How to Choose the Right Tankless Water Heater for Your Home

When selecting a tankless water heater, choosing the right size is one of the most critical steps in ensuring that your household enjoys a consistent supply of hot water. Tankless heaters can be sized in a manner similar to their tank-type counterparts, with the choice typically based on your household's expected hot water consumption. However, accurately determining the appropriate size requires a thorough understanding of several factors. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right tankless water heater, including the importance of assessing your household's hot water usage, cold water inlet temperature, and simultaneous fixture usage.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tankless Water Heater

Before making a decision, it's crucial to understand the following key factors:

Heater Type: Your choice between a gas or electric tankless water heater significantly impacts the size and capability of the heater. For instance, our whole-house gas tankless water heater produces 7.5 gallons per minute and 450 gallons per hour, allowing for simultaneous hot-water usage such as running a full bathtub while someone is taking a shower. Cold Water Inlet Temperature: The constant temperature of your cold water supply impacts the required heating capacity. If the temperature varies greatly with the seasons, it will require more precise heating to maintain the desired output temperature. Desired Hot Water Output Temperature: Your household may have different requirements. For example, a consistent 120°F (49°C) output temperature is ideal for most uses, but higher temperatures may be preferred for tasks like cooking. Simultaneous Fixture Usage: Assessing how many fixtures (showerheads, faucets, etc.) you intend to supply simultaneously and their flow rates is essential. This helps you understand the overall potential demand for hot water.

Estimating Your Hot Water Consumption

To accurately determine the necessary tankless water heater size, follow these steps:

Review your monthly water bill to identify the total usage during the summer months, when hot water consumption is typically at its peak. This data will provide a good basis for estimating the required size. Consider the potential hot water uses in your home, such as showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Add up the flow rates of all your showerheads and utility machines to get a rough estimate of your maximum potential hot water usage. Consult the manufacturer's guide, which typically provides recommendations based on the number of occupants and fixtures in your home. This guide can help you determine the appropriate flow rate and tankless water heater size. Be prepared to potentially exceed the capacity of your chosen heater, especially if you have teenagers or plan to add more fixtures in the future. Insufficient capacity can lead to intermittent hot water shortages, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.

Benefits of Choosing an Appropriately Sized Tankless Water Heater

Selecting the right size tankless water heater offers several benefits:

Consistency: Ensures a steady supply of hot water, whether you are taking a shower or running the dishwasher. Energy Efficiency: Larger heaters may waste energy if they produce more hot water than needed. Conversely, a smaller heater may struggle to meet demand. Cost Savings: Proper sizing can lead to lower energy costs and a better return on investment. Reliability: An appropriately sized heater is less likely to fail or require frequent repairs.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right tankless water heater involves a careful assessment of your household's hot water needs, heat source, and fixture usage. By considering these factors and following the guidelines outlined above, you can select a tankless water heater that meets your requirements and provides reliable, efficient hot water service.