Tankless Water Heaters: The Ultimate Guide
We know more families are choosing tankless water heaters than ever before. We also know that purchasing a new major appliance for your home is a huge decision, and doing your research is the first step. We’ve put together this helpful guide about how tankless water heaters work, the benefits and how to choose the right size to help you make the best choice for your home.
LEARNING HOW WATER HEATERS WORK IS THE FIRST STEP.
Knowing what’s happening behind the walls of your appliances sets a foundation of understanding that helps inform your appliance purchasing decision.
How Traditional Water Heaters Work.
Traditional water heaters are large storage tanks–usually ranging in size between 40-80 gallons. Cold water enters the storage tank at the bottom, is heated by heating coils and rises to the top. Then, when someone takes a shower, the hot water leaves from the top, and more cold water enters the tank from the bottom and is warmed. The water inside the tank is continuously heated, even when you’re not using any water. And if you’ve ever ‘run out of hot water,’ it’s because you’ve drained your entire storage tank’s worth of hot water, and you must wait for the tank to heat up again.
How Tankless Water Heaters Work.
As the name suggests, a tankless water heater does not have a tank and is also known as a demand-type or on-demand water heater because it heats the water directly without storing it. So, when someone turns on the shower, cold water enters the tankless unit, passes through the gas- or propane-powered heat exchanger, and is instantly heated. Then, the water is piped back out and sent to where needed. This eliminates the need to store water, delivering a constant hot water supply.
Watch how it works from our partners at Rinnai:
ADVANTAGES OF TANKLESS WATER HEATERS.
You’ve heard tankless water heaters are better, but how exactly? Some of their many benefits include the following:
A Tankless Water Heater Provides Instant Hot Water.
A tankless water heater is a great solution if you’re tired of running out of hot water. Nothing is worse than running late and finding out the last person used all the hot water during your family’s busy morning routine. Waiting for the water to heat back up feels like waiting for water to boil–super frustrating and time you can’t afford. Tankless models heat water instantly, so you never have to worry about jumping into an ice-cold shower again.
Tankless Units Save Money Over Time.
Tankless water heaters cost more upfront but are a greater return on investment over your unit’s lifespan. Long-term, tankless water heaters last longer, meaning you spend less money on maintenance and replacement. There are also short-term water and electric bill savings because you only pay for the hot water you need. Plus, rebates and tax credits are available on propane equipment that we can help you submit. These differences quickly add up and make tankless units the better value in the long run.
A Tankless Water Heater Saves Space In Your Home.
The small size of a tankless unit is another big draw. They’re about the size of a suitcase but powerful enough to provide instant hot water for all your appliances. With no big, bulky water tank in the way, you’ll have more room in your basement or small home for additional storage, kids’ play areas or hobbies like woodworking that take up a lot of space.
A LITTLE MATH HELPS CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE TANKLESS WATER HEATER.
Choosing the right size unit is the critical first step to enjoying its many benefits.
How To Calculate What Size Tankless Water Heater You Need.
Figuring out the correct size just takes a little math. First, find out the average flow rate for the appliances you might use simultaneously and then add them together. For example, if you use two showers simultaneously, you need a heater that can handle 5 gallons per minute (gpm) or more. If you’d also like to run the dishwasher and washing machine while two showers are running, you need a heater that can handle 8.5 gpm. Here are some standard flow rates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for reference:
| APPLIANCE | GPM (GALLONS PER MINUTE) |
|---|---|
| Hot Shower | 2.5 gpm |
| Kitchen Sink | 1.5 gpm |
| Dishwasher | 1.5 gpm |
| Washing Machine | 2.0 gpm |
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Size Options.
Euliss Propane is a proud distributor of Rinnai tankless water heaters in North Carolina and we help customers find the right model for their needs. We supply three sizes of Rinnai heaters:
- Economy Model: Delivers up to 6.5 gpm requiring between 10,300 and 150,000 BTUs.
- High Efficiency Plus: Delivered up to 7.5 gpm rated for 10,300 to 180,000 BTUs.
- Super High Efficiency Plus: Delivers up to 11 gpm at a max of 199,000 BTUs.
IS A TANKLESS WATER HEATER RIGHT FOR YOU? LET’S REVIEW.
If you can afford the initial cost of a tankless water heater after rebates and tax credits, it’s probably the better choice for your home. We’ve compiled this helpful table to review all the factors to consider before making your final decision.
| TANKLESS WATER HEATER | TRADITIONAL WATER HEATER |
|---|---|
| Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost |
| Lower costs on bills | Higher costs on bills |
| Compact, fits in small areas | Bulky, needs space for tank |
| Can be wall mounted | Takes up space on floor |
| Average lifespan of 20 years | Average lifespan of 8~12 years |
| May qualify for tax credits | Specific models may qualify for tax credits |
| Often qualifies for installer rebates | Does not qualify for rebates |
| Heats water in a few seconds | Heats full tank in 30 to 40 minutes |
| Yearly flush recommended | Six month flush recommended |
| Wastes almost no water | Wastes unused water |
EULISS IS A TRUSTED SUPPLIER OF TANKLESS WATER HEATERS IN NORTH CAROLINA
When you work with Euliss Propane, you can count on an experienced partner throughout the process. We’ll help you find the Rinnai model that meets your needs. We’ll handle your warranty registration and complete all appliance and manufacturer rebates. If you’re interested in a tankless water heater in Guilford County, Randolph County, Greensboro, Burlington, Winston-Salem, Alamance, Chatham, Liberty and beyond–get in touch today.
