Do you have to rewire your house for a tankless water heater?

In summary, no, you don't have to run new wire. But running new wire may end up costing a lot less. The tankless heater will be running at 240V already, guaranteed, so this doesn't help you at all.

Do you need special wiring for tankless water heater?

You must utilize either a 120- or 240-volt circuit, wholly devoted to the heater. Both voltages require 8-gauge wire, and the section exposed to the area under the sink must be armored cable.

What are the electrical requirements for a tankless water heater?

One whole-house tankless water heater has four 7,000-watt elements, for a total electrical load of 28,000 watts. This load re- quires wire and a circuit breaker that will handle at least 120 amps, at a cost many times that of electrical service to a conventional tank water heater.

Can my house handle a tankless water heater?

The reason being is that in most homes the existing electrical system will not support a tankless water heater that is the right size for the home. In a 2.5 bathroom home with a family of four, you are typically going to need at least a 24 KW heater.

Can I replace my old water heater with a tankless?

Absolutely! In fact, tankless water heaters are becoming the standard for new home construction because of the energy efficiency. Newer tank water heaters have a UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) rating of 0.70 compared to your standard tankless water heater that has a rating of 0.94.

3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless

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.

How much does it cost to switch from tank to 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.

Why is my tankless water heater tripping the breaker?

It could be a loose or bad wire, a bad connection in the electrical panel, or a worn-out breaker. Check the wiring on the line for broken or loose wires. If the breaker trips and there are no problems on the line, then you'll need to replace the breaker.

Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?

Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms.

How much value does a tankless water heater add to your home?

If you are looking to increase the value of your home, adding a tankless water heater to your features is a great place to start. According to a study conducted by Zillow, homes with tankless water heaters sold for 4% more than their expected value. On average, these homes also sold 43 days faster than expected.

Do tankless water heaters require 220?

Requirements for electric tankless water heaters:

If you plan to purchase an electric tankless water heater, consider these electrical requirements: Voltage — Many retailers sell units that will accommodate 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V, and 277V.

Can I replace an electric water heater with a tankless water heater?

Generally, you can replace an existing conventional water heater with a similarly powered tankless unit, although there are a few considerations depending on the power source: For electric systems, you will need to address the additional voltage and amperage requirements of a tankless heater; for gas systems, there ...

Where should tankless water heater not be installed?

You should avoid installing your tankless water heater in a location prone to excessive humidity, moisture, or dust, or in an area where it may be splashed with water or other liquids. Do NOT install under water pipes or air conditioning lines that might leak or condense moisture that could then drip onto the heater.

Where should tankless water heaters 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.

Will a tankless water heater fill a tub?

With tankless, you can fill a large tub and enjoy a nice bath. You're not ever going to run out of hot water.” He says usually the tankless water heaters are used to supply the entire home, including the bathrooms.

Is a GFCI outlet required for tankless water heater?

Most tankless water heaters are placed outdoors. The attachment plug serves as the disconnect and the receptacle shall be protected by GFCI. If there's a new circuit that serves only exterior receptacles, no AFCI is required. If the receptacle is added to a circuit, there's most likely a requirement for AFCI.

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.

How much propane does a tankless water heater use per month?

Gas cooktop/range – 65,000 BTU/hour or 5 to 10 gallons per month. Tankless water heater – 40,000 BTU/hour or 1.5 gallons per day.

Are tankless water heaters worth it 2021?

Energy Efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy reports a tankless water heater is 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters—as long as you use around 41 gallons per day. However, even if you double that amount, they are still 8% to 14% more efficient.

Which is better hot water tank or tankless?

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.

What size gas line do I need for a tankless water heater?

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.

Can I install a tankless water heater myself?

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.

How hard is it to go to a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters cost more than traditional tank water heaters; typically about twice the price for the unit alone, depending on what flow rate is needed. They're also more difficult to install, as they have special venting requirements and often need larger gas lines because of the higher BTU rating.