The Best Tankless Water Heater For You

How to Choose

While some accounts have it that tankless water heaters are more expensive initially, this is not always the case. Even a high-end gas model becomes competitive when a tax credit is applied. You can make the right choice if you follow these steps.

Finding the best tankless water heater comes with 3 steps.

1 Measuring -

Tankless water heaters operate on the principle that more temperature rise means less water flow.

1.25 to 1.5 gal/min is the usual flow rate for a water-saver shower. Tankless models usually produce 2 gals, or more, per minute, depending on the temperature rise. This is best done by measuring ground temperature during the coldest month. Or as an estimate, figure it can vary 20 degrees F. or more, by season. These are calculations that can be easily made with a bucket, a watch and digital thermometer.

temperature rise x flow rate = energy

Or as an example for an electrical 80 amp model in mid U.S.: 65 degree rise x 1.75 gal/min = 80 amps

For a gas unit it would be Btu instead of amps or kilowatts.

A tankless water heater installer can give you an estimate and tell you what needs to be done. If gas is available in your home, then it would be the energy efficient choice, especially if there is moderate to heavy use and high temperature rise. Initial cost will probably be twice a conventional tank. Energy savings could be 70 percent or more.

2 Lifestyle -

Now is the time to take notice of home water usage to judge daily consumption. Three factors to gauge your capacity:

Temperature rise Number of faucets running simultaneously Number of gallons of hot water per day

The higher your daily needs the more important it is to choose an economical way to heater water. It is estimated that 20-25 percent of home energy costs goes to heating water. See if your consumption matches these national averages:

2 gal - shaving 4 gal - wash hands and face 5 gal - preparing a meal 20-25 gal - 15 min shower with water saver nozzle 7-10 gal for clothes washer, warm wash, cold rinse 30-35 gal - clothes washer, hot wash, warm rinse 8-10 gal - dishwasher 12-15 gal - hand-wash dishes

3 Gas or electric -

The cost advantage that gas holds will begin to decline as alternative energy sources come on line. In the meantime, consider gas the best value in tankless water heaters. If you don't have a gas line into the house, the cost of adding one may change the math, even though, in some locales, they are laying less costly plastic pipe.

GAS - Gas units must be vented or installed on an exterior wall. Exterior mounting may mean a freezing issue. Pipes and coils may need to be drained or heated. For interior use vents must meet manufacturer's specs. Some tankless water heaters have a combined fresh air and exhaust system. Flexi clothes dryer pipe will not work. Bosch AquaStar is probably the only unit that can be self-installed. A trained technician can help you make a decision.

ELECTRIC - For those considering an electric tankless water heater, though perhaps not as cost effective as a gas model, can be a good choice for many. For a family of 3, living in a 4,000 sq ft house, in the southern half of the U.S. an 80-amp/240 volt system could be an inexpensive and easy solution.

First check to see if your breaker panel will take the extra load, most panels are set up for 200 amps. If so, it will have the extra four slots for the tankless breakers.

If power supply is adequate, mounting, wiring and plumbing are a handyman projects that can be done in a day. The savings over a conventional water heater may be in the 30-50 degree range. The lower the temperature rise and lower the usage, the greater the savings. By adding a non-insulated tank inline you can gain another 20-30 percent savings by allowing the water tank to passively heat water to room temperature.

Whatever system you choose as the best tankless water heater, you can be sure that you will have savings in energy costs, which means less pollution, and less material going to the landfill every year.