You need to consider some important factors associated with tankless water heater installation, in order to get maximum benefit. These factors includes gas line size, demand for hot water in you home, cost and warranty, location area, venting, size of water inlet, installation and upkeep, source of power, and advantages and disadvantages associated with them.
Size of the Gas Line
Tankless gas water heater uses three to four times the BTUs of an ordinary tank water heater. You need contact your local tankless water heater installation company to determine if you gas line is sufficient to accommodate a tankless water heater. Home appliances such as furnace, stove are also thirsty for sufficient gas. Therefore, if these appliances are all running, the gas pressure may fall below the normal level rendering you tankless water heater ineffective.
Demand for Hot Water in Your Home
Tankless Water Heaters comes in variety of sizes. You need to choose a size that can supply sufficient amount of hot water to cater for needs during the busiest times in your home. Having the right type for you home will allow you to enjoy hot water all the time. However, you should choose one that is suitable for your space. The major problem with extra-large tankless heaters is that you will incur a higher running cost.
Cost and Warranty
Price and warrant are very crucial when it comes to gas tankless water heater installation. The cost depends on the size, the brand, and the time of year that you buy. You will generally get worse deals during winter and good deals on summer. Some models are eligible for higher tax rebate; you need to find out which models are eligible before buying.
While looking at the cost, you also need to compare warranty details. Check what is covered by the offered warranty and for how long. Ask if it is possible to extend it. If so, how much does it cost? Furthermore, you need to find out if the gas tankless water heater installation cost is included in the cost price. If not, how much will it cost you?
Venting (Combustion Air Requirements)
Tankless water heater requires combustion air. It important to know how much combustion air is required and how it will be delivered.
Confined areas in you home require additional air inlets to get rid of excess warm air. Indoor tankless water heater installation tends to be more complex because it requires venting. Indoor tankless water heaters must be vent either vertically through a roof or a chimney or horizontally through a wall using stainless steel or PVC venting material.
Some units can only vent vertically or horizontal to the outdoors. However, all tankless water heaters should be vented. When choosing an indoor location; you should select the shortest possible venting distance to the outdoors. You should consult a qualified installer to identify what options you have for venting before making a decision on which tankless water heater to buy.
Size of Water Inlet
Tankless water heaters need a minimum flow of water (normally about 0.5 gallon in a minute) through the tankless heating system. To make sure the tankless water heater deliver sufficient hot water, you have to find out the flow rate and temperature rise you will require. Consult a professional tankless water heater installation company to make sure the size of water inlet meet the minimum flow requirements to avoid problems associated with not meeting the minimum standard.
Location within the home.
Ideally, you want to have the water heater located as close to the high demand areas, typically, the master bath and/or kitchen. The reason for this is there is less cold water you need to flush out of the pipes. Thus reducing wasted water and gas.
If you have a new construction home, then there is more flexibility on where the tankless is installed. Consult with you plumbing sub early on. If you are replacing a tanked water heater, your options might be limited to installing the new water heater in the same area as the old one.
While the there is no chance of having a tank burst, ideally you still need a floor drain incase the water heater malfunctions. Also many cities and counties this is a building code.
Power options
Most tanked water heaters do not require a 110 wall outlet. However, every tankless water heater we have seen rquires a wall outlet. Most city codes require a dedicated line with a GFI outlet. This means you may need to have an electrition come out to install a new line. Consult with your plumbing installer first.
Tankless Water Heater Installation and Upkeep
Proper tankless water heater installation and maintenance will help you optimize its energy efficiency. Installation depends on a number of factors, including the type of fuel to be use, the climate of the place local code building requirements and other safety measures. Make sure to ask what type of maintenance plan is recommended
Tankless water heater installation is a big investment, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency, space, clean water and continuity in water supply. Furthermore, they can last for three decades or more. If you make the right choice now, you could be saving money for years with a tankless water heater installation. Work with a professional licensed Denver plumber to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Proper tankless water heater installation and maintenance will help you optimize its energy efficiency. Installation depends on a number of factors, including the type of fuel to be use, the climate of the place local code building requirements and other safety measures. Make sure to ask what type of maintenance plan is recommended
Tankless water heater installation is a big investment, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency, space, clean water and continuity in water supply. Furthermore, they can last for three decades or more. If you make the right choice now, you could be saving money for years with a tankless water heater installation. Work with a professional licensed contractor to help you decide which one is right for your needs.