What size tankless hot water heater do I need for a family of 4?

By Robert Flores / October 26, 2022

Sizing Guide for Residential Tankless Water heater Household Occupants Usage Capacity Required (Measured in Gallon) 3-4 people Regular/Low 40 High 50-75 5+ people Regular/Low 50 6 more rows

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed. Sept 1, 2022

Can I install my own tankless water heater?

Unless you are experienced and comfortable enough to solder pipe, make gas connections and following local codes, hire a licensed professional. You can also save yourself the hassle with our gas tankless water heater installation services.

How long does it take to install a tankless water?

Afterward, the tankless unit must also be mounted and connected. Tankless to Tankless Installation: This generally takes between one to three hours.

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How many tankless heaters do I need?

For larger households that typically use more than 85 gallons per day, two tankless systems, or the largest available model, are likely needed. For smaller households that use under 40 gallons per day, one unit should suffice. Mar 15, 2012

Will Lowes install water heater?

If you’re feeling lukewarm about your current hot water heater or are looking to install one in your new home, Lowe’s can help.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

In addition to high upfront costs, tankless water heaters have several other disadvantages compared to tank-style water heaters: they take longer to deliver hot water. the water temperature is inconsistent when multiple outlets are on simultaneously. they cannot provide hot water during a power outage. Oct 16, 2022

How often do you need to flush a tankless water heater?

Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank’s heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it’s important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.

What is better tankless or tank water heater?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

How do I size a tankless water heater for my house?

There are two factors that need to be considered when sizing a tankless water heater: Flow Rate (GPM): How much hot water you will need at any given time. Temperature Rise (ΔT): The difference between the incoming cold water temperature and the desired temperature.

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How do I choose a tankless water heater?

There are two things you need to consider before purchasing a tankless water heater: the flow rate, meaning the water measured in gallons per minute (GPM) for a fixture or appliance, and the temperature rise, which is the difference between the groundwater temperature and the desired hot-water output temperature.

Why does it take so long to get hot water from my tankless water heater?

The length of the delay can be determined by a few factors, including the distance between the water heater and the outlet. In other words, the longer the water has to travel, the more cold water will need to be discharged before the hot water appears. Dec 21, 2020

Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?

Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms. Oct 29, 2020

Will a tankless water heater heat a pool?

A tankless water heater can be used to heat a pool, although the type used for domestic hot water isn’t designed for this purpose. You may need to run it on a separate circuit from the main pool circulation system. There’s also a risk of damage from pool water chemicals.

How many showers can you have in a tankless water heater?

Even the largest whole-house tankless unit may not supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses. Such a unit may be able to supply only two showers simultaneously or perhaps one shower, a dishwasher and a sink. If the users demand too much water, the temperature will drop. May 6, 2020

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How many gallons per minute does a shower use?

2.5 gallons Did you know the average shower in America is 8 minutes long? The EPA estimates that the standard shower heads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute. That’s 20 gallons of water for the average shower!

What size point of water heater do I need for a shower?

We suggest using 2.5 gpm for a shower and 1.0 gpm for a bathroom as a reference point in determining your total simultaneous water needs.

Should I replace my water heater with a tankless?

Using a tankless water heater can reduce these costs by up to 50 percent, for an average annual savings of $80. They are durable and less likely to fail, causing potentially catastrophic flooding in your home. Tankless units have an average lifespan about twice that of conventional water heaters — 20 years or more.

What is the pros and cons of a tankless water heater?

Pros and cons of on-demand hot water Pros of tankless water heaters Cons of tankless water heaters High efficiency Limited flow rate Long-term savings High upfront cost Environmentally friendly Can require prior setup work Jan 21, 2020

Are tankless water heaters a good investment?

While tankless models cost more than conventional storage models, tankless water heaters use less energy and typically last longer. Many tankless models last more than 20 years, versus 10 to 15 years for storage models. On average, the typical family can save about $100 per year with a tankless model. Nov 28, 2019

Resources

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?


https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/reviews/water-heater-installation-cost
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-tankless-gas-water-heater/9ba683603be9fa5395fab904246ec3f
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/what-to-expect-during-water-heater-installation-appointment/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9042d83092
https://climatecontrolcompany.com/blog/tankless-water-heating-2/
https://www.lowes.com/c/Water-heaters-Plumbing
https://prudentreviews.com/tankless-water-heaters-pros-and-cons/
https://www.rinnai.us/residential/flushing-my-rinnai-tankless-water-heater
https://www.petro.com/resource-center/tankless-hot-water-heaters-vs-tank-storage-water-heaters
https://www.ecomfort.com/stories/1659-What-Size-Tankless-Water-Heater-Do-I-Need.html
https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/tankless-water-heater-guide
https://www.prattplumbing.net/how-to-deal-with-a-delay-in-hot-water-from-a-tankless-water-heaters/

Can I Install a Tankless Water Heater in a Bathroom

Can a Tankless Water Heater Be Used to Heat a Pool?


https://www.takecontrolandsave.coop/welcome-to-our-blog/posts/2020/may/the-truth-about-tankless-water-heaters/
https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/green-tip/4-ways-measure-5-minute-shower

How to Select the Right Size Tankless Water Heater


https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/repair-maintenance/installing-tankless-water-heater/
https://www.energysage.com/clean-heating-cooling/tankless-hot-water/tankless-hot-water-pros-and-cons/

Why You Should Invest in a Tankless Water Heater

About the author

Robert Flores