What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

By Robert Flores / October 26, 2022

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.

Does a tankless gas water heater need a dedicated circuit?

Gas tankless water heaters use just a tiny amount of amperage to ignite the flame. Unless the manufacturer requires it, there is no need for a dedicated circuit. Aug 4, 2017

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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Do electric tankless water heaters need a vent?

Unlike gas or propane tankless water heaters, electric tankless water heaters do not need venting because they use electric burners to heat water rapidly. Since no natural or propane gas is used, no venting is needed. Jul 15, 2022

Do all tankless water heaters require electricity?

All tankless water heaters require electricity to function properly ‒ even gas-powered models. Electric heaters require electricity to heat the water, but both need electricity to power their electronic control system, ignition system, and remote thermostats. Aug 3, 2022

Which is better propane or electric tankless water heater?

Electric tankless water heaters are, on average, more efficient. They can reach EF of 0.98, while gas-powered ones reach EF of 0.9. Cost-efficiency. Prices of natural gas and propane are usually lower than the price of electricity.

How long will 250 gallons of propane last?

A 250-gallon propane tank lasts for anywhere between 26 days to 7 months and 2 days. That’s quite a wide range. The longevity of a 250-gallon propane tank depends on use (how much propane per day you burn). This is indirectly connected with how big a house you want to heat with a 250-gallon propane tank.

How long will 500 gallons propane last?

A 500-gallon tank holds 400 gallons of propane and can last several months, ranging between 2 to 14 months. On average, homeowners can expect that the tank will last around 5 months with regular use of appliances. May 25, 2022

How much does it cost to switch from tank to tankless water heater?

The cost to switch to a tankless water heater system is about the same as having one installed: an average of $2,800 with a range between $1,200 and $2,500. Aug 8, 2022

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How much does it cost to switch to tankless water heater?

An electric tankless unit will cost about $500 to $700, roughly the same as a traditional tank model, while the cost of a gas tankless heater runs about $1,000 to $1,200. Beyond the initial cost, the national average for the installation of a tankless unit is slightly over $1,700.

What size wire do you need for a tankless hot water heater?

Run Power for the Unit You must utilize either a 120- or 240-volt circuit, wholly devoted to the heater. Both voltages require 8-gauge wire, and the section exposed to the area under the sink must be armored cable.

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.

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

What is the cheapest hot water system to run?

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 the most reliable water heater?

Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World A.O. Smith. … Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. … Kenmore. … Bradford White. … American Standard. … American Water Heaters. … Bosch. … EcoSmart. More items…

What type of water heater is most energy efficient?

Heat pump water heaters move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly for providing hot water, resulting in high efficiencies and significant cost savings.

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What brand of hot water system is most reliable?

Best Hot Water Systems Rheem. Dux. Vulcan. Thermann. Rinnai. AquaMAX. Solahart. Bosch. More items…

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

Which brand of tankless water heaters is best?

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

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!

Resources

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


https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/tankless-gas-water-heater.137078/
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https://www.monkeywrenchplumbers.com/learning-center/existing-venting-for-tankless-water-heater

Operating a Tankless Gas Water Heater Without Electricity

Electric VS Gas Tankless Water Heater: 7 Key Differences

How Long Does A 250-Gallon Propane Tank Last For A House?

How Long Do 250 and 500 Gallon Propane Tanks Last for a House?


https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/reviews/tankless-water-heater-installation-cost
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Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters | Which is More Energy Efficient?


https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/save-energy-in-the-home/water-heating/choose-the-right-hot-water-system

15 Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World


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The Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

About the author

Robert Flores