Choosing an Electric Tankless Water Heater For Your Shower
Fans of tankless heaters love the fact that they last twice as long as traditional storage heaters. They also save energy because they heat water on demand only when a shower or faucet is turned on, eliminating thousands of hours of standby energy loss.
Choosing the best electric tankless water heater for your home requires consideration of several key factors. Learn more about the features that matter most below.
1. Power Source
Electric tankless water heaters connect to your home’s electrical system. They use electric coils to heat the incoming water, so they require an electrician for installation and upgrades to your wiring or circuit breaker panel to ensure proper operation and safety compliance.
Tankless systems use less energy than traditional tank systems, since they heat the water only on demand. However, your peak water demand depends on how many people shower in a household at one time, as well as the gallons per minute (GPM) flow rates for other fixtures, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
For example, a family of four might shower at the same time, and each shower requires 2 to 5 GPM. A pro will calculate your peak demand using a formula, and then recommend the appropriate heater capacity to meet your needs. They’ll also ensure that your breaker is sized correctly for the electrical load, and that the water heater meets all safety regulations during installation. For optimum performance, consider upgrading your existing pipes to copper to reduce heat loss.
2. Flow Rate
The flow rate of a tankless water heater is important to consider when choosing one for your shower. A unit that is too small cannot provide enough hot water for all fixtures and appliances simultaneously, while a larger unit will waste energy keeping water warm when it isn’t needed.
To determine the flow rate you need, find out the desired temperature rise for each fixture or appliance in your household. You can figure this out by measuring the current incoming water temperature with a thermometer and subtracting it from the target temperature you want to reach with your faucets.
Once you have the peak demand figures for all of your household appliances and fixtures, add them together to get the collective flow rate electric boiler manufacturer that your new electric tankless water heater must accommodate. Then choose a model that meets or exceeds this number. The last step is to have a professional install your on-demand water heater and make leak-free gas, water, and venting connections. They can also perform annual service to prevent mineral buildup from clogging the heat exchanger and improve efficiency.
3. Installation Requirements
An electric tankless water heater is a long-term investment that requires careful installation. It is important to consult with electric water heater a professional to ensure that the installation process meets all local building codes and addresses any unique installation considerations specific to your home.
The location of the unit can have a significant impact on the installation process. Ideally, the unit should be placed as close as possible to your hot water points of use. This will minimize heat loss in the pipes and reduce your energy consumption. Additionally, the location should be easily accessible for maintenance. If your unit is gas-powered, it will require access to the gas supply lines for fuel.
It is also a good idea to check your home’s water pressure before installing your tankless water heater. If the pressure is too low, your showers may become more of a dribble than a cascade. Finally, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when connecting electrical wires and other components. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in dangerous and potentially costly errors.
4. Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters use about half as much energy as whole-house gas-powered units. Electric models also save energy by heating water only when it is needed, which reduces stand-by losses. They can save homeowners money on utility bills and help them meet environmental goals.
The EcoSmart ECO 18 electric tankless water heater has a high energy efficiency rating and provides a quick supply of hot water. Its compact size and point-of-use installation make it ideal for small homes and apartments. Its digital display allows users to easily adjust the temperature, which enhances comfort and maximizes energy savings.
Its recirculation pump saves energy by pushing cold water back through the pipes to the heater, where it is heated in seconds. The recirculation system can be turned on by a timer, a push button, a smartphone app, or a motion sensor. It also features a self-cleaning function that eliminates scale buildup and prevents bacteria from forming in the hot water. It can also be remotely monitored and controlled, which makes it easier to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning filters, inspecting rust, and checking for leaks and other damage.
5. Warranty
A tankless electric water heater is more energy efficient than a traditional water heater because it only heats the water when it’s needed. The system also eliminates standby energy losses, so it saves both water and money. In addition, tankless electric water heaters can reduce your carbon footprint because they use less energy than older models.
You can find a wide variety of tankless electric water heaters for showers. To make sure you get the best model for your home, consider your household size and your showering habits. Also, look for a unit with a high flow rate to ensure you’re never running out of hot water.
A tankless electric water heater can provide you with a steady stream of hot water, and they’re easier to install than traditional units. However, you’ll still need a professional to help with the installation and upgrade of your water line and electrical connections in the case of gas or propane tankless units, or your gas and circuit-breaker panel in the case of electric models. They’ll also make leak-free gas, water and vent connections and ensure your new unit complies with local building codes.