If your household constantly runs out of hot water, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of your home’s energy use. With more homeowners turning to energy-efficient solutions, tankless water heaters are surging in popularity. They’re compact, efficient, and provide hot water on demand. However, choosing the right tankless water heater isn’t as simple as picking the first model you see online.
A poorly sized or mismatched unit can lead to cold showers, wasted energy, and mounting utility bills. That’s why it’s important to match your water heater with your household’s needs.
Let’s walk through exactly how to choose the right tankless water heater.
1. Know Your Home’s Hot Water Demand
Tankless water heaters don’t store hot water—they heat it as it flows through the unit. That means your unit must meet the demand at peak usage.
To determine the correct size, consider:
- Number of people in your household
- Simultaneous appliance usage (e.g., running the dishwasher and taking a shower)
- Flow rate of your fixtures (measured in gallons per minute or GPM)
Example: A shower might use 2.5 GPM, and a dishwasher 1.5 GPM. If both are running, your unit needs to handle 4.0 GPM at once.
2. Choose Between Gas and Electric Models
Here’s the breakdown:
Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
- Higher flow rates
- Ideal for larger households
- Requires proper gas lines and ventilation
- Higher upfront cost, lower operating cost
Electric Tankless Water Heaters:
- Compact and easier to install
- Lower initial cost
- Best for small households or point-of-use installations
- May need upgraded electrical panels
Tip: Always consult a licensed professional offering tankless water heater installation to assess if your current infrastructure can handle the unit you choose.
3. Look for Energy Efficiency Ratings
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is the standard metric to measure efficiency. Higher the UEF, the more efficient will be the unit.
Look for:
- Energy Star® certified models
- Condensing models (more efficient than non-condensing)
Efficiency doesn’t just help the planet—it lowers your monthly bills too.
4. Installation Requirements and Space Considerations
Tankless water heaters are wall-mounted and free up space compared to bulky tank models. Still, placement is important.
Keep in mind:
- Proper ventilation is needed for gas units
- Access to electrical outlets or gas lines
- Maintenance access for descaling and service
A licensed plumbing contractor can inspect your space and recommend the ideal location for installation.
5. Work With a Professional
This isn’t a DIY weekend project. Choosing and installing the right tankless water heater involves understanding flow rates, gas sizing, water temperature rise, and local plumbing codes.
When you work with a company that specializes in plumbing services, you ensure the system is sized correctly and safely installed. It also protects your warranty.
6. Think Long-Term Savings, Not Just the Price Tag
While tankless units have a higher upfront cost than traditional water heaters, they last longer and use less energy. That can mean hundreds in savings over time.
Still, the right model for one family might not fit another. Make your decision based on efficiency, capacity, and your home’s specific needs—not just the price tag.
Want Endless Hot Water? Let Lords of Plumbing Help You Choose the Right Tankless Water Heater.
Don’t gamble with cold showers or waste money on the wrong unit. At Lords of Plumbing, our licensed plumbers specialize in tankless water heater installation in Culver City and are here to match your system to your home’s unique needs.
We take the guesswork out of the process, offering honest advice, efficient plumbing service, and eco-conscious options that help cut down energy bills. Call us now at (310) 845-6027 or book online for a consultation and let’s make sure your next hot shower is exactly how it should be: reliable and stress-free.