Tankless water heaters can be an appealing alternative to a traditional storage water heater. Instead of storage of heated water within a huge tank, the tankless heater can provide hot water upon demand by using electricity or gas. The most well-known gas-powered model is one of the “demand” types; the most well-known electric models are known as “instantaneous” or “tankless on-demand.”
Tankless water heaters are more durable than storage models, and they have the benefit of no standby loss (electric models) or loss of fuel (gas models). Certain models could save you more than 50 percent GPM on your monthly electricity bill. But, they’re more costly in the beginning than traditional storage models and, in all likelihood, not enough to meet the entire hot-water requirements of your household. They’re also more difficult to set up. If you’re only using just a few gallon of hot water at one time the system may not be worth it.
The most frequent queries we receive is on how to figure out the right dimensions of a tankless heater to your home. This is a crucial issue because a tankless water heater is going to cost you hundreds of dollars buy and install , and if you do not know the correct size you may end having a system that isn’t able to meet your requirements for hot water.
What you should know before deciding on the tankless water heater
Dimension: One of the major considerations in selecting a tankless tank is the size you’d like to make it. Manufacturers usually provide units that range between .5 GPM to 6 GPM of hot-water flow per one square foot of space.
For a case study, let’s suppose you’re an average family of four that lives in a house with three bedrooms. There are two teenagers who have long showers each day and have guests visiting on weekends. In high-demand times, you will require five Gallons of hot water every minute. The average daily use is 70 gallons daily when there are four people living in your home. Here’s how to determine the appropriate size for your needs:
The peak time use is 5 GPM * 4 hours (2 teens taking baths) = 20 Gallons daily
Average daily use 70 gallons/day, divided by 4 persons = 280 gallons per day
Required size: 280 gallons per day / 70 gallons per day minimum requirement = 4
Flow Rates
The flow rate is usually measured in Gallons per Minute (GPM). It is the flow of a showerhead with a low flow will be 2.5 GPM and a high-flow head is 5 GPM or more. The majority of homes have the average 2.5-5 GPM fixtures but it’s crucial to be aware of the type of shower you have since it will determine what size tankless heater you choose.
Flow Rates of Various Fixtures. Their normal Flow Rate:
- Shower 2.5 Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Hand Shower 1.5 GPM
- Bathtub 2.0 GPM
- Kitchen Sink 2.0 GPM
- Dishwasher 2.0 GPM
- Laundry Tub/Appliance 3.0 GPM
- Washing Machine 4.0-6.0 GPM
Additional Sizing Information
In general, it’s ideal to position the tank close to the location of use. However, other pressure drops should be considered in the event that multiple fixtures are along a pipe run, or when there are major elevation changes within your plumbing. It is possible to think about additional back-pressure valves to guarantee the proper rate of flow for every fixture if this happens.
If you have multiple types of fixtures at home (for instance, faucets that have air aerators) be sure to verify that all fixtures are taken care of by the same model of the tankless water heater.
Tubing refers to the pipe length connecting your tankless heater as well as the showerhead or faucet. If you’re looking to replace an existing water heater with a tankless model you’ll need to determine the location where your hot water pipes are since they may not be enough to allow tanks to function efficiently.
The general rule is that when there is no more than 25 yards between your tankless heater and fixture it’s fine but remember that every foot of tubing is going to reduce in flow rates by the one-half gallon.
6 Signs that Your Water Heater is About To FAIL
Water heaters are at the core of every home. Although they are essential, the majority of people don’t consider their use until there’s an issue. It may surprise you to find out that water heaters are able to last between 8-15 years.
Get in touch with our experienced repair team now to avoid any major problems with the hot water systems within Australia.
While it is essential to check your water heater every year, there are several indicators you should be looking for to help prevent a water heater malfunction or in an emergency.
The lifespan of the water heater is 10-12 years however some can last as long as 20 years. The most effective way to determine whether you’re water heater becoming old is to keep it in check frequently. Here are six signs that you should upgrade your water heater. If you see any of these indicators, your water heater is to fail, you need to get in touch with us immediately!
1. Sound effects like knocking or tapping
If the water heater is making odd noises, the chances are that it’s on the final stretch. It’s possible that it’s due to the accumulation of sediment on the floor of the tank. This is a common problem for water heaters older than 10 years and ought to prompt you to consider replacing the heater. If this happens the tank should be cleaned out prior to repair or replacement could occur. Other issues that could be a problem are a defective pressure relief valve as well as the heat exchanger malfunctioning.
2. Too Hot Water
When your hot water doesn’t seem as warm as it was in the past it could be the first clue that something’s not right within the unit. Older units may experience a decrease in the amount of hot water produced because of the accumulation of sediment or the deterioration in the heater. There may be the absence of hot water when the tank is damaged, or if the thermostat is defective. A skilled plumbing or gas fitting ought to be able to resolve the issue or suggest the need to replace it.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
If you find that your water’s temperature fluctuates significantly during the day, it could indicate that your heater is not working properly. The fluctuations in temperature are dependent on how old the model of your heater is. The latest models could be prone to temperature fluctuations of a few degrees, while older models experience temperature fluctuations that range from 30 degrees Celsius.
4. Leaks
Leaks can indicate a serious issue in the water heater. Leaks are typically caused by corrosion of fittings and pipes, damaged seals, or worn-out gaskets. A professional plumber can identify the cause of the leak and fix it for you prior to it becoming irreparable.
5. Odd-smelling or cloudy.
Odd-smelling or cloudy water can be a sign that bacteria have begun to grow within the tank because of organic matter. If your water smells like metal or smells unpleasant it could indicate that something is not right in the heated water heater. There could be a buildup of sediment, which can affect the smell and taste that your drinking water. If this occurs it is best to call the plumber as soon as you can to discover the cause and then repair it as soon as you can.
Cloudiness can also indicate that scale or lime buildup has taken place. In any case, it is essential to seek the assistance of an expert to remove obstructions to ensure safe operation and in order to avoid permanent harm to the system.
Things to Keep in Mind When replacing your water heater
It may seem like a straightforward task however, it’s actually quite a bit more complicated than you think. It is important to consider the age of your water heater may be. You should also consider which kind of water heater you’d like to purchase and the amount you’re willing to spend on it. It can be a daunting task especially if you’ve not changed it in recent years. If you’re in this position you should call Anytime Hot Water a call and we’ll help you in making the right choice.
How do I find out prior to changing my heater?
For you to make an informed decision you must be aware of the amount it will cost you to change your heater and what you’ll get in return for the money you spend. The following are additional aspects to take into consideration before replacing the water heater
size: The most common error people commit when it comes to replacing their hot water tank is buying one that’s not big enough for their needs at home. It’s tempting just to purchase the smallest and least expensive size to meet the task however this isn’t always the best option.
Your future requirements: It’s also important to think about your future requirements. If you are planning an expansion, or an addition, later on, it’s important to consider.
Energie Efficiency One of the most crucial aspects to take into consideration in replacing your old heater will be how effective the new unit will perform. A brand new electric or gas model will be more efficient in electrical insulation as well as circuit boards that allow for better temperature control than the older model. Furthermore, models equipped with condensing boilers could help you save even more on gas bills, by making use of excess heat to create hot water.
Fittings and tubing Before you purchase a water heater, calculate what length of pipe is needed to connect the new heater to the plumbing. Also, you should purchase enough fittings (elbow or tees, others) for connecting the tubing of your heater and the cold water pipe. It is possible to buy additional fittings if you experience unusually long or complicated plumbing runs.
Guarantee: Most water heaters come with a warranty that covers labor expenses for the initial year of warranty or two. Be sure to verify the length of the warranty and the amount you get before purchasing.
Insulation A few replacement heaters have thermal insulation kits which reduce the loss of energy and condensation by up to 30 percent. It’s generally worth an extra few dollars in price, but it will save you heating costs over the course of time.
