Can I replace my tank water heater with a tankless?

Yes. The initial cost of converting your tank water heater to a tankless is expensive. Tankless water heaters are 3x more expensive than your average tank water heater. However, the energy savings and supply of endless hot water can outweigh the cost for many.

How much does it cost to change a tank to a tankless water heater?

An electric tankless unit will cost about $500 to $700, roughly the same as a traditional tank model, while the cost of a gas tankless heater runs about $1,000 to $1,200. Beyond the initial cost, the national average for the installation of a tankless unit is slightly over $1,700.

Is it worth it to switch to tankless water heater?

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings. If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

Which is better a tank or tankless water heater?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

Tankless VS Tank Water Heater...3 Myths DEBUNKED! - Twin Plumbing

How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.

Can a homeowner install a tankless water heater?

While it is possible to install your own tankless water heater, it's not a job for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. There are a number of different sizes and styles of tankless water heaters, including propane, natural gas and electric, along with single-room or whole-house sized models.

What are the main advantages of a tankless water heater over a tank heater?

Can you have both tank and tankless water heater combination?

Takagi Tankless Water Heaters can be used as an indirect water heater in conjunction with a storage tank for high volume situations. The Storage tank should be 30 gallons or larger and must always be set at least 5 degrees below the Takagi Tankless Water Heater.

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed.

Do tankless water heaters need a vent?

Tankless hot water heaters require special venting to blow hot exhaust gas outside, where it dissipates. Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, gas tankless hot water heaters offer far more versatile venting options.

Can I preheat water before it goes through a tankless water heater?

The typical way to pre-warm water is to install a standard tank water heater before the tankless, but leave it turned off. Using an automotive radiator is a terrible idea. You don't want to connect something not designed for potable water to your plumbing.

Do you need a water softener with a tankless water heater?

Tankless Water Heaters

For customers who either already have a tankless water heater or are considering switching to tankless, a water softener is a great idea. Because it helps protect your water heater, we will actually recommend a water softener with all tankless installs we do!

Does tankless water heater need more electricity?

The Verdict: Tankless Water Heaters Are More Efficient

The EPA estimates that a tankless water heater uses up to 34% less energy than a storage tank water heater if you use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily.

Do tankless water heaters require larger gas lines?

A typical tankless water heater will need a ¾-inch gas line. However, if there is sufficient pressure and the run length is short enough, a ½-inch line may be sufficient with certain tankless water heaters, such as the Noritz EZ Series.

How difficult is it to install a tankless water heater?

Learning how to install a tankless water heater is a difficult and sometimes dangerous process. We highly recommend having a professional handle this task. Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes when sourcing and installing parts for your new water heater. Local codes can vary.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

How long can you shower with a 20 gallon water heater?

I generally take a 5-10 minute shower on a 20 gallon HWH which is fine for me. I don't think changing the temperature will make a difference, yes it'll increase temperature for those 30 gallons but after that it'll drop temp until the temp can build up again. The low flow showerhead I think is your best bet.

How do I choose the right size tankless water heater?

The best sizing factor for a tankless water heater is its flow per minute rate. A 3.2 gpm, tankless heater can heat 3.2 gallons of water per minute, which is roughly enough to provide hot water to a shower and a sink. To find the correct capacity, add up all of the fixtures that you expect to use at the same time.

How often should a tankless water heater be cleaned?

Tankless water heaters should be flushed out every year to 2 years.

How often should I flush my tankless water heater if I have a water softener?

With a water softening system installed, you may be able to get by flushing your water heater every 3-5 years.

Can you use a recirculating pump with a tankless water heater?

A water heater and pump combined or separate. This can be a tankless water heater with an integrated recirculation pump or a water heater and an external pump. The Rheem RTGH is one of example of a unit with a built-in recirculation pump.

What is a tempering tank?

The tempering tank heats the water to the temperature of the ambient air in the basement just by being in the semi-conditioned space before it goes to the water heater. Adds about 30+ degrees to the water temperature, reducing the amount of energy required to heat it to 110 or 120.

Where should a tankless water heater be installed?

The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home. Most installations are small and unobtrusive so they will easily fit in a pantry, under the stairs, or under your sink. If you must place the water heater outside, make sure it's safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects.