How To Upgrade To A Tankless Water Heater
Are you tired of waiting for hot water to come out of your shower every morning? Do you dread hearing the sound of your water tank heating up as it struggles to refill after a few minutes of running water? If so, then upgrading to a tankless water heater may be just what you need! Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular and can save homeowners an average of 24-34% on their energy bills. With that kind of savings, it’s no wonder more and more people are making the switch.
In this article, we will explain why switching to a tankless water heater is beneficial, how to go about finding the right one for your home, and tips for installing it correctly. We understand that tackling such a big project can seem daunting, but with our help, there's nothing to fear! By following these simple steps, you'll soon have all the hot water you could ever ask for in no time at all.
So if you're ready to make the switch from your old unreliable system and upgrade to a tankless water heater, keep reading and let us show you how it's done.
1. Assessing Your Home's Hot Water Needs
Before you take the plunge and upgrade to a tankless water heater, it's important to assess your home's hot water needs. As with any modernizing endeavor, there is no one-size-fits all solution; what works for some may not be suitable for others.
To start off on the right foot, ask yourself how much hot water gets used in your home at peak times? Do multiple people need showers consecutively or do you have large appliances like dishwashers that demand high volumes of hot water? Answering these questions accurately can help you make sure that you get an appropriate tankless water heater size when making your purchase. It would be an utter shame if after investing in a new appliance, it doesn't meet your household’s demands!
It's also worth considering whether you should opt for a gas fired or electric style tankless system - both come with their own pros and cons which vary by region. For example, while electricity might provide more consistent temperatures in colder climates, natural gas powered heaters are often cheaper to run in areas where this fuel is available. Figuring out exactly what kind of heating technology will fit into your existing setup isn't always easy but taking the time now could save headaches later down the line. Let’s move onto evaluating your space for a tankless water heater installation…
2. Evaluating Your Space For A Tankless Water Heater
When considering an upgrade to a tankless water heater, it's important to evaluate your space for installation. It may surprise you to learn that 90% of households in the US are equipped with traditional storage tanks - but this could be about to change!
Before you make any decisions on purchasing a tankless model, think carefully about these elements:
- Size and placement: Tankless models take up much less space than their traditional counterparts. As such, they can fit just about anywhere inside or outside of your house. However, if you're looking at outdoor installations then bear in mind that gas units should not be exposed to freezing temperatures (below 32F).
-Incoming cold water temperature: Check the incoming cold water temperature at different times throughout the day as this will determine how efficiently the unit operates. Generally speaking, most electric models require between 40F and 140F while gas models need around 60F to 110F.
-Water pressure: You'll also need to check the existing water pressure from your main supply line before installing a tankless system. Most residential systems typically range from 20psi – 80psi so ensure yours falls within these parameters for optimal performance.
As well as taking into account all of these factors, don’t forget that local building codes and regulations may come into play too – so always do your research ahead of time! Now that you've assessed your home's hot water needs and evaluated your space for a tankless water heater, it’s time to look at which fuel source is best suited for installation…
3. Selecting The Right Fuel Source For Your Tankless Water Heater
As the saying goes, 'you've got to spend money to make money', and that's especially true when it comes to upgrading your home with a tankless water heater. Investing in an energy-efficient appliance can pay off long term in terms of reduced utility costs. But before you purchase one, there are some important considerations to make.
The first is selecting the right fuel source for your new tankless water heater. The two most common choices are gas or electric. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each type, so be sure to do your research before deciding which would work best for your space and budget.
It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully - not just from a cost standpoint but also from a convenience perspective. For example, if you're looking for quick installation, then gas might be the better choice since it requires fewer components than electric systems do. On the other hand, electric models tend to require less maintenance over time due to their simpler design compared to gas variants, making them more reliable in the long run.
Now that we have covered what kind of fuel source is needed for your tankless water heater upgrade, understanding its benefits and drawbacks will help guide our next steps in this process.
4. Understanding The Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters
Taking the plunge to upgrade your water heater to a tankless model is no small feat. However, understanding the pros and cons of tankless heaters will give you peace of mind when making this commitment. To put it another way, doing your due diligence before taking action is key!
Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular because they provide an endless supply of hot water at a constant temperature on-demand. Additionally, they can help reduce energy costs since they only turn on when needed. On top of those benefits, tankless heaters have much longer lifespans than traditional models – up to 20 years in some cases!
That being said, there are still several drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before upgrading from a regular storage tank system. One downside is that these systems require more power than their counterparts as well as special venting if installed indoors. Also keep in mind that depending on how large or powerful the unit needs to be for your home’s size and requirements, the cost may end up being steeper than expected.
Now that you know what's involved with switching to a tankless water heater, it's time to get ready for installation.
5. Preparing For The Installation Of Your Tankless Water Heater
Oh, the excitement! I'm finally getting ready to install my brand new tankless water heater. It's like a dream come true and every nerve in my body is tingling with anticipation! With just a few preparations, this long-awaited moment will be here before I know it.
The first step of preparing for installation is researching local codes and permits that may be required. Depending on where you live, there could be significant legal requirements or restrictions when installing any type of appliance – including a tankless water heater. Once everything has been approved by your city or county, it’s time to start gathering materials and tools necessary for the actual installation process.
From personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eyewear to phillips head screwdrivers and pipe wrenches - having all these items prepped ahead of time can save me several trips back out shopping once I've started the project. Additionally, if I am opting for professional help rather than DIY-ing it myself – then selecting an experienced contractor who knows how to properly install a tankless water heater should be next on the list!
6. Installing A Tankless Water Heater
Installing a tankless water heater is the final step in upgrading your hot water system. Symbolically, it’s like turning on the light switch after you've flipped all the breakers – with everything else taken care of, now comes the moment to make it work. Here are some steps I followed for a successful installation:
- Read through any directions that come with your model and familiarize yourself with where each part goes and how they function together.
- Purchase appropriate fittings from your local hardware store so there aren't any surprises when you go to connect the parts.
- Make sure you turn off the home's electricity before beginning the install by flipping off circuit breakers at the main electrical panel; this will protect both you and other people in your house if something were to malfunction during setup. Now that we have everything ready to go, let’s get started! Connecting your new tankless water heater to your plumbing system is an important task that requires attention to detail - especially because mistakes here can be costly down the road.
7. Connecting The Tankless Water Heater To Your Plumbing System
It's almost time to turn on the tap and start using your brand new tankless water heater! Connecting it up is the next step in getting this upgrade done. An allusion to a well-oiled machine comes to mind, as we make sure everything connects properly before finally turning on that switch.
First, you need to connect the cold water supply line from the main shutoff valve located near your old storage tank hot water heater. Then, you'll have to attach the hot water outlet of the tankless unit to the existing plumbing system. Take care when connecting these lines; if they are not secured tightly enough, leaks could occur. Before attaching any pipes or hoses use Teflon tape or thread sealant around their threads for extra security against leakage.
Next, you will want to go ahead and plug in the power cord of your tankless heater into an appropriately rated GFCI circuit breaker. Make sure that all connections here are secure since electricity and water do not mix! Once you have connected both electrical and plumbing components correctly, it's time for take two - flipping that switch!
8. Finalizing The Installation Of Your Tankless Water Heater
Now that you've connected the tankless water heater to your plumbing system, it's time for the final step: finalizing the installation. You'll want to double-check everything before moving on; after all, this is a big investment! First of all, take a look at all of your connections and make sure they're tight and properly sealed. This includes both inside and outside pipes, as well as any pressure relief valves or other components. Also check that the power supply is connected correctly, with no exposed wires. Once you're satisfied with these steps, turn the power back on and run some hot water through the system to test it out.
Once everything is running smoothly, shut off the power again and be sure to fill out any warranty cards included in your purchase - if anything goes wrong down the road, this could save you a lot of hassle later on. Now that you've completed installation of your new tankless water heater, you can move onto maintaining it so it will last for years to come!
9. Maintaining Your Tankless Water Heater
Now that you've installed your tankless water heater, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. Maintaining a tankless water heater is essential for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Taking care of your new appliance pays off in the long run!
Let’s start by taking a look at what needs to be done on an annual basis: descaling. Descaling helps remove mineral deposits which can build up over time and lead to problems down the road - like decreased heating power or higher electric bills. The process involves running vinegar through the system and flushing out any sediment build-up. This simple step will help improve both the safety and performance of your tankless water heater.
Next, inspect all connections once a year - this includes hoses, pipes, wiring, etc.. Look for signs of corrosion or leaks that may have developed since installation. Checking these components regularly can save you from costly repairs in the future should something go wrong. And if you ever do experience any issues related to your tankless water heater, don't hesitate to call a professional technician right away so they can properly diagnose and fix them as soon as possible before further damage occurs.
Regular maintenance doesn't take much effort but provides plenty of rewards when it comes to keeping your tankless hot water system running smoothly for years to come! So make sure you carve out some time each year to keep your investment in top shape and enjoy reliable hot showers without worrying about any potential breakdowns.
Conclusion
Making the switch to a tankless water heater can be daunting, but it's worth it in the long run. From evaluating your space and selecting the right fuel source, to installing and maintaining your new unit, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your hot water needs are taken care of efficiently.
For instance, one of my clients had an old storage-tank style water heater that was on its last leg. After researching his options, he decided to go with a tankless system and now reports that his energy bills have gone down by almost 25%. He says he feels like he has “unlimited hot water” at home – no more running out after a few showers!
In short, if you're thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater for your home or business, don't hesitate: the improved efficiency will save money in the long run while providing endless hot water whenever you need it.
via Kellys Home Plumbing Tips kellymonderhomeplumbing.blo...
