Are you tired of running out of hot water in the middle of your shower? Do you want to save money on your energy bills by upgrading to a tankless water heater? If so, it’s important to choose the right size tankless water heater for your home.
The Benefits Of Switching To A Tankless Water Heater
First, let’s review the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters only heat water as needed, so they are much more energy efficient than traditional tank-style water heaters. This means you’ll save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Additionally, tankless water heaters last longer than tank-style water heaters. Traditional water heaters typically last 10-15 years, whereas tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
Lastly, because tankless water heaters are more compact than traditional water heaters, they take up less space and can be installed in more convenient locations such as closets and under sinks.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Size
When selecting a tankless water heater, there are several factors to consider in order to choose the right size for your home.
Number Of Bathrooms
The number of bathrooms in your home is a key factor in determining the size of tankless water heater you need. Each bathroom requires a certain amount of hot water, so the more bathrooms you have, the larger the tankless water heater you will need.
Water Usage
Another important factor is your household’s water usage. Do you take long showers or do you have large tubs that require a lot of hot water? If so, you’ll need a larger tankless water heater to meet your needs.
Climate
The climate in your area can also affect the size of tankless water heater you need. If you live in a cold climate, your water will be colder and therefore you’ll need a larger tankless water heater to heat the water to the desired temperature.
Flow Rate
The flow rate of your fixtures and appliances is also a consideration when choosing a tankless water heater. Each fixture and appliance has a specific flow rate, and the sum of all the flow rates in your home will determine the size of tankless water heater you need.
Gas Or Electric
Finally, the type of fuel you plan to use will also affect the size of tankless water heater you need. Gas tankless water heaters typically have a higher flow rate than electric tankless water heaters, so a smaller gas unit may be able to handle the same workload as a larger electric unit.
Choosing The Right Size Tankless Water Heater
Now that you understand the factors that affect the size of tankless water heater you need, you can calculate the appropriate size for your home. Follow these steps to determine the right size unit for your needs:
- Determine the flow rate of each fixture and appliance in your home. This information can typically be found on the manufacturer’s website or by contacting your plumber.
- Add up the flow rates of all the fixtures and appliances in your home.
- Decide on the desired temperature rise. This is the difference between the temperature of the incoming water and the desired temperature of the hot water. For example, if your incoming water is 50 degrees Fahrenheit and you want your hot water to be 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature rise is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use an online sizing calculator or consult with a plumber to determine the appropriate size tankless water heater for your home based on the flow rate and desired temperature rise.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size tankless water heater is essential for maximum energy savings and consistent hot water in your home. Consider the number of bathrooms, your household’s water usage, climate, flow rate, and type of fuel when selecting the appropriate size unit. By selecting the right size tankless water heater, you’ll save money on energy bills and enjoy a continuous supply of hot water.