Tankless Water Heater Atlanta offers several advantages, including a plentiful supply of endless hot water (compared to limited flow from conventional tank models), and potential energy savings under certain conditions. They heat water on demand and operate using either an electric or gas burner.
Nonetheless, there are some factors to consider before choosing Tankless Water Heater for your home.
One of the most popular reasons people choose a tankless water heater is to cut down on their energy usage. Since they heat the water on demand, they do not have to continuously reheat the 40+ gallons of water in a storage tank and exert energy doing so. By heating the water as it flows through, they can cut down on your energy costs and reduce utility bills, and in some cases the tankless units can save you up to 50% on those costs.
The fact that a tankless water heater is much smaller than conventional models means it takes up less physical space. That also means that it can be installed closer to the point of use, so that hot water is not travelling as far and therefore requires less energy to get to your faucet. Whether it is powered by electricity or natural gas, all electric models can take advantage of a high-efficiency heat pump which further cuts down on the amount of energy they consume.
When choosing a tankless water heater, look for brands that produce Energy Star rated models. These are models that have been certified to meet certain criteria for environmental impact and utility costs, and they often offer rebates as well.
In terms of maintenance, most of these systems will need a vinegar flush at least once per year to remove minerals that build up and clog the heat exchanger. This process usually only takes about 20 minutes, and can be done by a professional plumber or home owner.
A tankless water heater can be fueled by either natural gas or electricity, but the choice depends on many factors including availability and price. Generally speaking, natural gas-powered models are more cost-effective to install and operate because they have the lowest fuel costs and are typically subsidized by local governments and power companies. Electric models are more flexible, and can be paired with solar panels to further reduce operating costs. Regardless of what type of model you choose, hiring a professional to perform the installation is highly recommended. This will ensure that all pipes, venting and gas lines are properly connected and that the system meets local code requirements.
Less Maintenance
Because Tankless Water Heaters don’t have tanks that rust and require cleaning, they typically require less maintenance. However, they do still need to be maintained to ensure that they are functioning properly and safely.
A tankless water heater’s heat exchanger has narrow passages that can become blocked by minerals such as calcium and magnesium over time. This can lead to scaling, which causes the heating element to lose efficiency and reduces the unit’s lifespan. This is why homeowners with hard water should consider scheduling regular flushing and cleaning for their units every six to nine months.
During a regular maintenance visit, the plumber will also inspect the heating element for signs of damage or erosion. They will also clean the outside of the tankless water heater and check the hoses that connect to the unit for any obstructions or leaks. In addition, the plumber will clean and lubricate each of the valves on the unit, including the water intake and outgoing water valves as well as the gas supply valve.
Most Tankless Water Heaters have a filter that needs to be cleaned regularly. This is important to keep sediment from building up inside of the unit and preventing it from working correctly. To clean the filter, the water must first be turned off and then removed from the unit. The filter can then be cleaned using a soft brush and soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, and then put back into place.
Another critical part of a regular maintenance visit is checking the venting for any blockages. The venting on a Tankless Water Heater is used to allow fresh air into the unit and to release exhaust gas. If the venting is obstructed, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or an unsafe atmosphere inside of the house.
Tankless Water Heaters, both gas and electric, are powered by electricity. Therefore, it is very important that they are plugged into a circuit breaker that is on a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). This will protect the unit from any electrical surges and prevent the water heater from being shut off accidentally by accident.
Smaller Footprint
Nothing cuts short a relaxing hot shower like running out of hot water. If you’re sick of lukewarm water or sudden outages in your home, consider switching from a traditional tank system to an on-demand tankless heater. While these units come with a higher initial investment, their energy efficiency and longevity will help offset the costs in the long run.
With a smaller footprint than traditional storage tank water heaters, tankless units save valuable floorspace. Additionally, since they heat only when a tap is turned on, they are more efficient than traditional tanks, which continually heat and then reheat a set amount of water in a reserve tank.
A variety of sizes and styles allow you to install tankless units in a wide range of homes, from a single unit in the bathroom to a whole-house system. Some even include Wi-Fi compatibility, allowing you to monitor and control your unit remotely with a smartphone app or touchscreen.
The specialized heating elements of these systems are also less likely to develop leaks or corrosion, making them safer and more reliable than conventional tanks. Additionally, because they only heat water when a tap is turned on, they can help prevent energy waste by eliminating wasted energy from running appliances that use hot water, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
While there are many benefits to choosing a tankless water heater, it’s important to evaluate your home and hot water needs before making the switch. For example, if you have a large household that requires multiple hot water sources simultaneously, a high GPM capacity model may be needed to accommodate your household’s demands.
In addition to lowering your utility bills, the energy-saving features of a tankless water heater can contribute to green building standards and community benefits. For instance, Seattle’s downtown commitment to green building standards aligns with the sustainable features of tankless water heaters, which require less power to operate than traditional tank water heaters.
Easy Installation
Whether you opt for a gas, propane or electric model, a tankless water heater is simple to install. In most cases, all that is needed is to locate the unit near a power outlet and the water and gas lines. A professional plumber will make all necessary connections and mount the unit to your wall. They will also check to ensure that your home’s electrical service panel can handle the energy requirements of your new unit. In the case of gas or propane units, they will hook up venting using metal or PVC pipes and ensure that the ventilation complies with local codes.
Before the installation process begins, it is important that you shut off your home’s water line and drain any standing water. This is done to prevent any water damage while removing the old tank. Likewise, you will need to empty any gas line connected to the old water heater. It is a good idea to place a bucket underneath the water line to catch any spills or drips during this step.
Next, the plumbing professional will install the water line to your new tankless water heater. For gas models, this may require a change in the gas line’s diameter. In addition, for gas units, the installer will hook up a dedicated meter and install a gas vent. They will then connect the gas and water lines to your new tankless water heater, following the instructions in its manual.
Finally, the plumber will connect an electronic control box to your unit, if applicable. This box allows you to control the temperature and flow rate of your hot water, so that it matches your household’s needs. It will also allow you to see if your water heater is operating at peak efficiency or not.
Lastly, the plumbing professional will install a pressure relief valve to protect your system from overheating and a flow valve to control your water flow. They will also install a circuit breaker that corresponds with the power requirements of your new tankless water heater. For instance, smaller electric models that operate at 240 volts require one 60-amp breaker. Larger whole-house electric models will need two breakers that have a minimum current rating of 65 amps each.
