The Benefits of Going Tankless: Your Complete Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Why Choose a Tankless Water Heater for instant hot water?

For homeowners seeking efficient ways to enjoy endless hot water, the tankless water heater stands out as a modern solution. Compared to traditional water heaters, these units offer hot water on demand, meaning you only heat water when it is needed. With the ever-growing concern for energy efficiency and utility savings, understanding the benefits of these heaters is crucial.

On-demand Propane gas vs Electric Tankless Water Heaters

There are primarily two types of tankless water heaters - propane and electric tankless.

Propane Tankless:

• Fuel Source: Utilizes liquid propane, a clean-burning fuel, to heat water.
• GPM: Often boasts high gallons per minute (gpm) ratings. For instance, some units offer 6.5 gpm, ensuring sufficient water supply for larger homes.
• Brands: Popular brands like Rheem, Rinnai, and Noritz are known for their reliable propane tankless heaters.

Electric Tankless:

• Power Source: As the name suggests, these run on electricity. They're great for homes without a gas line.
• Compact Design: Electric tankless water heaters are often smaller, making them ideal for point-of-use applications.
• Noteworthy Brands: Stiebel Eltron is renowned for its electric models, especially the Tempra 24 Plus.

Features and Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

Whether you choose propane or gas or electric tankless, the features and benefits of going tankless are numerous including on-demand hot water.

Endless Hot Water for the whole house

One of the most significant benefits is the promise of endless hot water. Forget about running out of hot water when you're in the middle of a shower, doing a load of laundry, or running the dishwasher.

High Efficiency and Cost Savings

Tankless units, especially high efficiency tankless water models, can save homeowners significant amounts on their monthly bills. With self-modulating technology, these heaters adjust the power to meet the exact demand, reducing energy wastage.

Space Saving and Versatility

Tankless water heaters are compact, making them suitable for both residential and commercial applications. They can be installed indoors, with some brands offering indoor propane tankless water heater models, or outdoors as outdoor tankless water heaters. Plus, venting solutions like horizontal vent kits are available for easy installation.

Longevity and Reliability

On average, tankless heaters last longer than traditional tank-type water heaters. They're durable, resist hard water issues, and come equipped with features like built-in recirculation pumps to provide hot water faster.

Easy to Install water heating

Choosing the right tankless  gas water heater for your home requires considering factors like the size home, water usage, and whether you're at high altitude. Brands such as Rheem and Rinnai have made this easier by providing guidance on size tankless water heater units that best match homeowners' needs.

Making the Switch to tankless hot water

Making the transition to a tankless hot water heater, whether propane or electric, offers homeowners a hot water solution that's efficient, space-saving, and reliable. Remember to consider your home's unique needs and consult experts at Simply Smart Home for guidance. With the promise of endless hot water, now is the perfect time to upgrade your hot water system.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Power and Efficiency: Electric tankless systems are incredibly efficient. Brands such as Stiebel Eltron, with their renowned Tempra 24 Plus model, highlight the pinnacle of electric tankless technology.

Compact and Versatile: These models shine in versatility. From mini electric tankless units for point-of-use applications, like under a sink, to more robust units for whole-home solutions.

No Combustion: Electric units don’t require combustion air or exhaust, making them simpler to install in various locations.

Technical Considerations When Going Tankless

The Condensing vs. Non-Condensing Debate

Condensing Tankless Water Heaters: These capture the heat from exhaust gases and use it to preheat the incoming cold water. This process is highly efficient and reduces energy costs.

Non-Condensing Tankless Heaters: These directly heat the water without the intermediate step of heating exhaust gases. While they’re efficient, they don't capture and reuse the heat from the exhaust, which means slightly higher energy costs compared to their condensing counterparts.

Water Flow and Temperature

Water flow rate (gpm) and desired water temperature rise are crucial when sizing a tankless water heater. On average, water needs to be heated from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for most applications. Knowing the average water flow rate in your home will help determine the right size unit. Some advanced models even allow homeowners to adjust the temperature and monitor it from anywhere in the world.

Gas Units, Electric Units, and Your Home’s Needs

Whether you opt for a propane, natural gas, or an electric tankless water heater, remember that each home is unique. Factors like altitude, especially in high altitude areas, can affect performance. Moreover, for propane or natural gas units, the gas valve and lines' size, as well as the availability of combustion air, must be considered.

Wrapping Up: The Future is Tankless

The tankless revolution is here, with benefits ranging from endless hot water to energy savings. Brands like Rheem, and Rinnai are pioneering the way. Whether you're replacing an old tank water heater or setting up a new home, tankless options offer a futuristic approach to meeting hot water needs efficiently. Remember, while the heater may come with many advantages, consulting with professionals like Simply Smart Home ensures that you choose the right unit for your specific requirements.

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