more cost effective.
Uses for a Tankless Water Heater
Hot water is something we take for granted. Whether using it for a morning shower or cleaning an old grease laden engine part, hot water is indispensable. But draining a 50 gallon hot water heater and waiting for it to re-heat is cause enough to look into replacement with either a larger tank or an continuous flow inline water heater.
Consistent Hot Water
Any unit that interrupts the flow of ambient water by heating it on the run is considered an inline water heater. They are more often referred to as either gas or electric tankless water heaters. One of the advantages over a tank-type unit is that a tankless system never runs out of hot water. When the faucet is turned on water flows through the small tankless system, either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water to a consistent high temperature. It stays on until the faucet is turned off. So even if you have 5 people in a row taking hot showers, using about 20 gallons of water each, a tankless water heater never runs cold.
Bathroom
Using an inline water heater in the bathroom means that there will never be a shortage of hot water. The units can be set up in parallel for simultaneous demands. Different size units are available depending upon the size of the family and specific use.
Kitchen
Besides having hot water available for cooking, an automatic dishwasher is the most common appliance to use an inline water heater. In many cases, it is used to boost the temperature for the dishwasher. A gas unit, when gas or LP is available, is very efficient in most warm weather climates
Pool
Heating a pool would be impossible for a tank-type system. Pools require a large amount of hot water to circulate throughout the night when the outside temperatures drop as the sun goes down. Using an inline water heater is the only way to be guaranteed that hot water will be available when needed.
Commercial Uses
Inline water heaters have found acceptance in many commercial applications that require a large supply of continuous hot water. Among the applications are restaurants, schools, hospitals and laboratories. These units are often set up with thermostatic tankless water heaters that boost the temperature for long runs between the source and the function such as a commercial dishwasher. A thermostatic inline water heater controls the precise temperature of the water.
Whole House Units
If the entire house or cabin needs to be heated for use at multiple points such as a kitchen and bathroom, then many smaller homes can get by with just a single unit or multiple units that are run together.
Among the better-known companies that manufacturer inline water heaters are Bosch, Rheem, Stiebel, Eemax, Rinnai, Paloma and Chronomite.
Since these inline water heaters last 3 to 5 times longer than a tank type system, choosing the right unit to fit today’s particular needs is economical and efficient. In addition, they do add value to the home for the energy savings accrued over the life of the units.
Difference Between Tankless Hot Water Heater and Traditional Storage Tank Heater
What is the main difference between a tankless hot water heater and a traditional storage tank heater? Clearly, the obvious answer is that one has a storage tank and the other does not. But that's by no means all, that can be said, when it comes to comparing tank and tankless models. The absence of tank logically leads to mentioning the benefits arising from this feature.
Efficiency
First of all, tankless hot water heaters are very efficient. They don't have a tank, and, therefore, do not need to constantly maintain the temperature of the heated water, ready for call off.
This means there is little heat loss and lower energy bills.
Environmental Credentials
The energy efficiency of tankless water heaters mean they are viewed as being more environmentally friendly, saving energy and natural resources over their storage tanked cousins.
Space Requirements
Due to the absence of a storage tank, which may be very large in some households, a tankless water heater can be installed in much smaller and more convenient locations.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two main types of tankless water heaters:
Electric
In this type of system, an electric element heats the water.
Gas
In this type of system, a gas burner heats the water. The gas used is usually propane, supplied from a tank.
Gas tankless water heaters generally create higher flow rates than electric systems.
Both systems have their respective merits, but when researching tankless water systems, you’ll find some units and brands more effective and energy efficient, therefore cost friendly, than others.
Most tankless water heaters deliver an instant supply of hot water, but some are easier to use and provide larger supplies of hot water than others. All units are different but, most tankless water heaters provide between 2 – 5 gallons of hot water per minute.
We recommend you read the reviews here in this article to help you determine which type of tankless water heater is better for your home or use.
Comparing A Gas Vs Electric Water Heater
The choice between the two is simple. In many cases, however, the decision to go with a gas vs. electric water heater is determined by circumstances beyond mere economic motivations. When it comes to either or, the benefits and disadvantages need to be considered.
Gas vs. Electric
Always go with the gas if it is available. The cost is less than electricity when measured on a per BTU (British Thermal Units) scale and they have higher flow rates and therefore more applicable uses. Electric tankless water heaters on the other hand, require less space and lower operating costs then conventional tank-type heaters.
Energy Requirements
The gas requirements for a tankless gas water heater are about 4 times the amount for a tank-type unit when measured in BTUs because the tankless system use more energy to heat a smaller amount of water for a shorter period of time. The gas lines feeding the system usually need to be larger to accommodate the higher gas flow.
The same applies for a tankless electric water heater. Far more wattage is necessary to heat the water for a shorter period of time. In some older homes, the electric service and wiring leading to the heater also needs to be upgraded.
Ignition Systems
Whether you have a standard tank or a tankless system in place, the gas needs to be ignited whenever there is a need for hot water. Some have a standing pilot light that continuously burns gas. The burning of the pilot light generally means that the cost of operating gas tankless systems is higher then the electric equivalent.
As a result gas tankless heaters are generally used in high use applications, like restaurants or hotels. If the pilot goes out, the gas is automatically shut off to prevent leakage. Some models may overcome this drawback by using an electric ignition that creates a spark to ignite the gas.
Energy Factors
This is a term used to determine the efficiency of either a tankless gas or electric water heater. How much energy is need to heat a certain amount of water under normal circumstances. It also takes into account heat loss through the wiring, venting, combustion and the walls of the unit itself. Higher energy factor means a more efficient water heater. Energy factors for tankless systems are always higher than for conventional tank-type heaters.
So although the costs to operate a gas or electric tankless heater are less over the long run, the cost of installation and possible upgrades needs to be taken into consideration when choosing between gas vs. electric water heaters.
Point-of-Use vs. Whole House Model
Tankless hot water heaters are available in two options. Point-of-use models and the whole house kind. They are different and will be ideal for different purposes.
Point of Use Tankless Water Heater
Point of use tankless hot water heaters are inexpensive and very compact. Install a point of use heater right at the point where you require hot running water. This is usually below sinks and near showers. You may also use it to supply with water other key appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
Points of use thankless hot water heaters are ideal if you only need hot water for specific reasons or individual appliances. If you need a larger volume of water. Or you need greater distribution. Say, for the whole household or a large family, on a daily basis, you would be better off with a whole house heater.
Whole House Tankless Water Heater
Whole house heaters are ideal when you want to supply the whole house with hot water. They heat water instantly, but, only when you actually need it. This is what makes tankless hot water heater so energy efficient, there is no energy loss.
The whole house heater is comparatively more expensive than the point of use option. However, they should not be directly compared to a point of use tankless water heater. You should compare a whole house tankless water heater against its tanked equivalent. If you do this then the costs are far more comparable.
Where You Might Need a Tankless Water Heater
The symptoms are easy to detect. A hot shower never gets really hot, but lukewarm instead. Or in some cases, the dishes aren’t clean when you remove them from the automatic dishwater. That’s usually the first sign of trouble of a water heater problem.
But before you replace the unit, first determine where the problem lies. You may not really have a hot water heater problem with a typical tank-type water heater, and even less so with a tankless gas or electric water heater. There are items to check before you spend a lot of money.
Energy Source
In all cases of electric water heater, the unit is on a separate electric circuit. A typical tank-type unit requires about 7000 watts of energy while a tankless electric water heater requires about 38,000 for an average household. If the breaker has been trip for whatever reason, resetting the breaker would be the very first item to check.
In the case of a gas heater, the most common problem is not that it runs out of gas, although in the case of propane that could easily be the culprit, but the pilot light mechanism could be inoperable. Either the pilot light could be out or the electric ignition may need to be cleaned or reset, or in the worst case replaced.
Elements
Tank-type water heaters have heating elements that burn out from constantly being turned on and turned off. Replacing the elements in an electric water heater is a simple step. They are designed for easy repair. Of course, don’t try to change it if you are in the dark as to where it is located on the tank itself. And by all means turn off the electricity to the unit before you start.
Tankless electric hot water heaters have sealed elements that last 3 to 4 times the standard elements, so there is less of a problem.
Leaks
These can occur in a variety of different locations on the tank-type units. The outtake, drain faucet, around heating elements and any other connectors to the tank itself are just a sampling of the areas a leak can occur. When they do occur, it’s generally time to replace the tank.
With an electric or gas tankless unit these types of water heater problems rarely exist.
So before you decide to replace your water heater, check the alternatives to the water heater problems and save yourself some money.
Benefits of the Tankless Water Heater – Plumbers Advice
A tankless water heater are not only convenient, they are reliable and efficient also. Any plumber would advise you to buy a tankless heater in your house.
Tankless water heaters, also known as inline, instantaneous or continuous flow, have every reason to be called a good option. Despite widespread scepticism, conventional water heaters do not compete with tankless ones in many household environments.
It goes without saying, tankless water heaters have no reservoir or tank to store the hot water. The process of heating takes a few seconds. That is the reason why they are called instantaneous. Having no tank has many benefits. For example, tankless water heaters don't have to keep heating previously heater water over and over again in order to maintain temperature. This advantage alone will reduce your energy bill.
Electric water heaters use energy to heat up water. They need a lot of energy while heating, and this is to be taken into account. Electric tankless water heaters are very good, when it comes to energy conservative. Indeed, they are associated with efficiency ratings at nearly 99%.
Tankless Heaters are Available for Specific Uses
Tankless water heaters usually supply hot water to all appliances and for the whole house. However, there are smaller models that are designed to heat water for limited area. Point-of-use tankless water heaters are very convenient to locate, for example one might place them under a sink.
The advantage of the point-of-use tankless hot water heater is their size. They are used to heat water for a specific area, which is cheaper then installing and using centralized tankless heater. Quite often point-of-use tankless water heater is used in combination with a conventional centralized water heater with small reservoir.
“Tankless water heaters are convenient, efficient and reliable.
Compact Size
Tankless water heaters can be placed almost everywhere. They don't have any reservoir, so their size is much smaller than that of conventional ones. The smaller size gives you options that are convenient to your circumstances. These options are not always available for whole house tanked water heaters.
“If you have insufficient space in your home then a tankless water heater is the ideal solution.
Instant Heating
Continuous flow of hot water is an advantage that make people like this thing. Those who don't want to wait enjoy instant heating.
“Hot water is always available on demand with a tankless water heater.
Environmentally Friendly
To operate tankless heaters use only energy and gas, which makes them environmentally friendly. In contrast, conventional water heaters waste a lot of resources.
“The energy efficiency of tankless water heaters makes them many peoples’ preferred water heating option.
No Reservoir Corrosion
As there is no reservoir, tankless water heaters are susceptible to long term corrosion. It greatly contributes to the durability of your system. Corrosion is not totally avoided; however corrosion of pipes cannot be compared with the corrosion of a reservoir.
Tankless Water Heater Considerations
An important investigation you should carry before buying your best tankless water heater is to go through tankless water heater reviews. This is essential, since it allows you to know first-hand truthful information from those utilizing this or that kind of tankless water heater. Following are some guidelines on how to make proper and quick decision based on reviews.
Geographic Location and Weather
First thing to bear in mind is that water conditions vary depending on weather and geographic location. In different locations flow rate is also different. So, comparing reviews, make sure that people who wrote them are from similar geographic conditions at least.
Costs of Operation
In a study undertaken in 2010, researchers compared the cost of running gas tankless water heaters against their tanked equivalents. The research showed that the savings obtained by using tankless heaters were 37% over their tank equivalents.
At that time, it should also be noted that the cost of the tankless heaters was also considered to be too high to make this payback worthwhile. Of course, as we have examined in this article, cost is not always the only reason to consider a tankless water heater. It should also be noted that the researchers did not look at electric powered tankless heaters in the study.
Installation costs
Installation costs depend on whether your unit uses gas(tankless gas water heaters) or electricity(tankless electric water heater). Although it's considerably cheaper to install electricity operated heater, gas operated one is more efficient.
Installing A Direct Vent Water Heater
It is important to note that a direct vent water heater is used for gas water heaters in areas that make it difficult to vent through the roof. In fact it is ideal for homes or apartments that have difficult angles. The unit has it’s own built-in venting system that consists of a dual pipe that brings in fresh air from the outside and exhausts it through an adjacent wall. The system itself provides an airtight chamber for combustion of the gas that prevents back drafting, in which gas fumes foul up the air surrounding the water heater.
Installing this system will depend largely upon the layout and architecture of the dwelling. Switching to a tankless gas water heater will eliminate many of the problems associated with a tank-type heater. However, since it is still gas that is being used to heat the exchanger, fumes will come into play and using a direct vent system to exhaust them through the side of the building.
Since gas needs oxygen to burn properly, getting air into the unit is just a critical as removing the fumes. Fortunately, the smaller size of the tankless gas water heaters means that they can be installed in places that would normally not be used for a tank-type heater. One of the better aspects of this type of hot water heater is that the unit’s cover is sealed and does not use any air from the surrounding area.
Venting and installation of the units does require the use of a licensed plumber in almost all states. It is always recommended and highly encouraged to seek professionals for proper installation and safety.
The advantage of using a direct vent water heater is that it does not compete for air from within the home. In cold climates, non-direct vent installations can be affected by non-combustible air entering the home and causing negative pressure, thereby freezing the unit and causing an expensive repair bill. Since the tankless gas water heaters can be place anywhere with a direct vent and fan assisted, there usage and value cannot be underestimated.
Electricity or Gas Costs in your Local Area
The cost of gas and electricity locally will influence you decision over which tankless water heating system is most appropriate for your home.
Requirement for Water
You need to consider the need for hot water, whether it is for the whole household or specific appliances. Also, if it is for the whole household how many that household normally is and therefore the volume of water you need.
Safety features
Any household appliance that uses gas or electricity has potential risks. Ensure you purchase and install the right product for your home. Ensure the water heater you intend to buy has a carbon monoxide detector and a heat exchanger (to prevent the unit overheating).
Your tankless water heater should also be UL or ETL listed.
You should consider the reputation of the company selling the heater. Look online for any reviews and pay close attention to dissatisfied customers.
Warranty provided
Your tankless water heater should come with a manufacturers warranty, the longer the better and the more it covers the better too.
Aesthetics
For whatever reason, the first thing that comes to everybody's mind is that tankless water heating units are more attractive because they don't have a water tank. Physical appearance, however, is not the only advantage of not having a tank. Tankless units are more lasting. The absence of water tanks means that there's no space for corrosion, and fewer parts of the units require less maintenance. So, tankless water heaters serve up to twenty years and more against traditional units with its 5-10 year life expectancy. The abscence of geysers, which sometimes burst, means extended warranty from your insurance company.
Returning to the aesthetic aspect, it's worth saying that tankless water heaters are of huge value for those who cares for good appearance of their home. These units are very compact and can be either mounted on the wall or build in the structure of your home.
Green Product and Government Rebate
Tankless water heaters consist of fewer parts, as compared to traditional units. They use less resource and, therefore, produce less pollution. These heaters well deserve the status of a green product, which has also been approved by government. Seeing the benefits of employing tankless water heaters in household, many governments promote the purchase of these products, by giving rebates up to 30% on your tax for your purchase.
Our View
Tankless water heaters are an energy efficient, space saving alternative to the traditional storage tank water heating system. They add flexibility and convenience to the process of heating water with the option of whole house systems, or just point of use systems.
That said, tankless water heaters are generally more expensive both to purchase and install and these factors should definitely be taken into account when making your water heating decision. We like tankless water heaters. We believe that they will become more and more popular and that prices will fall accordingly.
Read the tankless water heater reviews. We hope the information contained within will assist you in making the best tankless water heater buying choice.
The post Best Tankless Water Heater Reviews 2017 and Comprehensive Buying Guide appeared first on Space Heater Pro.
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