When you’re out shopping for a new water heater, many things to consider. But if you’re looking for an energy-efficient option that will save you money in the long run, a tankless water heater is the way to go. This ultimate guide will show you everything you need to know about choosing the best tankless water heater for your home.
In addition, we’ll cover topics like types of tankless water heaters, installation considerations, and maintenance tips. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on all things tankless water heaters!
Table of Contents
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tankless water heater is its size. You’ll need to make sure that the unit you choose is big enough to meet your needs. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to provide enough hot water for your home. But if it’s too big, you’ll pay more than you need.
When sizing a tankless water heater, you’ll need to consider the flow rate and the temperature rise. The flow rate is the amount of water the heater can produce in a given time. The temperature rise is the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired output temperature. You can find both of these values on the datasheet for your chosen model.
Once you know the flow rate and the temperature rise, you can use this handy calculator to determine the size of the tankless water heater you need.
If you’re doing a Sacramento home remodel, this is one of the essential factors.
Installation
Tankless water heaters require a lot more installation than traditional tank-style water heaters. You’ll need to hire a professional to install your unit in most cases. It is because tankless water heaters need to be connected to your home’s hot and cold water lines. They also require a unique exhaust system to vent the fumes from the unit.
If you’re not comfortable installing a tankless water heater yourself, it’s best to hire a professional. This will ensure that the installation is done correctly, but it will also help extend your water heater’s life.
If you’re feeling handy, you may want to try your hand at installing your new tankless water heater. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Cut power to the area where you’ll be working
- Turn off the water supply to your home
- Drain the water from your home’s pipes by opening all the faucets
- Disconnect the cold-water inlet and hot-water outlet pipes from your old water heater
- Install the cold-water inlet and hot-water outlet pipes on your new water heater
- Reconnect the venting for your new water heater
- Turn on the power to the area where you’re working
- Turn on the water supply to your home
- Flush the new water heater for several minutes to get rid of any debris
Maintenance
Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure that they function correctly. You’ll need to clean the heat exchanger and the exhaust system regularly to keep them free of dirt and debris. You should also check the water pressure regularly to ensure that it’s within the optimal range.
If you don’t maintain your tankless water heater, it could lead to expensive repairs or even premature failure. That’s why it’s essential to follow the maintenance schedule with your unit.
Now that you know a little more about tankless water heaters, you might wonder if you should do the maintenance yourself or hire a professional. Of course, the answer to this question depends on your level of comfort and expertise.
Suppose you’re comfortable working with tools and have some basic plumbing knowledge. In that case, you can probably handle the regular maintenance tasks yourself. But if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, it’s best to call in a professional.
Now that you know all there is to know about choosing the best tankless water heater for your home, you’re ready to decide. We hope this guide has helped narrow down your options and answer any questions you may have had.
