Electric Tankless Water Heater For Shower
If you’re tired of running out of hot water after washing the dishes or doing laundry, consider installing an electric tankless water heater for your shower. These heaters heat water on demand and provide an endless supply of hot water for your entire household.
However, choosing the right unit requires consideration of several factors. This article will help you make the best decision for your home.
Flow rate
If you live in a house with a large number of people who often use hot water, it’s important to make sure your tankless system can keep up. Your home’s water pressure, the kind of heater you choose, and even how far the piping is from your shower head can affect how quickly your heater delivers hot water. Some models require a longer wait for hot water than others, but you can avoid this by installing a showerhead with a recirculation pump. Then, you can have hot water seconds after opening the faucet.
A professional can help you determine how much a tankless unit needs to produce, taking into account the flow rate and temperature rise of all the fixtures and appliances you want to use simultaneously. He or she will also factor in the building’s supply temperature and pipe sizing, as well as the peak demand for hot water.
A tankless system costs more upfront than a traditional system, but it saves energy by heating electric tankless water heater for shower water only when you need it. You can maximize this savings by installing low-flow fixtures and appliances and by reducing the demand for hot water by scheduling laundry and dishwasher use during off-peak hours. It’s also important to have your tankless system serviced annually, such as with a vinegar flush to remove sediment from the heat exchanger.
Energy efficiency
A tankless water heater eliminates the need to continuously heat and reheat the same amount of water. As a result, they use less energy than storage water heaters and save you money. They also take up much less space, making them a great choice for small homes.
A demand water heater turns on when you open a hot water faucet and heats the water with a heating element until you turn off the faucet. This means that you never have to worry about running out of hot water. These systems offer a variety of energy efficiency options, including variable wattage operation.
The water temperature that enters your home varies from season to season and can affect the heating capacity of your demand water heater. The colder your climate, the lower the incoming water temperature and the more the heater needs to raise it. The condition of your pipes can also impact the performance of your water heater, especially if they’re made of older or cheaper materials.
Once you have a clear understanding of your family’s hot water requirements, it’s time to select the right electric tankless water heater for your shower. When selecting the size, consider the factors that impact your energy consumption and usage, including your average shower length and flow rate and the number of appliances or fixtures you expect to run simultaneously. In order to accurately size your unit, consult a professional plumber who can assess your requirements and offer expert advice.
Water conservation
Tank water heaters heat and keep hot water at a pre-set temperature, regardless of your household needs. This can lead to running out of hot water, or wasting energy on keeping hot water heated even when you’re not using it. On-demand water heaters only heat water when you turn on a faucet, saving energy and money.
On-demand water heaters are also compact, allowing them to be placed in tight spaces. This can be a great tankless heat pump water heater option for homeowners with limited space in their homes. In addition, tankless water heaters don’t have a pilot light, which can save you money on gas bills.
Another benefit of a tankless water heater for your shower is that it won’t leak, harbor Legionella bacteria, or tip over like traditional tanks. Plus, they have built-in sensors that alert you if there is an issue with the unit, such as water flow being restricted by low-flow fixtures or a clogged drain.
However, it’s always best to hire a professional plumber for the installation of a point-of-use tankless water heater, so you can be sure your unit is properly sized, gets proper ventilation, and has the correct gas or electric connections. Additionally, a pro can help you schedule annual maintenance to prevent mineral buildup from clogging the heat exchanger. This will ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Sizing
The right size electric tankless water heater for your household requires a careful calculation. Start by tallying all the fixtures you expect to run simultaneously and determine their maximum flow rates. Then add these up to find your peak demand in gallons per minute (GPM). To estimate temperature rise, subtract the incoming water temperature from the desired hot water temperature. A professional plumber can help you calculate these numbers for your specific setup and recommend the right model for your home.
If you’re thinking about switching to an electric model, look for a model with low energy consumption. It’s important to consider your local electricity rates and other factors that influence your costs, such as gas prices. An electric tankless water heater can reduce your energy costs by up to 40%.
Electric tankless water heaters also require a dedicated circuit and a GFCI for safety. If your home’s electrical service can’t support the amperage required by your desired model, an electrician should provide insight into upgrades or precautions.
Tankless units require routine flushing to prevent mineral buildup. They’re also prone to corrosion in hard water, so you should replace the unit’s venting gas line at least once every ten years. You should also consult a professional plumbing contractor to ensure that the tankless water heater is installed properly and meets local building codes.
