Replace Your Old Tank-Style Water Heater With a Small Electric Tankless Water Heater
Replace your old tank-style water heater with this compact electric tankless unit. Digital temperature control allows for precise adjustments.
Expert tip: Evaluate your household’s hot water usage and available electrical capacity to determine the best size for your home. Consult with a professional plumber or water heater specialist for guidance.
1. Energy efficiency
Since they only run when hot water is needed, tankless models consume up to 50% less energy than conventional tanks. In addition, they don’t spill gallons of water in the event of a leak or harbor Legionella bacteria like traditional heaters do.
Electric tankless water heaters, like this high-efficiency model from Stiebel Eltron, operate at near-silent noise levels so they can be placed in a home’s living space without interrupting social gatherings. They also don’t generate an acidic condensate that must be neutralized as gas-powered units do, which is an important factor if you live in an area with hard water.
Professional installation is recommended for tankless water heaters because they often involve upgrading your home’s wiring or gas lines. A pro knows how to meet local codes for carbon monoxide emissions, thermal resistance, and venting, which vary by location. They can help you select the right model based on your demand and home’s size, and ensure the new system is sized correctly with our free water heater sizing tool. For additional energy savings, consider a model that has a built-in recirculation pump. This feature reduces the wait time for hot water by pushing cold water from the pipes back through the heater seconds after you turn on a faucet.
2. Space-saving design
This tankless model is smaller and more space-saving than traditional water heaters, making electric instant water heater for shower it a great choice for tighter spaces. It also requires less electrical power than its competitors, further reducing energy costs. It can heat up to 3.7 GPM of hot water on demand, so you’ll always have enough for showers, washing machines, and more. And its self-modulation technology allows it to adapt to changing hot water demands throughout the day.
Keep in mind, however, that this unit is not recommended for homes with frequent power outages, since it relies on electricity to function. This means that during a power outage, you may not have access to hot water.
Make sure to choose a location for your electric tankless water heater that is close to your home’s water and electrical lines, and provides ample space for ventilation. This will help to ensure its efficient operation and longevity. Choosing the right location for your water heater also helps to avoid costly repairs and maintenance. Traditionally, many homeowners opt to install their tankless water heaters in their utility rooms or basements, which usually have the necessary connections and space for ventilation.
3. No need for a tank
A traditional tank water heater stores a large amount of hot water for constant use. This can cause an oversupply of hot water or a shortage when multiple people in the household demand hot water simultaneously. A tankless water heater eliminates these issues. Instead of having a limited supply of hot water, your new system will heat water only when you turn on a shower or start the dishwasher.
This model has a low electrical consumption and operates at a near-silent noise level, which means it won’t disrupt family or social gatherings. It also electric tankless water heater comes with a 20-year warranty and an integrated digital display that allows you to track energy usage.
The installation process varies between electric and gas models, but professional assistance is always recommended to ensure safe and leak-free connections to your gas or electricity lines. Annual maintenance includes a vinegar flush that helps prevent mineral buildup in the unit.
4. Easy installation
While it is possible to install a tankless electric water heater yourself, hiring a professional technician is the safest way to ensure that your system functions correctly. A professional will have the experience and tools to complete the installation without causing any damage to your existing plumbing or electrical wiring.
If you decide to complete the installation yourself, it is essential to prepare the area for the project. This involves turning off the power supply and shutting off any gas lines that connect to the unit. Then, you will need to carefully examine the existing wiring and make sure it is in good condition. If you notice any damage, it’s best to hire a professional to make repairs before proceeding with the installation.
After completing the preparation steps, you can begin mounting your tankless electric water heater. This process is simple and only requires a few basic supplies. Once the unit is mounted, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper positioning and clearance requirements. It is also necessary to comply with local codes.
5. Minimal maintenance
Electric tankless water heaters require minimal maintenance, compared to a tank-style model. Regular inspection of the water connections and pipes should be made to identify leaks and corrosion, which can lead to damage and poor performance. Additionally, it’s recommended to use a water pressure gauge to monitor water pressure and adjust it if needed.
A professional installation is recommended for any type of water heater, especially a tankless model. This is because installing a new unit may involve making leak-free water, venting, and gas connections, or upgrading the wiring infrastructure and circuit breaker panel. It also involves compliance with municipal codes relating to carbon monoxide emissions, thermal resistance, and venting.
A professional should perform a thorough service to the tankless water heater twice a year, including cleaning and descaling. This will help prevent mineral buildup from clogging the heat exchanger, prolonging its lifespan and improving efficiency. The service should include a vinegar flush (to remove scale) every 500 hours in areas with hard water, as well as an annual cleaning of the air and water filters.
