What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, heats water only when you need it, without the use of a storage tank. Unlike traditional water heaters that store water and maintain a set temperature until needed, tankless units heat water directly as it passes through the system. For example, when you turn on your shower, cold water flows through a pipe into the tankless water heater. There, either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water, providing a continuous flow of hot water for as long as you need it. Since there is no tank to refill, you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water, as is the case with traditional tank water heaters.
However, the output of a tankless heater can be limited by its flow rate. Tankless water heaters typically provide hot water at a rate of 2-5 gallons per minute. Gas-powered units generally have a higher flow rate than electric ones, but even gas models may struggle to keep up if multiple appliances require hot water simultaneously (for example, while running a shower and a dishwasher at the same time). One potential solution is to install multiple tankless heaters in parallel or assign separate units for different appliances.
What Tankless Water Heater Should You Buy?
When choosing a tankless water heater, consider these factors to ensure you select the best option for your needs:
-
Know Your Water Heater Flow Rate: Tankless heaters are rated by the maximum temperature increase they can achieve at a given flow rate. Understanding this is crucial to ensuring the heater can meet your household’s hot water demand.
-
Evaluate Simultaneous Hot Water Needs: Determine how many hot water devices you expect to use at the same time (e.g., showers, sinks, dishwashers). Add the flow rate of each device (measured in gallons per minute) to calculate the total flow rate your heater should be able to handle. Many tankless units may struggle to keep up with high-flow fixtures like rain showerheads or spa tubs.
-
Choose a Heater with a Long Warranty: Select a water heater that offers a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind and to ensure its long-term reliability.
-
Consider Groundwater Temperature: The temperature of the groundwater entering the heater impacts the amount of energy required to heat the water. In colder climates, more power is needed to heat water to the typical shower temperature (104°F), compared to warmer climates. Use groundwater temperature maps to determine the average temperature in your area to ensure your unit is adequately sized.
Three Key Factors to Consider When Buying and Installing a Tankless Water Heater
-
Maintenance: Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, calcium deposits can build up in the system. If you have a large family or use hot water frequently, you’ll need to flush the unit annually to remove these deposits. If your water is soft, you may only need to flush the heater every 2-3 years, or even 5 years with a water softener.
-
Power Requirements: Tankless water heaters require electricity to power both the circuitry and the burner. If there’s a power outage, you’ll have no hot water. Unlike traditional tank heaters, which provide a limited supply of hot water (like 50 gallons in a tank), a tankless unit offers no hot water during a power outage.
-
Freeze Protection: If you live in a colder climate, it’s essential to protect your tankless unit from freezing temperatures. In these cases, it’s ideal to install the unit inside a heated space, such as a garage or basement. For outdoor installations, especially in warmer climates, extra precautions like insulating pipes or using heat tape are necessary to prevent freezing during the winter.
Selecting the Right Size for Your Tankless Water Heater
Choosing the right size for your tankless water heater depends on your household’s hot water usage. If you’re unsure about the best size and specifications for your home, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional plumber.
At Brea/Orange County Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, our specialists can help you determine the perfect tankless water heater for your needs, ensuring you enjoy a continuous supply of hot water without any issues. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an installation!