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Well, let me give you the lowdown on why many folks are leaning towards tankless these days:
They're Super Efficient: Imagine only paying to heat water when you actually need it. That's what tankless water heaters do – they're like that friend who's always there when you call but never hangs around too long. You could see some nice savings on your energy bills because of that.
They Last Ages: Tankless water heaters are like the tortoises in the race – they keep going and going, often outlasting traditional tanks by years. We're talking up to 20 years or more if you treat them right.
They're Space Savers: If you're tired of that bulky tank hogging space, a tankless heater could be your space-saving hero. They're small enough to fit in a closet, giving you more room for, well, whatever you want!
Endless Hot Showers: Ever been the last one to shower and got nothing but cold water? Tankless heaters keep the hot water flowing, so everyone gets a warm welcome.
Less Mess, Less Stress: No tank means no risk of coming home to a flooded basement because of a leak or burst. It's peace of mind that's pretty priceless.
Clean Water on Tap: Since water isn't sitting around in a tank, you're less likely to get any rust or scale in your water. It's fresh and clean every time you turn on the tap.
And there you have it – six solid reasons why tankless might just be the way to go. But hey, every home's different, so it's always a good idea to chat with a local expert / have an in-home checkup before making the switch.
How do I choose the right size for a tankless water heater?
Choosing the right size for a tankless water heater isn't directly determined by the square footage of your home.
It's rather based on the number of bathrooms and appliances that use hot water in the home, as well as the simultaneous demand for hot water at peak times from these units.
However, we can provide you with a general guideline based on typical usage patterns for homes of different sizes:
For a 1,500 sqft home, which typically has 1-2 bathrooms, you might need a tankless water heater that can handle a flow rate of around *5-7 gallons per minute (GPM)*.
A 2,000 sqft home usually has 2-3 bathrooms. For such a home, a tankless water heater with a capacity of *6-8 gallons per minute (GPM)* would likely be sufficient to meet the hot water demands².
For a 2,500 sqft home, which may have 3 or more bathrooms, you'd be looking at a tankless water heater that can provide at least *8-10 gallons per minute (GPM)*.
Now please remember, these are rough estimates! The actual size needed can vary based on factors like the number of occupants, specific water usage habits, and the climate of your area (as colder climates require a higher temperature rise).
It's always important to consult with a local HVAC professional who can assess your specific needs and recommend the appropriate size based on a detailed calculation of your home's hot water demand. Remember, going too small to save a few bucks now might mean cold showers later.
The Navien NPE210S2 model, for example, has a maximum flow rate of 10.1 GPM at a 35°F temperature rise. If your home requires a higher flow rate or a greater temperature rise due to colder incoming water temperatures, you might need to consider a model with a higher capacity.
Finally, HVAC professionals can also take into account the temperature of the groundwater ( in Ottawa for example ), which affects the temperature rise needed and, consequently, the size of the water heater.
WHAT's the difference in price?
While the initial cost for a Tankless Water Heater purchase ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, this does not include the installation.
Hot Water Tanks are less expensive upfront, costing between $500 to $2,000 for the tank alone, of course this not including the installation.
Installation costs for tankless models are higher, and they may require additional expenses for things like new wiring or plumbing changes but over time the energy savings from a Tankless Water Heater can offset the higher initial cost.
To summarize, essentially Tankless Water Heaters offer greater efficiency and long-term savings but come with a higher initial cost. Hot Water Tanks on the other hand have a lower upfront cost but are less efficient over time.
The best option for you will depend on your household’s hot water usage, budget, and preferences.
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