Can tankless water heater heat whole-house?

By Robert Flores / October 27, 2022

Even in a cold climate, these efficient units can provide both domestic hot water and whole-house heating.

Do rats eat PEX pipe?

PEX Pipe Is Vulnerable Rodents Chewing Through PEX Pipe is a common problem in our area. It doesn’t matter how old your home is, if you have an attic, you need to watch for rodent damage to PEX Pipe or PVC.

How long do PEX pipes last?

50 years PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them. Dec 10, 2020

Where should you not use PEX?

You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can’t connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this. PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe. When it comes to safety, PEX isn’t antibacterial. Aug 2, 2018

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Is SharkBite tubing the same as PEX?

SharkBite non oxygen barrier pipe is manufacture as PEX-B and SharkBite oxygen barrier pipe is manufactured as PEX-C.

Is Blue PEX OK for hot water?

Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold. These colors are just for your convenience. Plumbing code does not require the pipe color to match the type of water supply. Jul 26, 2022

Should I replace copper with PEX?

While copper is an excellent material, no material is perfect. You can develop some problems with your copper pipes, and PEX is often a great replacement that can eliminate these problems. Keep hot water hot: PEX keeps the water warmer as it flows through the pipe so that you get hotter water on the other end. Feb 18, 2021

How far does PEX need to be from water heater?

18 inches PEX shall not be installed within the first 18 inches (457 mm) of piping connected to a water heater.

How do you pipe a tankless hot water heater?

How much does it cost to install a tankless gas water heater?

The typical range for tankless heater installation is between $4,500 and $6,500, averaging out to around $5,500 (including the water heater, warranty and tune ups). The tankless heater installation without the unit can cost between $1800 and $3500, averaging out to around $2650. Aug 26, 2022

Can you use PVC to vent a tankless water heater?

In most cases, PVC makes a great venting material. It’s the least expensive option and is easy to install. And it’s a good reason to consider a high-efficiency condensing unit. Oct 22, 2019

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Can you use PEX on tankless water heater?

But the IPC does require following the manufacturer’s installation instructions; and some water heater manufacturers, especially of tankless water heaters, specify that PEX should not be directly connected to their product, with a minimum of 18” of other approved pipe at the water heater connection. Dec 15, 2020

Can a tankless water heater be installed in a closet?

Your tankless water heater can be installed just about anywhere! Due to the small size of your water heater, it can be mounted in many small spaces, including closets, under sinks, in pantries, or under stair storage areas.

Do tankless water heaters increase electric bill?

Tankless heaters can be 8-14% more energy-efficient for households that use around 86 gallons daily. Installing a tankless heater at each hot water outlet, Energy.gov says, can increase tankless water heater energy savings by up to 27-50%. Oct 6, 2016

Can two people shower with a tankless water heater?

They Don’t Supply Enough Hot Water for Large Families 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. May 6, 2020

How many tankless water heaters does a house 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

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

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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.

What’s the cheapest way to heat water?

Usually natural gas is the cheapest way to heat water, followed by electricity, with propane being the most expensive.

Resources

https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/plumbing/heating-a-home-with-a-tankless-water-heater_o
https://tdtplumbing.com/rodents-chewing-through-pex-pipe/
https://www.ezflowplumbingaz.com/blog/2020/december/how-long-plumbing-systems-and-fixtures-typically/

PEX Plumbing Disadvantages: What You Need to Know


https://www.sharkbite.com/us/en/resources/faq/pex-pipe-faqs
https://www.thespruce.com/learn-the-basics-of-pex-pipe-1822493

Should I Replace My Copper Pipes with PEX?


https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/PEX-Water-Heater-Piping.php

Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost (2024)


https://propane.com/2019/10/22/5-venting-tankless-water-heater-faqs-bwp/
https://www.howtolookatahouse.com/Blog/Entries/2020/12/can-pex-pipe-be-connected-to-a-water-heater.html
https://www.e-tankless.com/installation-location.php

Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters | Which is More Energy Efficient?


https://www.takecontrolandsave.coop/welcome-to-our-blog/posts/2020/may/the-truth-about-tankless-water-heaters/
https://climatecontrolcompany.com/blog/tankless-water-heating-2/
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://todayshomeowner.com/what-is-the-cheapest-way-to-heat-water-for-your-home/

About the author

Robert Flores