While there are plenty of options for the water heater, it becomes baffling to narrow down which heater would be ideal, whether a tank water heater or the tankless? If you are going for a tankless then, how big of a tankless water heater do I need and similar questions arise. In this article, we have tried to make it easy for you in order to select the right one.
What type of Water Heater Should I get?
Whether you choose an electric or gas tankless water heater, choosing an appropriate size will never let you run out of hot water and saves a lot from monthly billing. Here we have introduced some key factors that play a crucial role and cannot be overlooked?
It includes the flow rate and how much water it heats at one. These two factors generally refer to size, but there are many more factors that influence the result of how big of a tankless water heater do I need. So, let’s get through these factors.
The size of your house
Tankless waters heaters vary in size that you are supposed to choose according to the need. However, almost all modern or advanced technology tankless water heaters have the capacity to provide hot water that is sufficient for the entire house. However, choosing a small heater in order to save some pennies will restrict you to certain bedrooms.
Unlike a typical storage water heater that allows you to store hot water, you can also have a continuous stream of hot water with tankless water heaters. Initially, you are supposed to determine the number of rooms and faucets you want hot water supply. Then determine the size.
The flow rate
Tankless water heaters are not ordinary water heaters. They supply hot water as it runs into your house. This means that the water output rate from the faucet is determined by the flow rate provided by the heater. Having a significant flow rate permits you to use two or more showers and faucets.
For instance, a typical flow rate of a showerhead is 1.8 gallons per minute, and another shower may start running along with that at a similar rate. If both showers are connected to one heater, this flow rate may add up to 3.6 gallons per minute. Therefore, if you have a large family choose a water heater with a high flow rate that can live up to your expectations.
Temperature rise
After evaluating the flow rate of the shower and faucet in your house, it is time to determine how much heat your water heater requires to warm the required water. In order to figure it out, you need to consider the temperature of water flowing into your home and the temperature of the water you require.
For instance, your home’s incoming water supply temperature is about 45 degrees, whereas your shower is supposed to deliver 105 degrees; the required temperature rise will be 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, if your shower has a water flow of 1.8 gallons per minute, so your heater should mandatory heat 1.8 gallons of water per minute by 60 degrees in order to achieve the desired temperature.
Household size
Another crucial factor that I should take note of while evaluating is how big of a tankless water heater do I need? The water heater which is on-demand should be able to cope up with the occasional overuse of hot water running from the faucets.
If your house is likely to stay occupied with guests, you will require a large tankless water heater. It is because you have a dishwasher or you do it yourself; warm water is the basic need at that time. Moreover, a large family will have a large number of clothes to wash. Likewise, you will be in need of a large supply.
Put it all together
As tankless water heaters do not store water like traditional storage heaters, it provides water on demand. Therefore, in order to get the best experience, you need to choose the best out of thousands of options.
Ignoring even one factor may cause a big problem for you. Understanding the flow rate as well as the temperature rise is the first step towards the suitable option. In addition, considering the household or domestic use of hot water and the size of the house will help you choose the best one. Having the estimate of daily or occasional use adds up to your ease.
How big of a tankless water heater do I need?
The size of a water heater usually refers to its capacity and functionality. First of all, you need to understand what size means when someone discusses tankless water heaters. A tankless water heater, whether gas or electric, provides hot water on demand.
Once the cold water is warmed to the level of required temperature which is usually 120 degrees, it maintains that temperature without you having to worry about the capacity of the tank you have.
Conclusion
Having a too-small water heater will result in it not being able to produce enough hot water. For instance, you might not be able to run more than one shower. On the other hand, having a larger one will help you either, and it will only add up to your monthly billing.
If you are having issues in selecting the suitable one, this guide will help you choose the size of a tankless water heater.
While selecting a tankless water heater, it is natural to wonder, how big of a tankless water heater do I need? as it provides on-demand water. Size does not refer to the body size but its functionality as well as capability. So, get what meets your need properly.