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If you're in the market for a new water heater, you may be wondering what size tankless water heater you need. There are many factors to consider, including the size of your household, your hot water usage habits, and your location. At Excel Mechanical, we understand that choosing the right water heater can be overwhelming, which is why we're here to help.
As HVAC and plumbing professionals, we have extensive experience helping both residential and commercial clients find the best possible system to meet their individual needs and budget. When it comes to tankless water heaters, we believe they offer exceptional quality and great value. With no need for a bulky storage tank, tankless water heaters take up less space and are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters.
Understanding Tankless Water Heater Basics
When it comes to heating water, tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy-efficient and on-demand nature. Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters do not store hot water in a tank. Instead, they heat water as it flows through the unit, providing hot water on demand.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two types of tankless water heaters: electric and gas. Electric tankless water heaters are powered by electricity, while gas tankless water heaters are powered by natural gas or propane. Electric tankless water heaters are generally less expensive to purchase and install, but they may not be able to keep up with the hot water demands of larger households. Gas tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are more expensive to purchase and install, but they are more powerful and can provide hot water to multiple fixtures at the same time.
Benefits of Going Tankless
There are several benefits to going tankless with your water heater. First and foremost, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters. They only heat water as it is needed, which means they use less energy overall. This can result in significant savings on your energy bills over time. Additionally, tankless water heaters take up less space than traditional water heaters, which can be a major advantage in smaller homes or apartments.
Determining Your Hot Water Demand
To accurately determine the size of the tankless water heater you need, you must first calculate your home's flow rate and assess your peak hot water usage.
Calculating Your Home's Flow Rate
The flow rate is the amount of hot water that flows through your home's pipes per minute (GPM). To calculate your home's flow rate, you can use a flow rate calculator or measure the water flow manually.
To measure the water flow manually, you'll need a bucket, a stopwatch, and a water source. Turn on the hot water faucet and let the water flow into the bucket for exactly one minute. Measure the amount of water in the bucket and convert it to GPM. Repeat this process for all hot water faucets in your home to get an accurate total flow rate.
Assessing Peak Hot Water Usage
Peak hot water usage refers to the highest demand for hot water in your home at any given time. This typically occurs during morning showers or when multiple hot water fixtures are being used simultaneously.
To assess your peak hot water usage, make a list of all hot water fixtures in your home and estimate the maximum number of fixtures that will be used at the same time. For example, if a family of four takes showers at the same time every morning, you'll need to factor in the flow rate of four showerheads.
Calculating Temperature Rise Requirements
To properly size a tankless water heater, it's important to calculate the required temperature rise. This is the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired hot water temperature. Understanding the importance of groundwater temperature and the temperature difference is crucial in determining the appropriate size of the tankless water heater.
Importance of Groundwater Temperature
Groundwater temperature varies depending on the location. In the Northern Region, the groundwater temperature is much cooler than in the Southern Region. This means that the required temperature rise will be greater in the Northern Region than in the Southern Region. It's important to take this into account when calculating the required temperature rise for your tankless water heater.
Understanding Temperature Difference
The temperature difference is the difference between the incoming water temperature and the desired hot water temperature. For example, if the incoming water temperature is 50°F and you want your hot water to be 110°F, the required temperature rise is 60°F. This is the temperature difference that the tankless water heater needs to achieve.
Selecting the Right Size for Your Tankless Water Heater
When it comes to selecting the right size for your tankless water heater, there are a few factors to consider. In this section, we will explore two methods for selecting the right size: using a sizing calculator and matching size to your demand.
Using a Sizing Calculator
One of the easiest and most accurate ways to determine the right size for your tankless water heater is to use a sizing calculator. These calculators take into account factors such as the size of your home, the number of people in your household, and your hot water usage habits. The calculator will then recommend a size that is appropriate for your needs.
There are many sizing calculators available online, such as the Tankless Sizing Calculator from Think Tank Home and Our Calculator from Water Heaters Now. These calculators are easy to use and can provide you with a good starting point for selecting the right size for your tankless water heater.
Matching Size to Your Demand
Another way to determine the right size for your tankless water heater is to match the size to your demand. This method involves estimating your hot water usage and selecting a size that can meet that demand.
To do this, you will need to consider factors such as the number of people in your household, the number of bathrooms, and your hot water usage habits. For example, a family of four with two bathrooms may need a larger tankless water heater than a single person living in a studio apartment.
It is important to note that electric tankless water heaters have a lower capacity than gas water heaters. Therefore, if you have a high hot water demand, a gas water heater may be a better option for you.
Installation and Cost Considerations
When it comes to installing a tankless water heater, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you will need to decide whether you want an electric unit or a gas unit. Electric units are generally less expensive to install, but they may not be as efficient as gas units. Gas units can be more expensive to install, but they are generally more efficient and can save you money in the long run.
Estimating Installation Costs
The cost of installing a tankless water heater can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of unit you choose, the complexity of the installation, and the location of your home. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,500 for installation. However, for larger or more complex units, you may pay as much as $6,600 in total costs.
Choosing a Reputable Manufacturer
When choosing a tankless water heater, it's important to choose a reputable manufacturer. We offer quality, reliable plumbing and HVAC services for both residential and commercial customers.
We only work with the most reputable manufacturers in the industry, ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality products and services. If you want to discuss next steps with us, get in touch.
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