How long does a tankless water heater take to pay for itself?

By Robert Flores / October 27, 2022

Tankless water heaters can eventually pay for themselves with energy bill savings, but the payback period may be long: 22-27 years for a gas tankless heater, 12-20 years for an electric. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer than storage heaters: 20 to 25 years in many cases.

What happens if your water heater is too big?

A water heater that’s too small could lead to never having enough hot water and/or a water heater that’s overworked, leading to frequent repairs or premature breakdown. A water heater that’s too big could lead to higher-than-necessary energy bills (to heat water you don’t even use).

Which is better 40 or 50 gallon water heater?

Typically, the rule-of-thumb is that you want a 40 gallon tank for 1 to 4 people, a 50 gallon tank for 4 to 6 people, and a 50 gallon high recovery or 75 gallon tank for 6 to 8 people. Energy consumption for 40 and 50 gallon standard water heaters is quite comparable. Nov 19, 2015

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Can you take two showers at once with tankless water heater?

Depending on the flow rate of your water heater, you may be able to take a shower and use hot water at the kitchen sink at the same time, but you probably won’t be able to run two showers and the kitchen sink. You could, of course, install two tankless heaters to provide you with a greater output of hot water. Jan 29, 2018

Which is better hot water tank or tankless?

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.

Can I replace my 40 gallon water heater with a tankless water heater?

This is simply due to the fact that tank water heaters are constantly heating and reheating 40-75 gallons of water while your tankless only operates on demand. With the help of a professional you can easily convert from a tank water heater to a tankless water heater. Feb 18, 2021

Can a tankless water heater work for the whole-house?

Both gas and electric water tankless heaters can function as whole-house solutions or as a smaller “point-of-use” system. Smaller single-use tankless water heaters heat water for just a single room, tap, or appliance. These larger and smaller systems essentially work in the same way.

How many fixtures can a tankless water heater handle?

Whole-House Tankless Water Heater For example, a unit may sufficient capacity to handle two shower fixtures at one time, or a dishwasher, kitchen sink, and lavatory hot water faucet at one time. Sept 5, 2021

Do tankless water heaters need expansion tanks?

The IPC does not specifically require a thermal expansion tank to be installed with tankless water heaters. However, if a storage tank is used in conjunction with a tankless water heater in a closed system, which is sometimes the case with recirculation, then a means of controlling thermal expansion must be provided. Jun 21, 2015

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What size tankless water heater do I need to replace a 50 gallon?

To replace a 50-gallon water heater, you would, roughly speaking, need: 10 GPM gas tankless heater or at least a 27 kW electric tankless water heater if you live in the northern part of the USA. 7 GPM gas tankless heater or at least an 18 kW electric tankless water heater if you live in the southern part of the USA.

Are electric tankless water heaters as good as gas?

Electric tankless water heaters are typically around 98 percent or more efficient while gas tankless water heaters are around 80-85 percent efficient. A gas tankless water heater can be cheaper to run and will typically last longer. Aug 5, 2019

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

How often do you flush 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.

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

Annual or semi-annual maintenance is important for a tankless water heater, but it won’t make the system last forever. Eventually you will need to replace the appliance with a new one, though a tankless system may last more than 20 years. May 25, 2020

Should I get a tankless water heater 2022?

A: By utilizing tankless water heaters, you can save money in the long run, but primary costs are a lot more expensive than regular tank models. Even if you’re conventional in your water use, the tankless water heater should have 25% – 35% more energy efficiency. Jul 26, 2022

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What company makes the best tankless hot water heater?

The 10 Best Tankless Water Heaters of 2022. EcoSmart ECO 27. Rheem 18kw Tankless Electric Water Heater. Stiebel Eltron DHC Trend Point-of-Use Electric Tankless Water Heaters. Rheem 13kw Tankless Electric Water Heater RTEX-13. Eemax 27kW Electric Tankless. Rinnai RU160iN RU Model Series. More items… • Oct 17, 2022

What is the number one rated tankless water heater?

Our Verdict. One of the best options overall for whole-household use is the Rinnai tankless water heater that uses natural gas, with a 199,000 BTU power input and an Energy Star-certified design. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option that serves one or two people, consider the Rheem tankless water heater. Oct 3, 2022

Are condensing tankless water heaters worth it?

Not only is venting more cost effective with a condensing tankless water heater, but they’re also more efficient. All condensing tankless water heaters run above 90% efficiency, while non-condensing tankless water heaters usually run in the 80% range. Feb 10, 2020

Is a condensing hot water heater worth it?

A condensing gas heater is the most energy-efficient, gas-fired tank-style water heater on the market. “First-hour” recovery rate is incredible—you’ll never run out of hot water. Nov 28, 2019

Where does condensate come from tankless water heater?

Condensing Tankless Water Heater: A Condensing Tankless Water Heater extracts heat from the exhaust gases and produces gases around 100 degrees. These cooled gases produce condensation inside the water heater. May 29, 2020

Resources

https://www.ragsdaleair.com/help-guides/will-a-tankless-water-heater-save-me-money
https://plumbingtoday.biz/blog/what-size-water-heater-do-i-need

Buying a Hot Water Heater? Here’s What You Should Consider


https://www.erniesplumbingandsewer.com/never-take-another-cold-shower-get-a-tankless-water-heater
https://www.petro.com/resource-center/tankless-hot-water-heaters-vs-tank-storage-water-heaters
https://www.mgpmechanical.com/blog/converting-to-tankless-water-heater

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?


https://www.thespruce.com/tankless-water-heaters-1824903

Are Thermal Expansion Tanks Needed With Tankless Water Heaters?

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need? (2,3,4,5,6 Family)

Tankless Water Heaters: A Buyer’s Guide

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


https://www.rinnai.us/residential/flushing-my-rinnai-tankless-water-heater

Are You in Need of Tankless Water Heater Maintenance?


https://www.oldhouseonline.com/review/best-tankless-hot-water-heater/
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/plumbing/best-tankless-water-heaters/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-tankless-water-heater/
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Choosing a New Water Heater

Tankless Types: Breakin’ It Down

About the author

Robert Flores