Are Tankless Water Heaters Quiet?
In my experience, gas-powered tankless water heaters are not too loud, especially when a draft inducer fan is running. Depending on the location where the tankless water heater is installed, you might hear it a little, but the noise level is generally modest. This type of heater has quickly adapted out of my awareness and is actually comforting as a low-level, neutral background noise.
Personal Experience with a Tankless Water Heater
This is a good question, and it was a significant concern for me when I installed my tankless direct vent water heater nine years ago. My model (a Noritz NRC111-DV) has a 200,000 BTU burner, making it one of the larger residential tankless heaters. I was worried that the operational sound levels of a burner and blower combination of such size would be distracting and annoying.
I am happy to report that the noise level is very modest and not at all as loud as I initially feared. Besides being reasonably quiet, it has been an absolutely flawless performer in my , it's important to note that different brands may have different noise characteristics, so it's always a good idea to consider the specific model you're interested in.
Comparison with Other Users
The perception of noise can be subjective. Some users report that their tankless water heaters are no louder than their previous conventional water heaters, while others find them to be quiet. For instance, one user stated that their electric tankless heater is quiet, with the igniter clicking and the burner making a quiet rushing sound when the gas burns. Another user mentioned that their tankless water heater replacement was no louder than the 50-gallon gas water heater it replaced. The overall noise level is contingent on several factors, including the type of heater, installation, and personal sensitivity to sound.
Quiet Performance of Tankless Water Heaters
In general, tankless water heaters are designed to be quiet. With the exception of installations that include a circulation pump, these units are expected to be silent. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a tankless water heater, as noise can significantly impact the overall user experience.
Tankless water heaters offer numerous advantages, including instant hot water and unlimited supply. One user shared their experience of installing a tankless water heater in their daughter's house, mentioning that it was no louder than the 50-gallon gas water heater it replaced. Another user deemed tankless water heaters as one of the best inventions ever made, owing to their convenience and efficiency.
Whether or not a tankless water heater is quiet depends on several factors, including the type of heater, personal sensitivity to noise, and specific installation conditions. However, for the most part, tankless water heaters are designed to be quiet and efficient, making them a popular choice for modern homes.