There’s nothing worse than hopping in the shower and feeling the shock of an ice-cold stream of water! Anyone who has experienced this knows how important it is to have a working water heater in your home. While cold showers might be good for you, few people enjoy them!  

Not only does a great water heater make shower time more pleasant, it makes cooking and cleaning much easier too. If your current unit is getting towards the end of its life, or you’re just thinking about making an upgrade, it’s a great time to learn how to choose a tankless water heater.

Stick with us as we review the benefits of tankless water heaters and provide tips to ensure you choose the right one for your home.

Why Choose a Tankless Water Heater?

There are many benefits to choosing a tankless water heater over other types of water heaters. Here are a few of the most important: 

• No more cold showers – tankless heaters never run out of water and you don’t have to wait for them to refill.
• Energy savings – since they only turn on when you need them, there’s much less waste than you’ll find with a traditional tank system.
• Space Savings – tankless heaters take up much less space. You can install them under a sink, in the basement, or inside a utility closet.
• Durability – while tank heaters usually have a lifespan of 10-15 years, tankless models typically last 20 years or longer.

Now that you’re clear on the benefits, let’s dive into how to choose the right tankless heater for your home.

How to Choose a Tankless Water Heater for Your Home

It’s not hard to choose the right tankless water heater for your home, once you know what to look for. Here are some of the things you’ll need to consider.

Choose the Right Size

One of the most important factors in choosing a tankless water heater is getting the sizing right. To calculate your needs, consider these two factors:

• The flow rate (gallons per minute) your home needs
• The required temperature rise (the difference between the outdoor ground water temperature and the desired output temperature)

Once you have these two numbers, choose a tank that has the capacity to meet your needs. If you run into trouble, your best bet is to consult with a great plumber who will be able to easily make a recommendation.

Consider Energy Savings and Efficiency

Since energy savings is one of the biggest advantages of a tankless heater, you’ll want to make sure you choose a product that will give you the most bang for your buck.  Check the energy factor (EF) rating of the system you’re considering before you buy.

Check the Warranty

Warranties vary from brand to brand and from model to model. Make sure to read your warranty carefully and only buy from a company who is willing to stand behind their product.

Help with Your Tankless Water Heater – And More!

Now that you know how to choose a tankless water heater, you’re almost ready to update your home! The next step is to find a plumber you can trust to install it for you.

That’s where we come in. Contact us today to get started.