Every day, tankless water heaters are growing in popularity. It's easy to understand why. They're simple, attractive, and incredibly efficient. Tankless water heaters are far more advanced than the old-fashioned kind of water heater. They're the water heater of choice for conservationists as well as tech-heads. It would be a mistake, however, to just assume that they'll follow the same rules as a regular water heater. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider a new tankless water heater.
The Installation
Tankless water heaters are completely different types of devices than traditional water heaters, so don't think you can just swap your old one out. Builders designed your home to work with the old style of heater. They structured the pipes, gas meter, and gas lines with that in mind. If someone incorrectly installed your tankless water heater, it won't perform as well, and could even be dangerous. Have a professional install it. They will be familiar with the transition that's required when switching to tankless water heaters.
Hot Water Delivery
Many homeowners believe that because there isn't a tank involved, turning on the hot water is like activating a switch that instantly makes the water hot. In this regard, tankless water heaters aren't much different from the traditional variety. If the delivery of hot water to your sinks was slow before you went tankless, it'll probably still be slow afterward. If the new tankless water heater is in an entirely different location than the old one, that could make a difference as well. It's the layout of the pipes that have the most impact on the speed of the hot water delivery. Many believe it is impacted by the type of hot water heater you have.
Know Your Product
Perhaps it's the electronic nature of the tankless water heater that gives homeowners the false impression that all tankless water heaters are the same. However, like anything else you purchase for your home, the quality of the water heaters can vary wildly depending on the manufacturer. Some advertise themselves as being more powerful, while other boast of their efficiency and ability to keep costs down. Do your due diligence to make sure you're getting the right tankless water heater for your home.
Follow All Local Ordinances
The tankless water heater is a wildly different type of appliance. They are far more powerful than traditional water heaters. The tankless variety can use up to 199,999 BTUs of gas - up to five times more than its predecessor. Obey the nationwide laws enacted by officials to account for this uptick in power. Every state and municipality is different, so you may require special permits and inspections to install your new unit. Professional installers will be aware of these laws, but you'll want to know in advance so you won't be surprised should you have to pay any additional fees.
Familiarizing yourself with tankless water heaters in advance is the best way to ensure you'll have a reliable and efficient new water heater for years to come.
