According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a traditional water heater makes up around 12 percent of the average homeowner’s energy costs. Regardless of how well the tank is insulated, water eventually cools and energy is wasted by reheating the same water again. If you’re looking for a way to save money, one great alternative to conventional water heaters is a tankless water heater.
With a tankless water heater, you get hot water on demand. Since water is heated only as needed there’s no stored water to cool down, helping you save nearly 20 percent of water heating costs. To help you get the most out of your tankless water heater, take the time to read this article from Thomas J. Fannon & Sons.
Make Sure to Get the Right Unit Size
If you’re getting a tankless water heater, make sure the unit is properly sized. To do this, your contractor can calculate based on your household’s hot water usage. As a general rule, you need a heater that can maintain at least a 70-degree temperature rise above the incoming supply water during peak demand.
Consider the Minimum Flow Rate
Tankless water heaters have minimum flow settings to ensure the temperature stays the same and avoid overheating. Make sure your household water lines can meet the demand. For optimal performance, you should look for a unit with a minimum flow rate of around half a gallon per minute.
Choose the Correct System
A whole-house water heating system can heat water for multiple outlets at the same time, while a point-of-use heater only heats one outlet and is more affordable. To reduce water waste, consider installing point-of-use heaters at high-demand fixtures such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Vent Your Water Heater
A tankless water heater, as with any gas-fired appliance, produces combustion gases such as carbon monoxide. For this reason, it should have a vent to direct these toxic gases outside of your home to avoid having them back into your living space.
Are you looking for a reliable tankless water heater for your home? Get in touch with Thomas J. Fannon & Sons! Our team provides top-quality water heaters, from gas- to oil-powered types. Give us a call at (703) 549-5700m or fill out our online contact form to get a free estimate.
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