Ready to stop running out of hot water and start saving on energy bills? A tankless water heater might be just what your home needs. These compact systems deliver hot water on demand, slash utility costs, and free up space — no bulky tank required.
However, before you book that tankless water heater installation, there are a few must-knows to avoid surprises and make sure it’s the right fit. Here are four key things to consider before switching to a tankless water heater. Let’s break it down.
1. Understand How Tankless Water Heaters Work
First and foremost, it’s important to understand how a tankless water heater works compared to a traditional tank water heater. Traditional water heaters store a large amount of water in a tank and keep it heated, so it’s ready when you need it. On the other hand, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, only when you turn on the faucet or shower. This means you’ll never run out of hot water, and you’ll avoid the energy waste of keeping a large tank of water constantly heated.
While this may sound like the perfect solution for endless hot water, it also requires a change in how your home’s plumbing and energy systems are set up.
2. Consider the Size of Your Home and Water Demand
One of the most crucial factors when switching to a tankless water heater is assessing your home’s water demand. Unlike traditional water heaters, which store a set amount of hot water, a tankless water heater can only heat a certain amount of water at a time. This means the flow rate (measured in gallons per minute or GPM) is essential. Usually, the flow rate of a tankless water heater is around 2–5 GPM.
If you live in a large home with multiple bathrooms, you’ll need a higher GPM to ensure hot water is available in multiple areas simultaneously. A small apartment or home with just one bathroom may need a lower GPM.
Overestimating or underestimating your water needs can result in insufficient hot water or unnecessarily high energy costs.
To properly assess your water needs, think about how many people live in your home and the number of water fixtures you regularly use at the same time. For example:
- Do you have multiple showers running at once?
- Is your washing machine often in use while someone’s in the shower?
The right size tankless heater will be able to meet all these demands without overloading or falling short.
3. Fuel Source Matters: Gas vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters
When switching to a tankless water heater, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a gas or electric model. Both have their pros and cons, so understanding these differences is essential before you go for tankless water heater installation.
- Gas Tankless Water Heaters: These models typically offer a higher flow rate and are better suited for larger homes or households with high hot water demand. Gas heaters are more efficient in terms of heating capacity and energy usage. However, they require a natural gas line and venting system, which may involve additional installation costs.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Electric models are usually more affordable upfront and easier to install, as they don’t require venting. However, they may not be able to keep up with high water demands in larger homes. If you have a larger household or multiple bathrooms, an electric model may not provide sufficient hot water simultaneously.
When choosing between gas and electric, consider your home’s existing infrastructure, energy availability, and how much hot water your household uses on a regular basis.
4. Installation and Plumbing Upgrades
Switching to a tankless water heater often requires significant plumbing and electrical upgrades. It’s not simply a matter of swapping out the old tank for a new unit. Depending on your home’s layout and existing plumbing, you may need to make changes to accommodate your new system.
Here are some common upgrades that may be necessary for tankless water heater installation:
- Gas line: If you’re switching from an electric to a gas-powered tankless water heater, you might need to upgrade your gas line to ensure it can supply the necessary volume of gas.
- Electrical upgrades: Electric tankless water heaters often require a larger breaker or more powerful wiring than standard electric water heaters. Make sure your electrical system can handle the additional load.
- Venting: For gas tankless water heaters, proper venting is crucial to safely expel exhaust gases. This may require new ductwork or venting systems, which can increase installation costs.
- Water connections: Tankless units may need different plumbing connections compared to traditional water heaters, so make sure your plumbing system is compatible.
Consulting with a professional licensed plumber will help ensure that your home’s infrastructure is prepared for the tankless water heater installation.
Contact Lords of Plumbing for Professional Tankless Water Heater Installation!
Thinking about switching to a tankless water heater? Lords of Plumbing is here to make the switch easy and stress-free. With years of hands-on experience and 200+ satisfied customers in Santa Monica, we specialize in tankless water heater installation that’s done right the first time.
Our licensed plumbers in Culver City will walk you through everything you need to know and help you choose the best unit for your home. We also offer eco-friendly plumbing solutions to help you save on energy bills while staying efficient. Call us now at (310) 845-6027 or book online for a consultation.