If you are installing a tankless hot water heater in your residence, you are making a big step towards home energy efficiency. Few measurers can yield a return on investment as quickly as replacing standard residential hot water heater with one of these new energy saving models.
It takes only a few steps to find the unit that is right for you. If you haven’t decided whether gas or electric are more suitable, here are a few tips:
Electric tankless hot water heaters are about the size of a PC. They require heavier wiring and multiple, high amp circuit breakers. Plumbing can be done with flexi-pipe and common copper pipe.
Gas tankless water heaters are about twice the size of an electric and require no special electrical work. They do require a properly installed gas line and an exhaust vent, similar to a furnace. The units cost about twice as much to buy and install as an electric. Newer models are designed with ignition systems for greater efficiency. Some with flow sensors or remote activators.
Electric tankless water heaters can be a do-it-yourself project for those with a wire stripper, pipe cutter and a few tools found in any toolbox. A how-to book should get you through the wiring and plumbing, which are very basic. You should be sure that you circuit panel is adequate for the load that the tankless water heater will require - usually 80 to 120 amps. Buy online and install yourself, and you can expect savings of 50 percent.
For the southern half of the U.S., eighty amps are usually enough for a residence where a shower and one faucet will be in use. There are measurements, found on the manufacturer’s website, that can help you better determine the right unit for your needs.
Installation costs for tank and tankless models should be about the same but energy savings will make a big difference. Manufacturer‘s claims vary from 25 to 90 percent. A great deal depends on variables like ground water temperature, daily usage and distance from unit to shower. Large houses may need multiple on-demand water heaters set up in zones.
Units that have water flow and temperature control allow you to fine the efficiency of your tankless water heater.
Look for tax credits and rebates from your local utility.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment