Electric Tankless Water Heater For Shower
With a tankless water heater, you never run out of hot water. The units heat water on demand and are incredibly energy efficient. They also take up less space than traditional tanks. They require professional installation and regular maintenance to optimize their performance.
Choosing the best electric tankless water heater for shower depends on your household size and hot water needs. Consider factors such as cost, energy efficiency, and installation flexibility.
Cost
A tankless water heater is more expensive than a traditional tank heater, but it offers a lot of benefits. It uses less energy because it only heats water when it is needed. It also doesn’t store gallons of water, which saves space. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider the total cost of the system before you buy it.
In addition to the price of a new unit, you should consider installation costs and other factors. Installing a tankless water heater requires a professional plumber, who will charge between $250 and $350 per hour for the job. In some cases, you may need to hire a carpenter to do drywall work, which will add another $100-$300 to the total cost. You’ll also need to pay for fittings, connectors, and mounting hardware.
The most popular tankless water heater brands include Rinnai, Rheem, Noritz, Stiebel Eltron, and Bosch. All of these companies manufacture gas models and some produce electric models, too. Some brands are more expensive than others, but you can usually find a good deal by shopping around and buying online. If you decide to purchase a tankless water heater, choose one with a reputable brand that has a solid reputation. It’s also a good idea to have a professional install the unit and perform routine maintenance. For example, you should flush the unit with vinegar once every 500 hours to keep mineral buildup from clogging the heat exchanger.
Energy efficiency
A tankless water heater for your shower offers a wealth of benefits, including significant energy savings and an almost instantaneous supply of hot water. They can be powered by gas, electric or propane. The type you choose depends on your electric boiler manufacturer local electricity rates and other factors such as the temperature of incoming water and the gallons per minute (GPM) demand from fixtures like showers. A professional can help you decide which model is the best for your needs.
Tankless water heaters are also more energy efficient than traditional ones, which can consume up to 20 percent more energy to keep the water hot. This is because they heat the water only when you use it, unlike conventional water heaters that continuously heat water stored in a tank. Some tankless models come with advanced recirculation systems that use sensors to detect hot or cold water in the pipes and automatically pump it back through the heater, which can reduce the wait time to get hot water from your taps by up to 30 seconds.
However, it is important to note that the energy efficiency of your tankless water heater can be affected by many factors, including the size and age of the unit, as well as the location and installation of your home. A professional can help you choose the right model for your home and perform a thorough inspection to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Space requirements
Unlike traditional water heaters that hold a fixed volume of hot water, tankless water heaters heat the water on demand. This allows them to save energy by heating the water only when you need it. It also eliminates the risk of running out of hot water, which is a common problem with conventional water heaters. Additionally, the compact design of these water heaters makes them a perfect fit for small bathrooms or cramped closets.
Choosing the right location for your electric tankless water heater is essential for its proper operation and longevity. It is important to consider the unit’s proximity to the water supply lines, ventilation, and accessibility. A professional plumber can help you select the ideal location for your new tankless water heater based on your bathroom size and energy requirements.
In addition, it is important to properly size the water heater based on your hot water demands and the amount of appliances in use at one time. For example, if you’re running 2 showers and a dishwasher at the same time, you’ll need a demand water heater that can produce 5.2 gallons of temperature rise per minute.
When installing a tankless water heater, it’s also important to make sure it’s located close to the water supply lines so it can heat the electric water heater water quickly and minimize energy consumption. It’s also a good idea to install a recirculation system, which loops any cold water back to the tankless water heater for immediate heating, so you don’t waste water waiting for it to warm up.
Installation flexibility
Unlike storage tank models that hold 30 or 50 gallons of water, which need to be preheated before use, tankless units heat the water on demand. However, they must be properly sized in order to meet your household’s hot water needs. A professional plumber will determine the right size based on your expected flow rate and temperature rise. You can also calculate your peak period demand by estimating how often you expect to run more than one shower and faucet at the same time.
Another benefit of tankless systems is their compact size, which allows them to be installed in tight spaces. They can be installed under sinks or in closets, freeing up floor space. This is especially important during a remodel when you might want to optimize your bathroom layout.
While tankless water heaters are a great option for many homeowners, they can be more complicated to install than traditional models. They require special electrical wiring, so you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician for the job. Additionally, they can be expensive. The cost depends on the type of fuel your model uses and where you live. Gas models generally cost more to install than electric ones. They may also require a permit and safety inspection. However, these costs are usually offset by the lower energy bills you’ll save.
