Purchasing a Tankless Water Heater? Tips to Consider
Tankless water heaters are the successors of traditional hot water tanks, and so are many times better than their counterparts. Typically, they are efficient and save a significant amount on electricity bills. The tankless water heaters are compact and provide a continuous flow of hot water on demand. As a matter of fact, these modern water heaters are quite innovative – they have the features anyone would call ideal.
But how do you know which is the best tankless water heater for you? The following are some of the tips to guide you to the right heater for your needs.
Budget
Tankless water heaters are gradually growing in popularity based on the associated energy savings and convenience. Unfortunately, these devices can cost as much as three times the old water heaters. Between the gas-powered and electric-powered heaters, the gas-powered are costlier to purchase and install than their counterparts. However, they are cheaper to operate and recoup the initial investment within a short time.
Depending on the availability of funds, the gas-powered water heaters are preferable. Electric tankless water heaters are cheaper and easier to install and are ideal if you don’t have that much regarding upfront cost.
Demand
Each of us has varying hot water demands. You may need to run a dishwasher while running a shower and another person may only need one hot water faucet. Choose a water heater with the right flow rate for your needs.
The good thing about tankless water heaters is their flexibility. They can supply the whole house with hot water or a single faucet. You will find smaller units serving a single outlet and larger ones for multiple outlets. The choice is normally yours.
To get the right fit, you may need the services of a professional plumber or engage the product’s representative. They will determine the maximum gallons per unit you need, and recommend the right device to fulfill your needs.
The Choice between Gas and Electricity
We all have different needs, and the choice between electric powered, and gas powered may be down to what you want to achieve. For example, if you want more power savings, then gas is more energy-efficient than electricity, and it will keep the hot water running for longer, cheaply.
If you want to have the least effect on the environment, the electric heaters are eco-friendly. They do not emit greenhouse gases like their counterparts. They are also easier to maintain unlike the gas hearers, which demand annual maintenance.
Energy Factor (EF)
The energy factor tells you how much a device is energy-efficient – some are more energy efficient than others. Energy star certification requires an EF rating above 0.9. Typically, the higher the EF, the more efficient a device is in converting fuel into heat energy.
Most gas-powered varieties have an EF above 0.95. You can identify the most energy-efficient models by such features as two electronic exchangers and electronic spark ignition. But the most energy efficient have one shortcoming, a higher upfront cost.