Installing A Tankless Water Heater - Go Electric

Do your homework if you want to find your best tankless hot water heater. One way to do this is to look at energy efficiency. Important points given here will point you in locating the best tankless hot water heater that works for your situation.

The measure of efficiency

EnergyStar ratings are used to make easier for consumers in finding the best tankless hot water heater, or other household appliance that will offer them savings. Electric tankless hot water heaters are listed as .99 energy efficient, while tankless gas heaters are shown to be .80. The contrast comes from the loss of heat in the fuel burning process of gas burners. Tank water heaters have an even lower efficiency rating.

Check the cost of gas and electricity in your area. If the cost of electricity is competitive, this could establish a difference in your choice of utilities. Regardless, gas might point to the best choice for a tankless hot water heater. Larger homes usually require more hot water than a single electric heater can provide.

Use this example as a guide: Electric tankless models produce a flow of only 2-5 gallons per minute of hot water, while gas models can produce 9-13 gallons of hot water per minute. Using multiple units is a way to custom fit tankless models to fit your needs and reduce wasted energy.

For your reference, A shower, with a water saver nozzle uses 1-¼ to 1-½ gallons per minute. A tub or clothes washer uses about 2 to 2-½ gallons per minute.

Energy prices and the best tankless hot water heater

Remember when natural gas cost less but it’s different now. Check it out, size up utility rates with your service providers. Recent times have brought changes. The inexpensive price of gas that once balanced out a below par efficiency rating for typical family use has changed.

A brief update on power rates in the US:

Electric prices vary from $0.06/kwh to $0.23/kwh ($1.76 to $6.74 a therm)

Gas prices vary from $10 to $19 per 1,000 cu ft of natural gas ($1 to $1.90 per therm)

North vs. South

In the upper US, where ground temperature may drop to near freezing, it will require a lot more energy to raise the temperature of a gallon of water. This could call for the power of a gas model, depending on your rate of flow needs. Compare these two things: Flow Rate and Gallons Per Minute to find what size heater measures up to your lifestyle and whether it should be gas or electric.

The installation step

Doing installation right means more homework. In some areas there may be few contractors experienced in helping you in choosing the best tankless hot water heater and how to install it. The best course is to look for trained people and get multiple estimates. Look for someone familiar with this type of gas combustion system.

Electric tankless hot water heaters are a different project. Anyone faced with a low budget you can save money this way. Gather, along with your tools, a how-to book and the manufacturer’s manual for guidance with this project.