What is the cheapest hot water system to run?

By Robert Flores / October 27, 2022

An electric heat-pump hot water heater uses much less electricity than an electric storage water heater, and are the most efficient hot water systems on the market. Aug 16, 2022

What is a hybrid tankless water heater?

A heat pump or hybrid water heater is comprised of a tank on the bottom and a heat pump on top. Instead of generating heat directly, this type of water heater uses electricity to move heat from one place (the air) to another (your water). Apr 12, 2019

Can my breaker panel handle a tankless water heater?

Do not use the same calculated amperage as your final size breaker for tankless water heater. Otherwise, you’ll risk accidents because there’ll be no protection for a power surge. The National Electric Code (NEC) states that a circuit breaker should only handle 80% or less of its total capacity. Oct 3, 2022

Do tankless water heaters require 220?

Requirements for electric tankless water heaters: Voltage — Many retailers sell units that will accommodate 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V, and 277V.

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What are the power requirements for a gas tankless water heater?

A tankless gas water heater uses natural or LP gas as fuel, but requires 120-volt electricity for its blower and control panel, so it is required to meet the disconnect standards for a “Permanently Conn ected Appliance” by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Jun 13, 2018

What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?

Here are six of the most common problems and maintenance concerns for tankless water heaters: Mineral Buildup. System Overload. Cold Water Sandwich. Air Supply or Exhaust Blockage. Ignition Failure. Flame Failure. Mar 9, 2022

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

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6? Number Of Family Members: Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM) Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW) What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3? 7-9 GPM 15-23 kW What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4? 8-10 GPM 20-28 kW 3 more rows

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

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

Why do tankless water heaters burst?

An Explosion Caused by Gas Leaks Gas tankless water heaters can cause a catastrophic explosion if there is a gas leak around the gas valve or gas piping. When a gas tankless water heater begins to leak, an electrical spark from any nearby source might be enough to cause an explosion. Dec 28, 2020

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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

What is the most efficient type of water heater?

Heat pump and solar water heaters are overall the most energy-efficient types while condensing gas water heaters are the most energy-saving gas-fueled appliances. Mar 30, 2022

Which type of water heater is best?

Since heat pump water heaters draw their heat from the surrounding air instead of working to generate it, they are much more energy efficient. In fact, they can be two to three times as efficient as a standard storage tank water heater. Oct 27, 2021

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

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.

Are electric tankless water heaters a fire hazard?

Tankless Water Heaters are Safer, But… Overall, tankless water heaters are safer than storage tanks because there’s no large holding tank that can overheat or explode. Storage tanks can have open flames and the tanks themselves can get hot; a definite hazard for small children and pets. May 17, 2018

Are electric tankless water heaters good?

Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency. Jan 25, 2019

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Do outdoor tankless water heaters need to be covered?

Yes – there are outdoor tankless water heater units that are made to withstand the elements BUT – it is recommended that electric tankless water heaters be provided with some form of shelter. Gas powered tankless water heaters that are placed outdoors do not require any form of protective shelter.

What is the average cost to flush a tankless water heater?

It costs around $150 to flush a tankless water heater. You especially need it at least annually if you have well water with a lot of iron. That causes more sediment buildup. The process takes about a half-hour. Jul 29, 2021

What happens if you don’t flush your tankless water heater?

What happens if I don’t flush out my tankless water heater? Mineral deposits may build up. This could cause a clog within the unit and may prevent normal heating activity. Your hot water could also fluctuate and overheat the system, impacting its efficiency. Sept 17, 2022

Why is vinegar blue after descaling?

The vinegar will be a bit blue. This is from tiny amounts of corrosion of the copper of the tubes in heater. The copper imparts the blue color. Nothing to worry about.

Resources

https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/save-energy-in-the-home/water-heating/choose-the-right-hot-water-system
https://www.ruddplumbing.com/blog/2019/april/should-i-buy-a-traditional-tankless-or-hybrid-wa/

What Size Breaker for Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide


https://www.howtolookatahouse.com/Blog/Entries/2018/6/does-a-tankless-on-demand-gas-water-heater-require-an-electrical-disconnect-within-sight.html
https://www.eccotemp.com/blog/6-common-tankless-water-heater-problems-and-how-to-solve-them/index.php

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

Are You in Need of Tankless Water Heater Maintenance?


https://morrisjenkins.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-tankless-water-heater/

Dangers of Gas Tankless Water Heaters


https://www.prattplumbing.net/how-to-deal-with-a-delay-in-hot-water-from-a-tankless-water-heaters/

What Type of Water Heater Is Most Energy Efficient?


https://www.bobvila.com/articles/types-of-water-heaters/
https://www.ragsdaleair.com/help-guides/will-a-tankless-water-heater-save-me-money

Tankless Water Heater Hazards You Should Keep in Mind


https://www.consumerreports.org/water-heaters/tankless-water-heaters-vs-storage-tank-water-heaters-a5291982593/
https://www.dallasgaplumbers.com/articles/can-tankless-water-heaters-be-installed-outside.php

Why Do You Need To Flush A Tankless Water Heater?


https://www.prideplumbingofrochester.com/blog/flushing-a-tankless-water-heater
https://mikes-woodwork.com/SerranoTankless.htm

About the author

Robert Flores