Can a tankless water heater be used as a boiler?
Too bad common sense isn't very common. Take a look at Noritz tankless gas water heaters and boilers. I know if you use a Noritz tankless gas water heater as a boiler the warranty on the heat exchanger goes from 12 years down to 3 years. Tankless water heaters are designed to heat cold water for domestic use.
What do I need to change my water heater to tankless?
This includes obtaining building and plumbing permits, selecting the right product, gathering the tools needed, and determining the overall costs. To change from a tank hot water heater to a tankless hot water heater, you will need the right permits, tools, and heater, as well as the money to cover the related costs.
How much does a tankless heater cost to install?
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 it taking so long for my tankless water heater to heat?
It takes time for the tankless unit's heating element to first heat water before delivering it to the tap. The flow of hot water is limited by the unit’s capacity to heat the water.
What are the disadvantages of tankless water heaters?
The Cons of Tankless Water heaters:Con: High Upfront Cost of the Unit and Installation.Con: Take Longer to Deliver Hot Water.Con: Cold Water Sandwich.Con: Inconsistent Water Temperature When Multiple Outlets Are in Use.Con: Difficult to Achieve a Lukewarm Temperature.Con: No Access to Hot Water During a Power Outage.More items...•
How much does it cost to switch from hot water heater to tankless?
According to HomeAdvisor, tankless water heater costs range from $1,171 to $3,331, with the national average at $2,216. The overall cost of installing a tankless water heater varies depending on the type, brand, and flow rate.
Can you replace a traditional 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.
Is it worth it to upgrade to tankless water heater?
A tankless water heater could help keep your energy bill low in a vacation home. You could also save money if you travel often, or just don't consume a lot of hot water. If you use less than 40 gallons of water per day, installing a tankless heater can be 24%- 34% more energy efficient.
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.
Do tankless water heaters use a lot of electricity?
An electric tankless water heater needs about 3 kWh of electricity to heat a 10-minute shower. Electric tankless water heaters draw large amounts of electricity (up to 36 kW) over short periods of time. This boosts efficiency but requires robust wiring to avoid power surges.
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.
Is a tankless water heater better than a regular water heater?
Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency.
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?
What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6?Number Of Family Members:Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM)Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW)What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3?7-9 GPM15-23 kWWhat size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?8-10 GPM20-28 kW3 more rows
Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?
The good news is that tankless water heaters don't require much maintenance, either. A tankless system should be serviced as a part of the regular preventive maintenance that heating and cooling systems receive. Electric or gas components should be inspected.
How hot does a tankless water heater get?
Typically 180 to 200 degrees whereas water heaters normally heat up to 140 degrees. Be sure they are warranteed for the use of heating.
Is PlBG a place to ask radiant heating questions?
Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Can a tankless boiler be used as a boiler?
The salvation for a tankless as a boiler might be that once it is up to speed, the returning water should not be too far from the design temperature, so the "recovery" will be increased.
Do you need to know the square footage of your home to size a heater?
You need to know the square footage of the home inorder to size the heater correctly. And how many zones do they have ? IF it is one zone it could be too cool by the time it hits the last room to heat it up. I have installed a few tankless combi boilers and if they are set up right they work great.
What is a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters are designed to heat cold water for domestic use. Noritz boilers are designed to be a boiler.
How long is the warranty on a Noritz water heater?
I know if you use a Noritz tankless gas water heater as a boiler the warranty on the heat exchanger goes from 12 years down to 3 years. Tankless water heaters are designed to heat cold water for domestic use. Noritz boilers are designed to be a boiler.
Why is tankless water heater better than other types of water heaters?
They are also much smaller than typical water heaters and don’t take as much space. Tankless water heaters can also lead to energy savings. Heating water accounts for 30 percent of ...
How does a tankless water heater work?
Tankless water heaters use a sensing device that is activated whenever you open a hot water tap. When it senses that a hot water tap has been open, it uses either a gas burner or an electric element to heat water quickly. Once the hot water tap is closed, the heating element shuts off.
Why won't my tankless water heater heat water?
Additionally, a tankless water heater won’t heat water during power outages because it runs by electricity rather than gas.
What are the disadvantages of a tankless water heater?
Disadvantages of having a tankless water heater include: 1 They can be costlier upfront 2 You might need to extend or update current plumbing 3 Can take longer to heat water
How much energy savings does a tankless water heater have?
Heating water accounts for 30 percent of a family bill, and with tankless water heaters, your energy costs can be reduced by up to 50 percent.
How to contact Durham Water Heater?
If you need assistance installing a new tankless water heater, call the Durham water heater installation professionals today at (919) 626-3626!
Is a tankless water heater more efficient?
Although tankless water heaters are more cost-effective in the long run, they can be costlier upfront. If you currently have a water heater, you may need to extend or update your current plumbing to accommodate the structure of the tankless heater. Tankless water heaters may also take longer to heat your water compared to typical water heaters.
What is tankless water heater?
A tankless heater has a flow sensing device that is activated whenever a hot water tap is opened. The unit then heats the water using either a gas burner or an electric element and directs the water wherever it’s needed in your home.
How much does a tankless water heater save?
Department of Energy, heating water accounts for about 30 percent of a family’s energy bills. Using a tankless water heater can reduce these costs by up to 50 percent, for an average annual savings of $80.
How many BTUs does a gas water heater have?
Gas units are available in a large variety of models and sizes for both home and commercial use and range in output from 130,000 to 380,000 BTUs. More BTUs means more heating power. Keep in mind, however, that most conventional gas tank water heaters were not installed with a tankless retrofit in mind. Consequently, your home’s gas piping, meter and main line to the meter may not be sized properly, requiring an expensive reconfiguration and installation. Gas units also require a safe ventilation system, while electric units do not.
How long does hard water last in a tankless water heater?
If you don’t take these steps, hard water can destroy a tankless water heater in only about two years. Also, failure to follow these maintenance requirements can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Tankless units are complicated. Examine the internal workings of a typical tankless unit.
Do tankless water heaters need to be flushed?
They should be drained entirely and their filters replaced monthly. They also need to be flushed on a regular basis. (Tank units need only be flushed every year or so.)
Does tankless water heater mean instant hot water?
Even when taking savings in energy bills into account, it takes many homeowners about 20 years to fully recoup these expenses. "Tankless" does not mean "instant hot water.". Contrary to popular thought, a tankless water heater does not necessarily deliver hot water to your tap any faster than a conventional water heater.
Can you use a tankless water heater during a power outage?
During power outages, tankless units will not produce hot water. Unlike conventional water heaters, there is no backup hot water source during these emergency situations.
How is a tankless water heater rated?
Tankless hot water heaters are rated by how many gallons of hot water they produce per minute. The more likely you are to have the shower, dishwasher, and clothes washer going at once, the larger the gallons per minute you will need. You also want to size it for your peak demand application, that’s usually during the morning when everyone is taking a shower at the same time. If you install a tankless hot water heater that is too small, your hot water flow can decrease when multiple plumbing fixtures are turned on simultaneously. That’s why you need to work very closely with your manufacturer to estimate the hot water demands in your home.
Why do you need to brace a water heater?
Some state laws require replacement water heaters to be anchored or braced to resist movement during an earthquake, which can cause gas or water line leaks and electrical wiring damage. The easiest way to brace a water heater is to install a pre-approved bracing system, which is available at most hardware stores.
Why is a tankless water heater good?
The best benefit to using a tankless water heater is because you will receive an even supply of heat throughout the home, and it will be constantly warm. It means that your floors will never be cold because of the quick return on hot water.
Why do people use tankless water heaters?
Many homeowners prefer tankless water heaters over cast iron boilers for radiant heat because they use less energy and cost less to install. They also have good technology built into them and tend not to run out of hot water easily.
How long does a tankless water heater last?
The major factor for using a tankless unit is that they are durable and lasts for a long time. Tankless water heaters generally last for 20 years which is far superior to space heating and other methods. Over time, owners spend significantly less on the hot water heater.
What to do before investing in a tankless water heater?
However, before investing in a tankless hot water heater, consult a plumber or manufacturer to discuss what size and type are needed for your radiant heat. Different models have various capabilities, and you want to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
How many heat exchangers does a tankless water heater have?
Tankless water heaters tend to have one to two heat exchangers, modulating gas valves, multiple sensors, and electronic control boards. The entire process is computerized and automatically regulates heat. Water does not under or overheating. The temperature remains constant.
What is the best hot water system for natural gas?
Experts recommend the Takagi T-H3. It provides 10 GPM of hot water, and you can fit it for natural gas or propane. This system is very efficient with a low NOx. It keeps the hot water at an even temperature despite the water flow rate and recirculates for quicker delivery. It comes highly recommended for larger homes.
Is radiant heating better than baseboard heating?
Radiant heating is energy efficient compared to baseboard heating. Combined with a tankless water heater, the cost savings are very high. There is no heat loss experience as in forced air heating, either.
