Tankless Water Heater Help (TanklessWaterHeaterHelp.com) is dedicated to providing consumers with up to date detailed information on the effectiveness, benefits, and most of all cost savings of a tankless water heater for your needs.

Selecting a Tankless Water Heater to Maximize Your Energy & Water Savings

In order to maximize your energy and water savings, you'll need to take the following variables into consideration when selecting a tankless water heater:

  • The location in which you plan to place the tankless water heater. For example, for outdoor models or tankless water heater units mounted on an outside wall allows you to minimize the stainless steel vent cost
  • The climate in your geographical location. For example a northern climate = 1-1.5 gpm less of hot water from the same tankless water heater when compared to someone in a more southern climate
  • Your water needs and demands for your household
  • The type of fuel required and available for a new tankless water heater: electricity versus gas.

Assess your needs and space before narrowing your choices of a tankless water heater. Start by determining where you'll want to place the tankless water heater and what you'd like to use it for. Space and location requirements will differ with the application. For example, if you only plan on purchasing a single small unit to heat the water at a sink or appliance, it will take up less space and require different plumbing than choosing one to support the water needs of an entire bathroom or house.

  • Tankless water heater units that are used for an individual appliance or water source are considered to have “single point application”.
  • Units that are designed and installed to meet the water needs of an entire room with multiple faucets are considered to have “multipoint application”
  • Tankless water heater systems that support the needs of an entire home, apartment, or condo are considered to have a “whole house application”.

Keep in mind the typical flow rates of appliances and faucets. Different tankless water heater units can accommodate different flow rates so you'll need to know your requirements prior to choosing a unit. Typical flow rates are as follows (in gallons per minute):

  • Dishwasher – 1 to 3 gpm
  • Kitchen Sink – 1 to 1.5 gpm
  • Bathroom – 2 to 4 gpm l Shower – 1.5 to 3 gpm
  • Bathtub – 2 to 4 gpm
  • Utility sinks – 2.5 to 3 gpm
  • Jacuzzi Tubs 4-8 gpm
  • Shower Jets 1-2 gpm per jet

Smaller tankless water heater systems cannot produce enough hot water for the flow demands of larger appliances and pipes and won't provide the desired water temperature at the required rate. Smaller units are capable of raising the temperature of smaller amounts of water at a slower flow. Larger tankless water heater units, although they require more space to install, are able to heat water faster and accommodate larger appliances and even an entire home.

Also consider your geographic location before selecting your tankless water heater. Areas of the country that typically have warm temperatures all year round have ground water that is generally warmer than those states with cooler winters and freezing temperatures. Tankless water heater systems installed in warmer states, like Florida, Texas, and Arizona, require less time and energy to heat water than those used in cooler states like Minnesota, Wyoming, and Maine.

In order to accurately assess your tankless water heater needs, you'll need to know the temperature of the ambient water in your system. Subtract this temperature from the ideal hot water temperature you desire. The resulting temperature difference equals the rise in temperature required by your tankless water heater. But, in order to determine the size and strength of the unit required, you'll need to know the demands (based on gallons per minute) placed on the unit

Once you've determined the type of tankless water heater you need and the demands placed on the unit, you'll need to assess the fuel type used in the heater. There are two kinds of tankless water heaters: electric and gas. If you do not have access to gas, you'll need to limit your search to the electric tankless water heaters.

When choosing an electric tankless heater, consider the following variables and consult a professional electrician for additional assistance.

  • Voltage – Electric tankless water heater systems come in a variety of voltage strengths: 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V, and 277V.
  • Amperage – Amperage requirements of the tankless water heater will vary based on size. You'll need to ensure that your electrical system can support the unit of your choice. (80-180 is the average range just to run 1-2 applications at the same time.
  • Circuit Breaker – Although some electric tankless systems can be supported with the existing breakers and circuits, you might want to consider putting the unit on its own circuit.

The gas-heated tankless water heater has additional requirements. First of all, consider your gas source: is it natural gas or propane? Gas lines need to be inspected to ensure that they can handle the new demands. Since many gas tankless water heater systems require more gas than conventional water heaters, you'll need to be sure that your home is set up to handle the increased flow.

Also, consider the ventilation requirements for gas appliances. In order to ensure safety and proper air flow, you'll need a Category III stainless steel vent specifically connected to your gas tankless water heater. Consult a building professional or contractor to help you install the vents and make sure it's done within your building code.

Although many gas tankless water heaters come with venting kits, many of these “kits” are not adequate for your unique needs. You need to vent the heater to the outdoors through the roof or wall vent and consider consulting a professional before trying to install the gas vent yourself. Also note that, although these units are heated with gas, some still require a small amount of electricity which should be taken into account when purchasing and placing your new tankless water heater.