How to Find a Tankless Hot Water Heater That’s Best For You

How to Find a Tankless Hot Water Heater That’s Best For You

Do your homework and you’ll see that the energy efficiency factor makes finding the best tankless hot water heater worth the effort. Energy efficiency is just one way to look at this. Important points given here will guide you in choosing the best tankless hot water heater to fit your needs.

The measure of efficiency

The DOE uses EnergyStar ratings to help consumers find the best tankless hot water heater, or other appliance that will save them money. Electric tankless hot water heaters are rated .99 energy efficient, while tankless gas heaters are rated at .80. The difference comes from the loss of heat in the combustion process of gas burners. Tank water heaters have an even lower efficiency rating.

If the cost of electricity is competitive in your area, factor in the long-term cost when making your decision. Even so, gas may still be your best choice for a tankless hot water heater. Only gas can produce enough hot water for a large home.

Here are some numbers to give you a rough idea: Electric tankless models produce a flow of only 2-5 gallons per minute of hot water, while gas models can produce 9-13 gallons of hot water per minute. Using multiple units is a way to custom fit tankless models to fit your needs and reduce wasted energy.

For your reference, a shower, with a water saver nozzle uses 1-? to 1-? gallons per minute. A tub or clothes washer uses about 2 to 2-? gallons per minute.

Energy prices

It was once understood that natural gas was the better value, but times change. Don’t assume, compare utility rates for your area. A lot has changed in recent years. The cheap price of gas that once made a 65 percent efficiency rating for home heating needs a bargain has changed.

Now with competitive electric power in some areas a 99 percent efficient tankless electric could really be your best tankless hot water heater.

For instance, in the US:

Electric prices vary from $0.06/kwh to $0.23/kwh ($1.76 to $6.74 a therm)Gas prices vary from $10 to $19 per 1,000 cu ft of natural gas ($1 to $1.90 per therm)

North vs. South

In northern latitudes, where ground temperature may drop to near freezing, it takes a lot more energy to heat a gallon of water. This could call for the power of a gas model, depending on your rate of flow needs. It’s these two things: Flow Rate and Gallons Per Minute that determine what size heater you need and whether it should be gas or electric.

Installation

It pays to do your homework here too. Few contractors are experienced in advising you on choosing the best tankless hot water heater and how to install it. Look for experienced people and get multiple estimates. Gas tankless hot water heaters need to be installed by a knowledgeable technician.

If you are comfortable with your handyman skills, consider installing an electric tankless, if you are on a low budget. These are much easier to install. A good how-to book and the manufacturer’s manual should be help enough.

Article Summary

Do your homework and you’ll see that the energy efficiency
factor makes finding the best tankless hot water heater
worth the effort. Energy efficiency is just one way to look
at this. Important points given here will guide you in
choosing the best tankless hot water heater to fit your
needs.

Posted in Guides