There’s a reason why so many homeowners are switching to tankless water heaters — they’re efficient, they’re low-maintenance, and they’re incredibly durable. In fact, most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. But before you call a plumbing contractor for estimates, it helps to have some basic knowledge about the tankless water heater installation process as well as general maintenance. Here are two essential tankless water heater questions to help you get started.
How can I determine the size/capacity of a tankless water heater?
Unlike traditional water heaters, you can’t judge the capacity of a tankless water heater based on size alone. You’ll have to determine the gallon-per-minute rating to know how efficient your water heater will be compared to the size of your home: “The higher the GPM, the more hot water the unit can deliver. If you have a big family and multiple bathrooms, you’ll need a tankless water heater with a higher GPM,” says Consumer Reports.
What will energy savings look like after tankless water heater installation?
While it would be nice to put a specific number on this, the reality is that energy savings will differ from home to home. Ultimately, energy savings will depend on the size of your home. However, it’s clear that the larger your home and greater your water use, the higher the savings over traditional water heaters. Of course, there’s certainly a cap — many homeowners fall into the trap of using more hot water after installation simply because it’s available and because they have the perception of savings. But overall, homeowners that use around the same amount of water before and after getting a new tankless water heater will be able to reap some level of savings.
Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully when it comes to any major home renovation or purchase. But in the case of tankless water heaters, most homeowners have nothing but positive feedback to provide. For more information about water heater repair and other residential plumbing services, contact HJ Pertzborn Plumbing and Fire Protection.