What Type Of Water Heater Do I Need?

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need? (For Family Of 2,3,4,5,6)

An expensive tankless water heater that is not powerful enough to meet our demands is one of the most common blunders people make when purchasing a tankless water heater.Tankless heaters should not be purchased based on their size.Neither should they be purchased based on their size, since this will waste energy.The size of your tankless water heater should be as close to your household’s hot water requirements as feasible.In what size tankless water heater do I need to invest my money?In order to determine how many GPM tankless water heaters I require for the gas unit and how many kW I require for the electric unit, I must first determine how many GPM tankless water heaters I require for the gas unit.

• Here’s how it works: Before you can accurately answer the question of what size tankless water heater you require, you must first determine two things:

1. What is the greatest amount of hot water you require?
2. What is the maximum amount of water per minute (measured in Gallons Per Minute or GPM) that a particular tankless water heater can heat, and by how many degrees?

It is necessary to establish a preliminary estimate of our maximal hot water requirements at any given point in order to properly design the tankless water heater.From 9 p.m.to 11 p.m., most families have the greatest demand for hot water.That is the time of day when we shower, brush our teeth under a hot faucet, and perhaps even have the dishwasher on.We need to keep track of how much hot water we’re using.Here’s a handy table that shows how many GPMs are required by different types of water fixtures:

Fixture	Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
Shower	2.0 – 3.0 GPM
Faucet (kitchen, bathroom)	1.0 – 2.0 GPM
Dishwasher	1.5 – 2.0 GPM
Washing Machine	2.0 – 2.5 GPM

For example, if you’re taking a shower (with 100 percent flow and 110°F hot water) and concurrently using two faucets (both with 100 percent flow and 110°F hot water), you’ll need a tankless water heater with at least 5 GPM flow rate.It is possible to get anything from 2 GPM to 12 GPM of hot water using a tankless heater.How many gallons per minute do you require?The ones with a flow rate of 5-10 GPM are the most suitable for the majority of houses.As previously stated, the cost of a tankless water heater grows in direct proportion to the capacity of the unit.It should be noted that electric tankless hot water heaters are suited for modest water demands up to 8 GPM.

• Choosing one of the top gas tankless hot water heaters from this list is recommended for larger requirements (8 GPM or more).

Difference Between Maximum Water Flow And Realistic Maximum GMPs

When comparing the specifications of different tankless heaters, you will see that they all list the maximum GPMs.When it comes down to it, the highest GMP that your tankless heater will truly reach might be far lower.What is the source of the discrepancy?Because the maximum water flow in GMP is calculated by heating water to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, The inlet temperature of the water that is currently in your pipes is quite important.For example, in south Texas, the inflow water temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit.In Minnesota, for example, the temperature of the input water might be as low as 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

• That represents an additional 40 degrees Fahrenheit differential that a tankless water heater must overcome.
• Calculation in a few words: Consider the following scenario: we have a tankless heater with a maximum water flow of 10 GPM.
• Because the input temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit in Texas, we can really obtain 10 GPM of 110 degrees Fahrenheit water.
• The heater must heat water from 77 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, a difference of 33 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In Minnesota, on the other hand, the inlet water temperature is 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In order to heat water to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Minnesota, a tankless heater must overcome a temperature differential of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than the 33 degrees Fahrenheit difference in Texas.

• You don’t come from Minnesota or Texas, do you?
• Here’s an infographic developed for the Rinnai RU160iP SE+ Series 9 GPM tankless water heater that will give you an idea of what the maximum water flow rate is in your state (legal for the United States of America).
• An additional example based on the infographics shown above is as follows: If you reside in Florida (inlet temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit), the Rinnai RU160iP SE+ Series tankless heater will have a maximum water flow of 7.1 GPM at its maximum temperature.
• The water pressure is sufficient to run numerous showers at the same time.

• If you reside in New York, on the other hand (with an intake temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit), the same tankless water heater may deliver a maximum water flow of 4.5 GMP.
• That is a direct outcome of the temperature differential between the input and outlet.
• In New York, the heater must contend with an additional 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
• You will be able to operate two or three showers at the same time using the same heater and the same amount of energy consumption.
• It’s important to consider the operating costs as well, especially with larger units.
• You can find out how much power larger electric tankless water heaters consume by visiting this page.

The amount of propane that these on-demand hot water heaters consume is another useful piece of information regarding propane units to read.

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6?

When it comes to tankless water heater sizing, one of the most often asked topics is how much of a unit you need for a household of multiple people.Obviously, a tankless water heater designed for a family of three will be smaller than one designed for a family of five.But what are the specific GPM (for gas-powered engines) or kW (for electric-powered engines) figures?Because of the changing temperature of the water entering the tankless hot water heater, determining the correct size of the tankless hot water heater is difficult.A table containing estimations may be seen below.Unfortunately, the confidence ranges are extremely wide.

• Those in the Northern United States will require larger units than homes in the Southern United States, for example, as follows:

Number Of Family Members:	Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM)	Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW)
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 2?	6-8 GPM	10-18 kW
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3?	7-9 GPM	15-23 kW
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?	8-10 GPM	20-28 kW
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?	9-11 GPM	25-34 kW
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 6?	11+ GPM	34+ kW

These data are provided just as a point of reference. The size of your tankless water heater is determined by a number of crucial criteria, such as the temperature of the water entering the tank and the amount of hot water you use on a regular basis.

Looking At Specifications Sheets

• It is common to find manufacturers specifying a maximum water flow number in GMP or a maximum electric power number in kW on specification documents for their products.
• The GMP number for gas-powered tankless water heaters is often found on the product label, whereas the kW number for electric tankless water heaters is found on the product label.
• As we’ve shown, the maximum GMP is a function of context.
• It is dependent on where you live in the United States (because that affects the inlet water temperature).

Power, on the other hand (measured in kW), is absolute.Comparing the maximum wattage of different tankless heaters (as we have done in the table of the best tankless heaters below) allows us to determine how powerful they are in comparison.All things considered, you must also consider certain financial calculations, for example.It is advised that you check here to see if a tankless water heater is actually worth the investment (we did some calculations).Let’s take a look at two real-life situations.For example, if you want to replace your current 50-gallon water heater, the first question you should ask is what size tankless water heater you need.

• Second, the number of people who live (and utilize) hot water in your home is taken into consideration.
• What size tankless water heater would be appropriate for a household of five, for example.

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need To Replace A 50 Gallon Water Heater? (Example1)

• Here’s how things work in this situation: You now have a tank-style water heater that holds 30, 40, 50, or even 80 gallons of water and wish to upgrade to a tankless water heater. The most significant distinction, of course, is that a water tank provides, say, 50 gallons of hot water, but a tankless water heater provides water heating on demand. For example, during a typical 10-minute shower, you use around 10 gallons of hot water on average. Taking 3 showers, running a few of faucets, running a dishwasher, and so on will easily deplete those 50 gallons in no time. When it comes to tankless water heaters, though, things are a little different. Instead of storing hot water, the tankless heater’s strong heating exchanger warms the water as it is needed, up to a particular maximum GMP limit, depending on the model. You would, roughly speaking, require the following items to replace a 50-gallon water heater: a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or at least a 27 kW electric tankless water heater if you live in the northern part of the United States
• a 7 GPM gas tankless heater or at least an 18 kW electric tankless water heater in the southern part of the United States
• and a 50-gallon water heater replacement kit.

As a result, Rinnai, the world’s leading manufacturer of gas tankless heaters, provides a broad range of models ranging from 7 GPM to 11 GPM: Please keep in mind that this is simply an approximate estimation. The prudent course of action is to get a tankless heater that is somewhat more powerful than the anticipated need. It is preferable to be safe than sorry.

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 5? (Example2)

• If five individuals reside in the same house, they can use multiple faucets or showers at the same time.
• This must be taken into consideration while determining the appropriate size of a tankless water heater.
• Showers are the home hot water user that consumes the most hot water the fastest.
• 5 persons can also operate many hot water taps at the same time, as well as a dishwasher and do laundry, among other things.

In summary, if you live in the northern portion of the United States, where the input water temperature is lower, you would require a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or a 27 kW electric tankless heater.The tankless heater needs to work extra hard to raise the water temperature to 110°F or 120°F, depending on the situation.For those who reside in the southern part of the country, the tankless water heater’s capacity might be lowered by up to 30 percent.As a result, for a family of five in the southern United States, a 7 GPM gas tankless heater or an 18 kW tankless heater should be more than adequate to meet all of their hot water demands.Keep in mind that, especially with larger units, tankless water heater circulation pumps can save you a significant amount of money on hot water.These pumps come in handy when you need hot water from a faucet or shower in a short amount of time.

• You won’t have to wait for hot water to start flowing, squandering all of the cold water that would have been wasted in the meanwhile.

How Many Tankless Heaters Do I Need?

• This is a rather typical topic, especially when it comes to larger homes.
• Here’s how it works: In the majority of situations, one tankless heater is sufficient to heat an entire house.
• For those who live in really large homes (2 or more bathrooms), even the largest Rinnai gas tankless water heater with a flow rate of 11 GPM will not be adequate to meet all of their simultaneous hot water demands.
• It makes logical in these situations to install two tankless water heaters.

The most common combination is as follows: The largest gas unit (11 GPM, 199,000 BTU) and the largest electric unit The large tankless water heater meets the majority of the household’s hot water requirements.During times when we require a large volume of hot water, the electric tankless water heater is activated to provide assistance.Alternatively, you might utilize two units for different parts of the home, one for one section and another for the other section of the house.Specifically, the plumbing for each units is separate in this instance.I hope this has been of assistance.

What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

• A water heater is a necessary investment for any home, regardless of its size.
• Having said that, it’s critical to ensure that you get one that is the appropriate size in order to fulfill the demands of your family.
• Otherwise, you may find yourself without hot water for your morning shower on a more frequent basis than you would want.
• Today, we’ll go over the differences between the two most common types of water heaters in order to assist you in selecting the best one for your needs.

We’ll also provide you an overview of the most common water heater sizes, as well as guidance on how to select the most appropriate size for your needs.

Storage Tank or Tankless?

Storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters are the two most common types of water heaters. You must first select whatever sort of water heater you intend to purchase before determining the appropriate size.

Tankless

• A tankless water heater, despite the fact that it is more expensive up front, will ensure that you always have hot water. Tankless water heaters function by heating water on demand using built-in coils, which means you’ll always have hot water on hand when you need it. As a result, these types of water heaters are more energy efficient than typical storage tank water heaters, which may result in a reduction in your monthly energy expenditures. The only snag is that there is a catch. They are only capable of producing a limited volume of hot water every minute. Newer tankless devices, on the other hand, are capable of handling up to 9.8 gallons of water per minute at the same time. This allows you to take many showers at the same time! Pros: More energy-efficient
• hot water on demand
• less maintenance.

• Negatives: Only a limited amount of hot water is available each minute
• Not suitable for everyone
• a high initial outlay

Storage tank

• Tank-style water heaters are significantly more widespread than tankless water heaters. This type of water heater is distinguished by the presence of an insulated tank that reserves hot water until it is required. We’ve all had the unpleasant experience of running out of hot water or having to wait for the water to heat up before getting into the shower. These sorts of events occur because storage tank units have a recovery increase, which refers to the quantity of water they can heat in an hour, which causes them to overheat. The greater the reliance on hot water in your house, the greater the recovery climb that will be required. Pros: Low initial outlay of funds
• Suitable for large families or groups of people

• Drawbacks: Only a limited volume of hot water can be produced in a given length of time
• not as energy efficient

Water Heater Sizes

• There are many different sizes of hot water heaters available, and you must first assess your usual water use in order to make an informed decision on which size to purchase. Several important considerations should be kept in mind in order to further limit down your search: Choosing your fuel source – Will you be using natural gas, liquid propane, or electricity as your primary fuel source? Is it possible that your water heater will connect to your boiler? Making this determination initially will assist you in narrowing down your selections and making the purchasing experience much simpler
• Physical dimensions – Make certain that the water heater you choose will fit into the area you have allotted in your home.
• What is the size of your household? Do you live in a tiny condo or a huge house? Is it simply you and your spouse, or do you have a large number of relatives and friends? When buying for a water heater, the size and occupancy of your family are two of the most critical considerations to make since you don’t want the person who showers last to be stranded with cold water.

When compared to a small condo where you only need hot water for one task at a time, you’ll most likely need a larger capacity water heater to accommodate a household where multiple people shower, run the dishwasher, wash dishes with the faucet, and do laundry at the same time, as opposed to a large family home.

What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

• For those of you who are considering a storage tank water heater, the following is a general reference to the storage tank capacity: You’ll need a water tank with at least a 30-gallon capacity if you’re cooking for 1 or 2 people.
• You’ll need a tank with a capacity of at least 40 gallons for two to three persons.
• It is recommended that you use an electric or natural gas tank with a capacity of 50-gallon (electric) or 40-gallon (natural gas or liquid propane) for three to four persons.
• If you have a household of five or more people, you’ll need an 80-gallon electric tank or a 50-gallon natural gas or liquid propane tank.

• Tank for storing items Hot water heaters are scaled based on the amount of BTUs they use and the amount of water they hold in gallons. Again, the more the amount of time you rely on hot water on a daily basis, the greater the amount of BTUs and capacity you will require. Consider, for example, how many showers individuals in your home take as a result of the consequences of their actions. If you have four individuals each take a ten-minute shower over the course of an hour, you will consume around 40 gallons of hot water in total. This can quickly deplete the tank’s capacity, and it may not reheat quickly enough for subsequent applications. It only takes one person to take a longer shower for the tank to be completely empty. When deciding on the tank size that is best for you, keep in mind your normal daily activities. If you’re thinking about taking the tankless way, your purchasing experience will be a little different. Because tankless water heaters do not store water, there is no need to worry about the capacity of the unit. You must, however, keep two considerations in mind: the flow velocity and the temperature rise (see Figure 1). You’ll need to total up the flow rates of all of the appliances you want to use at the same time in order to establish the water heater flow rate that you’ll require (showers, washing machines, etc.). In order to calculate the required temperature rise, subtract the entering water temperature from the desired exiting water temperature and multiply the result by 100. The temperature of ground water can vary significantly across the county and at different times of the year. Before making a purchase choice, conduct some investigation and testing to determine the temperature of your ground water. For example, you may set the entering temperature to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the target departing temperature to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In this scenario, a tankless water heater with a temperature increase of 50 degrees Fahrenheit would be appropriate. Based on an average ground water temperature of 50 degrees, the following are the sizes of tankless units you would require based on your usage: You’ll need at least 3.5 GPM to run 1 – 2 fixtures at the same time.
• If you want to run two or three fixtures at the same time, you’ll need at least 5 GPM.
• If you want to run three or four fixtures at the same time, you’ll need at least seven GPM.
• If you want to utilize five or more fixtures at the same time, you may require additional tankless units to be installed in succession.

Making a Decision

• We hope that this information has assisted you in better understanding the many elements and sizes to consider when selecting a new water heater.
• Total Home Supply has a wide range of water heaters, including both storage tank and tankless models, all of which are eligible for free shipment to anywhere in the contiguous United States of America.
• Please get in touch with us if you require any more assistance before making your purchase.
• Our in-house specialists would be pleased to assist you in selecting the most appropriate unit for your water heating requirements.

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do You Need? (Calculate GPM Needed)

• When it comes to tankless water heaters, you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the variety of alternatives available.
• For many homeowners, the question ″What size tankless water heater do I need?″ is a source of frustration.
• Our guide will assist you in determining the appropriate size tankless water heater for your needs.
• Here, we’ll guide you through the exact calculations in a step-by-step fashion so that you can choose a tankless water heater that provides the necessary quantity of hot water to your house while also ensuring that you never run out of hot water.

How to Size a Tankless Water Heater

• The first consideration in selecting a tankless water heater is determining the size of your existing hot water heater.
• Unlike typical tank water heaters, which are sized according to the number of people in the household, tankless water heaters are sized according to the number and types of fixtures or appliances they will service.
• The resulting value is referred to as ″GPM″ (Gallons Per Minute), or ″flow rate″ in certain cases, and it is used to estimate the size of your hot water heater.
• Walk through the process of calculating and selecting the appropriate size tankless water heater.

Step 1: Calculate How Many GPM for Your Tankless Water Heater

• If you sum up the flow rates of each individual fixture that utilizes hot water in your home, you may establish your own maximum GPM.
• This is just a method of determining how many gallons of hot water may be passed through the fixture in one minute by monitoring the flow rate.
• It is possible to determine the real flow rates for your individual fixtures by consulting your owner’s handbook or looking for the model number on the internet.
• Individual hot water appliance GPM rates that are running at the same time equals total GPM required.

If you don’t have the original paperwork or a model number, you can substitute a generic GPM number for the sort of fixture you’re working with instead.Make use of GPM estimation charts to find this information, which may be found with a short internet search.In fact, you can search for something like ″How large of a tankless hot water heater do I need?″ and the results (such as this one) will almost always contain one of these simple to use charts.The sample chart below will assist you in determining the appropriate size tankless water heater for your home.Write down each GPM amount, whether it is the exact GPM of your fixture or an estimate, and then add them all together.Take into consideration any fixtures that would be running at the same time, but only if they would be using hot water.

Appliance	Flow Rate (GPM)
Bathroom Faucet	0.5 GPM
Kitchen Faucet	0.5 GPM
Shower	2.5 GPM
Dishwasher	1.0 GPM
Clothes Washer	1.5 GPM

(Source)Keep in mind that if you don’t want to run out of hot water, you should overestimate the number of fixtures that might be running simultaneously!

Step 2: Determine Temperature Rise Needed

• It is necessary to consider not just the volume of water that has to be moved, but also how much of that water needs to be heated.
• Another calculation is the temperature rise, which is the length of time it takes to raise the temperature of groundwater to the desirable ″hot″ temperature you want it to be.
• Typically, this temperature is approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit, although this is simply a personal preference.
• Using a ground temperature map, you may quickly determine the typical groundwater temperature in your local area.

There are a number of different variants, some of which show temperature ranges for broader regions, while others provide more detailed temperatures for smaller ones.The map you choose to use when sizing a tankless hot water heater is entirely up to your personal taste and needs.The temperature rise will be calculated using whichever method you pick, by subtracting the groundwater temperature from your target hot water temperature.This is another another specification that will be used to determine the size of the water heater you require.The required temperature rise is equal to the difference between the desired water temperature and the incoming groundwater temperature (Image Source)

Step 3: Determine Your Power Source

• Choosing a power source for your tankless water heater is the next step to take into account.
• There is no simple answer to the question of whether gas or electric tankless water heaters are preferable, as it is dependent on your individual circumstances and tastes.
• Generally speaking, electric tankless water heaters are better suited for point-of-use applications and for usage in houses with lower water consumption.
• Electricity is often favored only in situations when incoming water temperatures are higher and heating and GPM needs are lower.

The usage of gas, on the other hand, is often the best option for homes with high water needs, such as whole-house watering, as well as for homes with lower groundwater temperatures.First and foremost, you should evaluate the availability of the power source you intend to employ; does your home currently have access to natural gas or electrical power, for example?This alone may be sufficient to persuade you to change your viewpoint.If this is not the case, there are a few other considerations to consider when selecting a power supply for your tankless water heater.For long-term use in most areas, gas is likely to be significantly more economical than electricity.If the cost and availability of natural gas and electricity are comparable in your area, you may want to think about which characteristics of a tankless water heater are most essential to you before making your final decision.

• Tankless water heaters powered by natural gas have the ability to provide a greater volume of hot water in less time than their electric equivalents.
• They are also often less expensive to operate because of the low price of gasoline, however this may vary depending on your location.
• Electric tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are significantly more economical and straightforward to install because they do not require any fuel pipe or venting.

The less complicated installation will also lower labor expenses, resulting in even greater savings for the consumer at the time of purchase.If your town’s electricity supply is irregular, you might want to think again before installing an electric tankless water heater.A power outage will result in the loss of hot water if the system is not connected to a battery backup.Let’s look at some real-world examples now that we’ve gained a better knowledge of key terms and considerations when selecting a tankless water heater.

What Size Tankless Water Heater Does a Family of Four Need?

• A family of four living in an average-sized house would need to evaluate how many people would be using hot water at the same time in order to determine how much hot water they would require. To begin, we will total up the flow rates for each fixture in order to determine their maximum GPM capacity. Our hypothetical household may find themselves in the position of needing to operate the following appliances at the same time: dishwasher (2 GPM)
• kitchen sink (3 GPM)
• up to two showers (each with a flow rate of 1.5 GPM) at the same time

• Based on the low end of the ranges of each fixture on our GPM table above, and assuming the family purchased energy-efficient appliances, this would be 6.5 GPM on average.
• We would then compute the temperature rise caused by the tankless water heater based on the location of the customer.
• For the sake of illustration, let us choose the state of Hawaii.
• To maintain the normal 120 degrees Fahrenheit hot temperature, they will need to raise the average groundwater temperature for the region by 43 degrees Fahrenheit from the typical 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

120 degrees (desired temperature) minus 77 degrees (incoming groundwater temperature) equals a 43 degree temperature increase required.6.5 GPM RISE at 43 degrees Celsius will be required for this couple’s needs.Assuming that the family’s options were restricted to electric tankless water heaters, a larger capacity tankless water heater, such as the EcoSmart Eco 27 Electric Tankless water heater, would be an excellent choice.

What Size Tankless Water Heater For a Couple In a Condo?

• However, a couple that lives in a Florida condominium will have a whole different set of requirements.
• Their condo has only one bathroom and no on-site laundry or dishwasher, which is a disappointment.
• However, they are aware that their brand new kitchen faucet has a flow rate of 1.5 GPM, but they employ generic figures from the GPM calculation table to get a flow rate of just 5 GPM.
• They’ll simply have to elevate the temperature of their water from the ordinary 68 degrees to the ideal 110 degrees to achieve this.

According to these parameters, this couple should choose a tankless water heater that can provide 42-degree rise at 5 GPM and is energy efficient.It would be a fantastic idea for this couple to invest in a cheap Rheem RTEX-36 Electric Tankless Water Heater, which would easily meet their water heating needs while also saving them money on energy and space.

What Size Tankless Water Heater Does a Family of Five Need?

• Our final scenario has a family of five living in a spacious house that has access to natural gas connections.
• This home contains all of the same appliances as our first family, as well as an additional half bathroom, which adds another bathroom faucet with a 1.5 GPM flow rate to the mix.
• Given our suspicions that they may be running two showers, along with the dishwasher, washing machine (and maybe the half-bathroom faucet), we multiply their GPMs by two to get 9.5 GPM.
• At their house in Oklahoma, the groundwater temperature is 57 degrees, and the family loves to have their hot water at a temperature of 120 degrees.

They are aware that they require a unit capable of a 63-degree temperature increase at a flow rate of 9.5 GPM.Having answered the issue, ″What size electric tankless water heater do I require?″ this family now just has to choose a decent tankless water heater to complete their set up.For example, the Rheem RTGH-95DVLN might be a viable alternative.Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater with a flow rate of 9.5 GPM.As long as the family does not exceed the estimated water use, the system will deliver enough water while maintaining an efficiency rating of 94 percent.

So, How Big of a Tankless Hot Water Heater Do I Need?

If you want to calculate the size of your own tankless water heater, simply follow the instructions outlined above.

1. Adding up all of the fixtures in your house will give you the GPM you need to know.
2. Calculate your temperature rise based on your target temperature and the temperature of the groundwater

• Once you’ve decided on the size of your tankless water heater, the only thing left to decide is what sort of power source you’ll choose.
• Make a decision between a gas tankless water heater and an electric water heater, and then start shopping!
• On the heater’s specification plate or packaging, as well as on the majority of vendors’ and manufacturers’ websites, you may find specifications that correspond to your calculations.
• Consider it similar to buying for a car based on horsepower and miles per gallon.

With your newfound knowledge, it’s time to head to the store for a new heating system!Today, have a look at our assessment of the top tankless water heaters available!

Facts to Help You Decide Which Water Heater to Buy

• Even though it doesn’t get the same amount of attention as your home’s HVAC system and is much more difficult to see than your large kitchen appliances, your water heater works tirelessly in the background of your home to provide you with hot showers, sparkling dishes, clean laundry, and other benefits.
• Water heaters are often low-maintenance and long-lasting, silently doing their functions for years without causing you any inconvenience.
• However, if your home’s water heater is more than 10 years old, it is likely not as energy-efficient as newer ones, and it may be wise to consider upgrading to a more modern type.
• That brings us to the crucial question: what sort of water heater should you purchase?

The following are the fundamental characteristics of the four most common types of water heaters available on the market:

Storage Tank

• In this case, you’re probably most familiar with the traditional style of water heater, which is a massive vertical tank in your basement or utility closet that both warms and retains water. You may choose from several sizes
• the greater the size you need, the more people will be in your home at one time. These endure a long time, need little maintenance, and are quite energy efficient, particularly if you use natural gas instead of electricity. These tools may be found at any large box or locally owned hardware shop, and they are reasonably priced, with smaller models starting at less than $400 for the most basic types. The following are some facts about storage tank water heaters: Water heaters of the conventional kind are available in a variety of sizes to meet your demands.
• Exceptionally long-lasting and low-maintenance
• When using natural gas, it is quite efficient.
• Models start at about $400.

On-Demand

• Due to the fact that they only heat water when it is needed, tankless on-demand water heaters are both small and energy efficient. Because there is no storage unit at all, there is no water to keep constantly hot, resulting in cheaper energy expenses overall. These water heaters are likewise long-lasting and low-maintenance, but the upfront cost is around double that of a traditional water heater
• it’s difficult to find a high-quality unit for less than $800. However, while on-demand systems are measured in gallons per minute, you will not receive a large amount of hot water at one time in general. In other words, if you just have one person bathing at a time in your house, a tankless system will function just fine
• but, if you have three people showering at the same time, there will most likely not be enough hot water for all three of them. Larger households, on the other hand, might have many on-demand water heaters to meet their hot water demands. Facts about on-demand tankless water heaters: They only heat water when you need it
• they are extremely energy efficient.
• The absence of a storage unit results in cheaper energy expenses.
• Exceptionally long-lasting and low-maintenance
• Models start at about $800.
• For larger houses, one may not be sufficient.

Heat Pump

• While this sort of water heater functions in the same way as a refrigerator, it is designed to keep water hot rather than food chilled. As a refrigerator circulates cold air, a heat pump water heater circulates heat to maintain your water at a comfortable temperature for you. These are often most effective in hot climates, and they also have a high efficiency in terms of energy use. The most significant disadvantage is the high initial cost of the equipment
• heat pump water heaters often cost more than $1000, and the installation charge can also be considerably in excess of $1000. The maintenance on these types of water heaters is pretty simple: you only need to clean or replace the air filters on a regular basis. They will save you money on your monthly energy bills, though. Facts about heat pump water heaters: They are most efficient in warm or hot areas
• they are also extremely energy efficient.
• Prices begin at over $1000
• installation expenses begin at over $1000
• significant savings on monthly energy expenditures

Solar

• If being environmentally conscious is important to you and your family, you should think about investing in a solar water heater. There are various different kinds, but they all work by converting the energy from the sun into heat, which allows your hot water to keep flowing. Solar water heaters, like other forms of water heaters, are often low-maintenance and long-lasting in nature. The main advantage of solar energy is that, after your solar panels are installed, your energy expenses will be almost nonexistent. The most significant disadvantage of solar water heaters is the high initial investment required, which is now in the range of $2000 to $3000. However, there are frequently tax benefits available for incorporating green technology into your house, and the cost of solar equipment continues to fall year after year as the technology matures. But if you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint and have the financial resources to spend this much money all at once, you could find that a solar water heater is a smart investment. Facts about solar water heaters: They are low-maintenance and long-lasting.
• The cost of energy will be greatly reduced.
• Starting at $2000, with tax credits potentially available.
• Reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted

To understand more about this part of the choosing process, see the article on how to choose the proper water heater size from Sensible Digs. Give GC Plumbing a call at (512) 400-3104 immediately and let us know what you want expert assistance with. We can assist you with the installation, repair, and maintenance of your water heater system.

What Type of Water Heater Should I Get?

Please keep in mind that this content may contain affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, we may gain a small profit on purchases made via our links. This brief article will present you with the essentials of selecting a water heater that is suited for your requirements, in order to assist you in making a better educated selection.

Water Heater Types

The selection of the proper type of water heater is critical when replacing or having a new home built since it accounts for over 20% of your yearly home’s energy expenditures.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

• The most affordable tank water heaters will have the lowest initial cost, but because they consume energy on a nearly continual basis, you will most likely have higher monthly energy costs than you would with a tankless water heating system.
• You’re probably thinking what size water heater you’ll require.
• When choosing the appropriate tank size, the general rule of thumb is to choose a tank that can contain at least 10 gallons of water for each person living in the home.
• Keep in mind that the amount of time spent bathing, the temperature setting of the water heater, and other uses of hot water, such as washing dishes or doing laundry, all have an impact on this figure.

The ″First Hour″ value on the energy rating label on a new water heater should be equal to the number of people living in the home multiplied by 10, although a lesser rating is appropriate in families that practice basic water saving.

Tankless Water Heaters

• There’s a solid reason why tankless models are becoming increasingly popular.
• The key reasons for this are lower monthly energy expenditures, almost endless hot water, and a compact design size.
• The most significant disadvantage is the cost.
• Expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000 for a whole-house electric type, with a gas variant costing between $3,000 to $4,000.

(prices include professional installation).The size of the house, of course, has an impact on the price.In addition, when numerous people use hot water at the same time, a tiny tankless device may not be able to keep up with the demands.This is frequently sufficient justification for some homeowners to install more than one unit in their home.However, when it comes to overall efficiency, there is nothing better than a decent electric tankless model.When it comes to providing reliable hot water on demand, tankless systems are the most effective option available.

• They may cost you more money up front for the unit and perhaps for installation, but because they utilize energy on demand, you will begin to recoup those expenses over time as your energy savings increase.
• For further details, see ″Tankless Water Heater vs Tank Type Water Heater.″

Point of Use Water Heaters

• Due to the fact that point of use (POU) water heaters, such as the InSinkErator, are essentially small water heaters, they are a great choice for a supplementary heating system.
• Even though they are almost never utilized as the primary water heater in a home, POU water heaters are frequently employed in under-sink applications when more or hotter water is required at a specified delivery point, such as a sink faucet.
• Because they are put so near to the faucet, you get virtually instantaneous hot water because it does not have to travel through the plumbing in your walls to reach to you (where it also cools the farther it goes).

Fuel Source

Electric Water Heaters

• Electric water heaters are the most generally used form and may be used for both tank and tankless systems, as well as serving as a secondary heating source for solar water heaters.
• They are also the least expensive type of water heater to purchase.
• It’s a good idea to become familiar with the operation of an electric water heater in order to determine whether or not it would be a viable option in your house.
• Models that are energy efficient are often more expensive at the time of purchase but have a lower yearly operating cost.

Electric water heaters, on the other hand, have the shortest expected lifespan.

Gas Water Heaters

• Gas water heaters are virtually as popular as electric water heaters in terms of sales.
• Because there are more components, they are more expensive than equivalent electric ones; but, because they are more efficient in most circumstances, you will have a cheaper yearly operating cost.
• Models that are more energy efficient cut yearly expenditures even more, although they have a greater purchasing price up front.
• Overall, gas tank-type water heaters are now the most cost-effective option available, and they are almost always included in new home construction when a natural gas line is available.

Hybrid Electric Water Heaters

• These sorts of water heaters are very new, and they represent the most recent technological progress in electric water heating.
• It is one of the most energy-efficient techniques of producing hot water since it makes use of heat pump technology to draw heat from the surrounding air.
• The majority of hybrid water heaters have exactly the same connections as a normal electric water heater.
• The drawbacks of heat pumps are their high initial cost, slightly increased maintenance requirements, and the fact that they will not function correctly in temperatures that are too low.

Solar Water Heaters

• While solar water heaters have the greatest initial cost, the long-term expenditures are almost non-existent when compared to conventional water heaters.
• Because solar water heaters can not deliver constant hot water during the night and on cloudy days, you will need a supplementary heating source to supplement your solar water heater.
• When a storage tank is used, solar water heaters employ a pipe system to keep enough water heated.
• However, solar water heaters may not operate as effectively in instances when a storage tank is used.

It is not possible to use solar water heaters in all climates and geographical regions.While a solar water heater system may not be the ideal option if you reside in the Pacific Northwest, it may make a lot of sense if you live in a place such as Arizona.

The Best Water Heater

• The sort of unit that is most appropriate for you will be determined by factors such as the size of your household, your water consumption, and your specific requirements.
• Please keep in mind that converting from one kind to another will entail conversion expenses that will need to be factored into the original expenditure, a consideration that might make switching to another type prohibitively expensive.
• The combination of tanked and tankless water heating systems will, in many cases, provide you with the most constant and efficient water supply possible.
• You may learn the exact models we recommend by visiting our page titled ″Best Water Heaters for Residential Use.″

Selecting a New Water Heater

• When purchasing a new water heater for your house, look for a system that will supply enough hot water for your family while also being energy efficient, allowing you to save money.
• Consider the many types of water heaters that are available, as well as the appropriate size and fuel source for your house.
• Check out the Energy Saver 101: Water Heating infographic to learn more about the many types of water heaters available and how to choose the most appropriate model for your household.

Types of Water Heaters

• It’s a good idea to be familiar with the many types of water heaters that are available before making a purchase: Storage water heaters, as they are commonly known, provide a ready reservoir (storage tank) of hot water that is sufficient for everyday use. But there are other situations, such as when there is more than one usage for hot water at the same time or when there are guests in the house, where the need for hot water increases.
• Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type water heaters, heat water on demand rather than storing it in a storage tank. When properly sized, this sort of water heater is intended to give an appropriate supply of hot water without running out
• however, this is not always the case.
• Heat pump water heaters transfer heat from one location to another rather than producing heat directly for the purpose of supplying hot water, resulting in excellent energy efficiency and considerable cost savings.
• Heat from the sun is used to heat water, allowing you to save money on your electricity cost as well.
• Tankless coil and indirect water heaters heat water by drawing energy from the home’s space heating system.

Selection Criteria

• When deciding on the appropriate type and model of water heater for your house, take the following factors into consideration: Type of fuel, availability, and pricing are all important considerations. The type of fuel or energy source you choose for water heating will have an impact on not just the annual operating costs of the water heater, but also the size and energy efficiency of the heater. More information about choosing fuel kinds may be found in the section below.
• Size.
• It is necessary to have an appropriately sized water heater in order to offer your home with enough hot water while also maximizing efficiency. For further information on size, see the sections on the various types of water heaters (linked above).
• Efficiencies in energy use.
• Check the energy efficiency of a water heater before purchasing it to ensure that you save the most energy and money possible. More information on evaluating energy efficiency may be found on the sections dedicated to different types of water heaters (linked above).
• Costs.
• Preparing for the purchase of a water heater should include estimating the yearly running expenses as well as comparing those costs to the costs of alternative models that are less or more energy efficient. More information on predicting expenses may be found on the pages dedicated to the various types of water heaters (linked above).

Also, look for ways to minimize your hot water consumption, such as washing clothing in cold water instead of hot. In order to save money on your water heating expense, you may wish to investigate additional solutions such as drain-water heat recovery.

Fuel Types, Availability and Costs for Water Heating

It’s critical to examine the sort of fuel or energy source you’ll be using when choosing a new water heater, as well as its availability and cost, while making your decision. The type of fuel utilized by a water heating system will have an impact on not just the annual operating expenses, but also the size and energy efficiency of the water heater.

Exploring Water Heater Options by Fuel Type

• The sort of fuel you use and its availability in your location may limit the number of water heaters you may choose from.
• Listed below is a list of water heater alternatives categorized by fuel type or energy source: Electricity In the United States, traditional storage water heaters, tankless or demand-type water heaters, and heat pump water heaters are all readily accessible.
• The technology may also be utilized in conjunction with combined water and space heating systems, such as tankless coil and indirect water heaters.

Benzene is a fuel oil. In some parts of the United States, it is possible to use natural gas to fuel traditional storage water heaters as well as indirect combined water and space heating systems.

Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy. A geothermal heat pump system for the purpose of space heating and cooling is available to people who will have or currently have a geothermal heat pump system installed in their houses around the United States. For further information, please see Heat Pump Water Heaters.

Natural gas is a type of energy source. Available in many parts of the United States for use in traditional storage and demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters, as well as combination water and space heating systems, which include tankless coil and indirect water heaters, as well as combination water and space heating systems.

Propane Fuel for traditional storage and demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters, as well as indirect combined water and space heating systems, is readily available in many parts of the United States, including the Midwest.

Solar energy is available across the United States, with the greatest concentration in the Southwest, for the purpose of solar water heaters.

Comparing Fuel Costs and Water Heater Types

• You should evaluate fuel costs if you have access to more than one fuel type in your location, especially if you’re planning to build an entirely new home.
• Even if you’re replacing a water heater, you may discover that switching to a different fuel or energy source may save you more money in the long term.
• For those switching from one fuel type to another, there are additional costs to consider such as the installation of circuit breakers and the running of gas lines to the water heater and venting them outside.
• For the most up-to-date information on fuel costs or rates, contact local utility.

It is also important to consider the type of water heater you buy because it will influence your water heating expenditures.One type of water heater may be more efficient at using a certain fuel type than another type of water heater.For example, an electric heat pump water heater is generally more energy efficient than an electric traditional storage water heater in terms of heating capacity and efficiency.A further benefit of an electric heat pump water heater is that it may have cheaper energy costs than a gas-fired traditional storage water heater, even if local natural gas prices are lower than electricity rates.

Choosing the Right Water Heater

Find the most appropriate water heater for your household’s hot water usage, the installation site, and the type that best meets your needs and preferences, among other considerations.

Electric, gas or propane

Models of electric, gas, and propane water heaters each have their own set of pros and downsides.

Electric Water Heater

• Electric water heaters are the least expensive to purchase and need the least amount of upkeep.
• There is no need for venting, and there is no reason to be concerned about combustion gas emissions.
• When using an electric type, the water boils up quite rapidly.
• They can achieve high energy factor ratings despite the fact that gas-powered vehicles have higher fuel efficiency than electric counterparts.

Now is the time to shop.

Gas-Powered Water Heater

• Despite the fact that the gas-powered water heater has a larger starting cost than the electric ones, it consumes less energy when used on a consistent basis.
• If the original tank was an electric one, the installation may be a little more complex because new gas fuel lines and venting to the outside will need to be installed.
• Another significant advantage is that the gas-powered hot water tank will continue to function even if the electricity goes out.
• It is important to choose a sealed combustion or power venting model when selecting and installing this type on your own to maximize safety and reliability.

Now is the time to shop.

Propane-Powered Water Heater

Propane-fueled hot water heaters are still available, although they are becoming less popular among consumers. It has the same energy efficiency as a gas-powered type and may be handy for homeowners who desire better energy efficiency than electric versions but do not have access to gas connections in their house. Now is the time to shop.

With or without a tank

After deciding on the sort of energy source to be used, another choice must be made: how much energy will be used. Whether you use a tank or not is up to you.

Storage Tank Heater

• This type of water heater features a storage tank that is continually heated and ready for use in the home.
• A thermostat monitors the temperature of the water and activates the heating element as necessary.
• The majority of water storage tanks hold between 30 and 60 gallons of water, with 20 to 120 gallons being usual for domestic use.
• The storage tank water heater is a good solution when there is a consistent high demand for water and there are economic issues to consider.

Now is the time to shop.

Tankless Water Heater

• The tankless hot water heater, often known as a ″on-demand″ or ″instantaneous″ water heater, is mounted on the wall to save space.
• It works by circulating cold water through a network of coils, which heats it before distributing it through pipes to each site of consumption.
• Initially, the cost of a tankless device is more expensive than the cost of a storage tank model.
• Storage tank versions take up a lot of room, and this one takes up around 30 percent less space and consumes roughly 30 percent less energy.

If hot water is required at more than two sites at the same time on a regular basis, this model may not be the best choice.Tankless heaters can be powered by electricity or natural gas, and they are graded according to how much water they can heat in a minute.The majority of tankless water heaters designed for domestic usage produce 3.5 gallons of hot water per minute (gpm).Tankless water heaters are selected based on the flow rate required to meet the water supply needs of a given residence, as opposed to storage tank versions, which are selected based on the suitable gallon capacity.Now is the time to shop.

Additional Water Heaters to Consider

Point-of-use hot water tanks

Is a tiny appliance that delivers hot water to a specified spot within the home, often a remote location, rather than to the entire house. Smaller models are fitted immediately under the sink or in a closet, and larger models range from 2.5 to 19 gallon capacities.

Hybrid electric water heaters

Are created with the goal of maximizing energy efficiency. They stand significantly higher than a typical unit. Investigate the statistics on energy savings because a natural gas-fueled storage tank may consume nearly the same amount of energy as a conventional storage tank.

Extreme green water heaters

• Heat pump water heaters, geothermal heat pump water heaters, and solar water heaters are all examples of renewable energy sources.
• They have the potential to save anywhere from 50 to 80 percent on energy costs.
• Consult with a green energy specialist as well as a design professional to determine whether or not the desired system is appropriate for your home.
• There are several instances in which the significant expense and effort required to deploy it are not justified.

Integrated systems

• Make use of a single heater that is supplied by an external storage tank.
• These systems are designed in such a way that a single heating fuel source may be utilized to heat both the water and the surrounding air at the same time, saving on energy costs.
• The disadvantage of these systems is that the heat generated by the water will continue to radiate into the residence throughout the year, even during the summer months.

Choosing the right size tank

• Here are the average flow rates (at a pressure of 60 psi) for each fixture type, broken down by fixture type: 1.5 to 2.0 gpm for showering
• 2.0 to 3.0 gpm for bathing
• 0.5 to 1.5 gpm for bathroom sinking
• 1.0 to 2.2 gpm for kitchen sinking
• Dishwasher: 1.5 to 2.5 gpm
• Clothes washer: 1.5 to 3.0 gpm

• Efficacy of recovery The recovery rate is expressed in gallons of water heated each hour, and it is expressed in gallons of water heated per minute.
• It is advised that larger recovery rates be used for systems that have higher hot water needs than average.
• Dimensions of the unit and the location of its installation The storage tank walls of a modern hot water heater are likely to be bigger than the walls of an older, replaced type because extra insulation has been put into the storage tank walls.
• You’ll need to make sure you have adequate room to accommodate the installation.

In order to choose the appropriate tank size, you must first calculate the quantity of water required for the number of bathrooms, bedrooms, and people in the house.To make an educated decision, please refer to the chart below.

Pro Tip

If you buy a water heater that is too small for your needs, you may find yourself without hot water when you need it. A water heater that is overly large, on the other hand, will result in increased energy costs as a result of heat loss. The size of your water heater, as a result, should be chosen in accordance with your requirements.

Use of Hot Water The Number of People in the Family Model with a large capacity and an electric motor Model for Capacity and Gas 1 bathtub/shower in the apartment

2 persons are involved. 135 liters of liquid (30 gallons) 90 liters of liquid (20 gallons) 2 bathtubs/showers in the apartment

2-4 individuals are required. a capacity of 180 liters (40 gallons) 135 liters of liquid (30 gallons) Three bathtubs/showers in the family house

• 3-4 individuals are required. 225 liters is the capacity (50 gallons) a capacity of 180 liters (40 gallons) Two bathtubs/showers, a dishwasher, and a washer and dryer are provided in the family home.

• 4-5 individuals are required. 290 liters of liquid (65 gallons) a capacity of 180 liters (40 gallons) Family house with two or more bathtubs/showers, a large capacity washer and dishwasher, and a fireplace.

• 5-6 individuals are required. a total of 360 liters (80 gallons) 225 liters is the capacity (50 gallons) Several baths and showers, a large capacity washer and dishwasher, and a Whirlpool bathtub are included in this family house.

6 people and more

540 liters (120 gallons)

340 liters (75 gallons)

Pro Tip

You don’t want to do the installation yourself? Your old unit will be removed and recycled after our installation service.

Energy efficiency

• Solar water heaters are the most energy-efficient type of water heater available.
• However, they are not advised for nor