Investing in a tankless water heater can be a wise decision for your household. These units are designed to provide instantaneous hot water, and they take up far less space than traditional storage heaters. Moreover, installing them is an environmentally-friendly choice with long-term energy savings! Despite the higher initial cost compared to regular systems, you’ll reap the benefits of hot water at all times without ever having to worry about running out or wasting any energy – it’s truly one of those things that pay off over time.
When I spoke to Bob Lemons, the proprietor of Mr. Tankless – an individual who dominates Central Texas’ tankless water heater installation market with more than 300 installations per year – he recounted his career in this space that began 20 years ago. The Bosch Company had invited a thousand plumbers from the area to an event focused on introducing them to new tankless technology, and guess who was the only attendee? That’s right: nobody other than Mr. Tankless!
Keep reading to get the insider scoop from Bob on if a tankless water heater is a right investment for you. Additionally, don’t miss his invaluable tips and tricks about the installation that will help you save big time!
Are Tankless Water Heaters the Best Option for a Bathroom?
As many of us are accustomed to conventional tank-style water heaters, why should we switch to something else – such as a tankless system – specifically in our bathrooms where multiple hot water sources usually operate simultaneously?
No matter how large or small the bathroom is, and regardless of the number of people who need access to hot water, a tankless water heater always provides an abundance of it on-demand. Installing one in your restroom comes with several advantages:
- Tankless water heaters are cost-effective since they don’t have to retain hot water.
- These systems boast a longer lifespan than traditional boilers and always provide on-demand hot water no matter the size of your shower line.
- With traditional boiler-style storage heaters, you don’t have to worry about water damage!
- Clutter-free!
Mr. Tankless puts it like this:
Tankless water heaters are the perfect way to provide instant hot water for those with multiple shower heads or a garden tub, as they deliver an endless supply of hot water in no time at all. Trying to fill a 60-gallon jacuzzi with a regular storage tank heater? You’d only manage it about 25% of the way before you run out of hot water. But if you select tankless, your large bathtub will remain full and warm throughout – never having to worry about running out!
According to him, tankless water heaters are usually used to provide hot water for the entire house, including bathrooms.
Essential for Energy-Efficient Bathrooms
As the world becomes more aware of climate change and its effects, people are taking action to live a greener lifestyle. One room in particular that consumes large amounts of energy is the bathroom – but how can you create an eco-friendly one? An essential element for this is a tankless water heater, yet just how sustainable are they?
According to the US Department of Energy:
For households who use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day, demand water heaters may provide 24-34% better energy efficiency than a conventional storage tank heater. Moreover, even homes with greater hot water usage (86 gallons/day) can benefit from an 8-14 % reduction in energy costs by utilizing one of these innovative solutions.
Other ways to save water in the bathroom include reusing bath water to do laundry or water your garden.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?
In the majority of households, a boiler tank is typically used to store and keep hot water until it’s required. Fueling this element inside the tank are electricity, natural gas, or propane to maintain the temperature.
Boiler storage tanks can store anywhere between 30 to 60 gallons (or 136 to 272 liters) of water at a time, consuming abundant energy in order to maintain the temperature. Additionally, each time hot water is drained from the tank, fresh cold water gets pumped into it and heated up again with even more electricity – all so that you don’t have to worry about adjusting your thermostat every shower!
With a tankless water heater, you can enjoy unlimited hot water in an efficient and cost-saving way! When the tap is turned on, cold water flows through the heating unit. The burner is then activated to heat up this incoming flow of fresh H2O right away until it reaches your desired temperature – and all within moments after being switched on. As soon as you turn off the faucet again, so does the system switch itself off automatically. Plus, no bulky storage tanks are needed for this option – making those old models obsolete!
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
With an extensive selection of tankless water heaters, such as mini, compact, and comfort models available – there is surely a unit to suit your needs at an affordable price.
Tankless water heaters come in two types: electric and gas. Electric models are usually preferred due to their lesser size, longer lifespan, and simpler installation process compared to gas. Now let us explore both options in more detail!
1. Gas – Powered Tankless Water Heaters: Rinnai V65eN Non-Condensing Water
Gas-powered tankless water heaters are the ultimate way to go, producing higher flow rates of up to 5 gallons (22 liters) per minute! These models provide hot water quickly and effectively for larger households that need a ton of warm H2O frequently. Yes, they cost more than electric options upfront but will undoubtedly save you money in the long run. Installation must be done by an expert since these require proper ventilation; however, it is worth it when there’s always plenty of hot water available whenever you need it!
Investing in a gas-powered water heater is worth the effort since these models can last for up to two decades with regular maintenance checks. If you want to take it one step further, consider installing Rinnai Tankless Hot Water Heaters which utilize natural gas or propane and provide anywhere from 5.3-9.8 gallons per minute depending on your selection! Though an initial investment might be required due to special vent pipe purchases, you’ll surely see returns when looking at your monthly bills!
According to Mr. Tankless, a gas-powered tankless water heater will last much longer than an electric one and you could save considerable amounts on your monthly gas bill! Additionally, energy.gov affirms that gas-powered tankless heaters generate higher flow rates in comparison to their electrical counterparts – making them the obvious choice for any home looking for efficiency and cost savings!
The energy efficiency of demand water heaters is striking – they provide 24%-34% greater efficiency than conventional storage tank models in homes consuming less than 41 gallons per day. (source)
According to Mr. Tankless, Rinnai gas-powered models reign supreme as the top choice for tankless water heaters. He informs me that these models boast an exceptional warranty and reliable construction due to their lengthy history of success in this field.
2. Electric-Powered Tankless Water Heaters: ECOTOUCH Tankless water Electric Heater
Electric-powered tankless water heaters are a more cost-effective choice than gas models, and can be installed in any room of your house—even bathrooms—since they don’t require ventilation. Determine the flow rate that meets your requirements and pick the perfect heater without anxieties over expensive installation charges. Electric-powered water heaters are capable of heating up to 2 gallons (9 liters) per minute to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C).
Electric tankless water heaters are a more economical and efficient alternative to gas-powered units. Not only do they require minimal maintenance, but their life expectancy is twice that of traditional boiler storage tanks! Take the ECOTOUCH Tankless water Electric Heater as an example – it’s 90% smaller than its counterpart yet can still provide on-demand hot water with speeds ranging from 1.8 up to 4.3 gallons per minute while simultaneously reducing your energy bills by half! Now you don’t have to worry about space constraints because this 14-pound unit can be mounted onto any wall for maximum convenience without sacrificing quality or performance.
Where to Install a Tankless Water Heater
Installing a tankless water heater is relatively straightforward; all you need to do is ensure access for future maintenance. You can install the unit wherever you require, even outside or using existing hookups from your previous tank to save some money. If opting for the gas-powered model, make sure that dedicated connections and ample ventilation are provided. Placing it in the bathroom could be advantageous as this will help maximize water temperature and flow due to its proximity to respective faucets.
Points to consider before installation are:
- If you wish to place the water heater in your basement and need hot water on the second floor, be aware that there will likely be a slight lag due to the distance between the unit and the outlet pipe.
- For optimal safety, ensure there are at least 24 inches of space between any combustible objects and the water.
- Before you make a final call on the location for your plumbing project, have a conversation with your plumber to review all of the safety regulations imposed by your state or municipality.
What Size Is Good for One Bathroom?
Before selecting the size of your tankless water heater, evaluate how many showers, tubs, basins, and toilets will be utilized simultaneously. Calculate the gallons per minute (GPM) required for each faucet or outlet to reach an appropriate flow rate. Lastly, search for suitable equipment that can support your combined GPM needs.
If you’re wanting an even better water flow and consistent hot showers, consider supplementing your traditional water boiler with tankless units in each bathroom. They come in a variety of sizes to fit everyone’s needs, so there will be no shortage of piping-hot H2O for every member of the family!
The RX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater by Rheem is the ideal size for providing continuous hot water to a single bathroom, RV or apartment. With its advanced design and innovative features, this product will help you save time and money while still giving you all the hot water that you need!
RX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater
Select the appropriate size water heater for your family’s needs. For instance, if you are a two-person household, only 30 gallons (136 liters) of flow rate would be necessary; whereas households with five occupants could require up to 80+ gallons (363 liters). Mr. Tankless states that most baths need about 3-7 gallons per minute.
Unsure of what size tankless water heater to buy for your bathroom? Check out this quick guide to help you decide!
- What is the size of your home and how many rooms require a water heater? In spite of their variation in size, nowadays heaters are sufficiently strong to provide all areas of your residence if you install one that’s adequately large.
- Consider how many faucets and outlets you need to operate, as well as their rate of water flow. Your count of simultaneous running faucets should indicate the size needed for your water heater; adequate so that it can supply all those active fixtures with sufficient pressure.
- What temperature should each faucet be set at? To make sure that all fixtures have an adequate supply of hot water, your water heater should generate sufficient heat.
- Are you aware of the peak water consumption rate in your home? Your new water heater must be powerful enough to support the demand during these periods.
- Choose a water heater that is within your budget, and make sure to buy the largest one you can afford.
Buying a Tankless Water Heater
Before deciding to acquire a tankless water heater, be sure to invest some time researching which type of unit would work best for your particular space – gas or electric. Examine what power sources are available in your area. If you opt for a gas-powered model, verify that there is sufficient air circulation and an appropriate connection from where the heater will reside. To help get you started on this journey, check out ecosmart’s great video outlining all the relevant considerations when deciding upon a tankless water heater!
- Estimate the ideal size of your water heater by calculating both the required flow rate and available space.
- Depending on your climate, there are different considerations for installing a water heater. If you live in an area with cold winters, be aware of the possibility of frozen pipes affecting its performance – if this happens and it isn’t covered by warranty then you’ll need to contact the manufacturer before attempting repairs. Meanwhile, warmer climates can provide more options; while indoor installation is still possible, outdoor installation could also work if space is limited indoors.
- Be sure to look closely at the warranty. Some units have a solid 10 years of coverage while others cost nearly as much in repairs as it would take to purchase an altogether new system.
Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters
As you select the right water heater for your home, take a few moments to weigh both the pros and cons of each model. Here are some of the most notable benefits and drawbacks of tankless water heaters that can help steer your decision-making process.
Pros of tankless water heaters:
- One of the biggest advantages of tankless water heaters is their long lifespan; they typically last between 5-20 years, or even longer! This makes them a much better option than traditional tank-based systems which quickly wear out.
- With no large-sized water tanks needed for storage, these systems are space efficient and can fit in any area. This makes them simple to install and highly convenient.
- Having instantaneous hot water delivered at a rate of 2 to 3 gallons (9 to 13 liters) per minute ensures that you don’t needlessly use up your precious H2O while waiting for it to arrive.
- Tankless water heaters are the epitome of energy efficiency since they only warm up water when desired, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional tanks.
- With the ability to regulate temperature, you can conserve energy during summer months and enjoy consistent comfort all year round.
- A tankless water heater is a great space-saving option that can easily fit in any bathroom, as it requires far less area than the traditional storage tank.
- With no possibility of storage tanks overflowing, you can rest assured that your home is safe from any water damage.
- If you are considering renovating or constructing a new property, investing in intelligent solutions is the best way to add value to your home.
- Some equipped with Wi-Fi allow users to monitor and control their temperature through a smartphone
- Perfectly suited for every climate.
Cons of tankless water heaters:
- Investing in a tankless water heater system will cost more upfront than traditional boiler systems, but the long-term savings are certainly worth it.
- If your current plumbing setup is only compatible with traditional storage systems, you could require substantial renovations to make way for a water heater system.
- If your water consumption is substantially more than average, you may need to invest in a larger unit, or even multiple systems, to keep up with the demands of your household.
- If you have hard water in your home, it is recommended to flush out your tankless water heater at least two or three times a year. Otherwise, once per annum should suffice to avoid any scale build-up.
- Since this system does not possess a water storage tank, it cannot supply hot water when the power is out. Additionally, even gas-powered tankless heaters will cease to function in freezing temperatures.
- When several taps are open at the same time, it can be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature in the hot water supply.
Final Verdict
Tankless water heaters have an initial cost of investment, however, you will be rewarded in the long term with reduced costs. They are unequaled for energy efficiency because they only use power to heat up what is needed at a given moment instead of constantly heating large amounts as traditional tank systems do. If having an ecologically conscious and efficient bathroom is important to you, then this certainly should be your go-to solution!
To make sure you get the perfect water heater for your house, it’s crucial to consider both the flow rate and demand of your bathrooms in addition to the local climate. Unless you’re an expert DIYer, hire a qualified professional to install your tankless unit properly.
