Eyeing the purchase of a tankless water heater is tempting. It makes sense with all the crazy benefits it comes with, from increased energy savings, more space, and safety.
It is a big decision to make. Selecting the right one can save you money and improve efficiency along the way. But how can you tell? We have put together the main aspects you should consider to know if a tankless water heater is truly the best option for you!
When you want hot water in your home, it has to meet your specific demands. The home’s size, how many people live there, and frequency of use will all determine the tankless water heater capacity you need to supply it.
The unit sizes range to fit different needs. Essentially, you want to make sure to get the right-sized unit and no less than what you need because it will heat inefficiently. The price of a tankless water heater will depend on the capacity it has. Knowing what you are looking for exactly will help you get a better idea of how much it will cost.
Probably one of the best things about a tankless water heater is that it is so compact. It is nothing like having that giant tank in your basement with that slight fear it will explode because it could happen. If you want to free up space, a tankless water heater is a big yes.
Space isn’t something to be highly concerned about when you want to install a tankless water heater in your home. Still, there are slight space requirements that you won’t want to overlook if you are getting a gas one. A gas tankless water heater needs a certain amount of space around it, or you will require air ducts if it is in a confined space like a closet.
We have heard before that the great things in life need time, and when it comes to your water heating system, the best of having a tankless water heater comes in the long run. With minimum maintenance, they will function for an extended period (up to 20 years), and its benefits will last long too!
However, these may not seem appealing to you if you stay in a home for a short time, especially with the upfront cost of a tankless water heater. But if you plan to stay in your home for years or build your new home, this durable system will be a great companion.
Maybe your tankless water heater meets all of your requirements, but each unit has some installation requirements as well. It will vary depending on the type. There are two main ones with tankless water heaters: gas vs. electric.
Electric tankless water heaters require at least 120 amps (this amount will vary depending on the size of the unit) to run, which for some could take up to 3 circuit breakers. Gas tankless water heaters require venting. You can run either with your chimney or a side wall (either horizontal or vertical) and the correct gas power and connections.
Of course, the budget is a big concern. It should be thought of well when it comes to the cost of a tankless water heater, as it poses a high investment upfront. The price of the unit, plus the installation, will add up. So you should assess our previous considerations before getting one.
Everything is more accessible when you have a clear idea of what you need. Suppose you decide that a tankless water heater is worth it. In that case, the other big thing to consider is choosing a suitable unit and a company for professional installation.
At R&R Mechanical Services, we can assist you with both. You will receive our signature quality HVAC installation services and purchase your unit. If you have further questions, you are welcome to contact us today!