3 Important Things to Know When Upgrading to a Tankless Hot Water System
Are you upgrading from your tank water heater to a tankless system? One of the reasons for this upgrade would be the promise of a constant supply of hot water for the various tasks in your home. However, blindly buying a tankless system can deny you the opportunity to enjoy on-demand hot water. It can also lead to inconveniences in the future. This is why you should take note of the following issues when investing in the new system.
Room vs. Whole House Water Heater
Tankless hot water systems are available in room and whole-house configurations. Room water heaters heat water at a specific point, while a whole-house unit heats the water for the entire home. For you to determine the most appropriate option, you should calculate the hot water demand in your home. You should also consider how many points are likely to be using hot water at the same time. If you have numerous points of usage that may require hot water at the same time, one heater may not be sufficient to meet the demand. In this case, it would be wise to get room or point water heaters for maximum efficiency.
Fuel Type for the Hot Water System
There are two types of instant water heaters: Gas and electric. The option you choose affects the installation cost. If you had a gas heater before, installing a new gas unit won't be costly as you can use the old water and gas pipes. However, if you switch to an electric one, your installer will have to modify the lines, and this will increase the installation costs. Similarly, if you had an electric unit before, going for a gas one will increase the costs as you have to install gas pipes and other supporting fixtures. However, note that you should go for the fuel type that's most suitable for your home regardless of the cost of installation.
Home Location and Water Temperature
Just like tank units, tankless heaters are affected by low temperatures. If you live in a cold region, the temperature of the water will affect your hot water system's speed and flow rate. For example, most manufacturers calculate a unit's flow rate based on the assumption that incoming water is at 25 degrees. If you live in a cold region, the water may be colder than this. As a result, the unit will reduce the flow rate to achieve the preset temperature. This will lead to less hot water in your home. Therefore, if you live in a colder climate, get a unit with a higher flow rate than what you think you need.
Before you invest in a tankless water heater, take note of these things which determine the value you get from the unit. For more information about hot water units, contact a local plumber.