How to Maintain a Small Tankless Hot Water Heater
Imagine never running out of hot water again. It’s possible with a small tankless hot water heater!
To size a tankless unit accurately, add up the flow rates of all your showerheads, faucets, and hoses (excluding toilets, bidets, urinals, and refrigerators with icemakers). Also, consider upgrading older fixtures to 1992 standards.
1. Flow Rate
Tankless water heaters are a great way to save energy and money while providing unlimited hot water. However, just like any appliance or equipment in your home, a small tankless water heater requires routine maintenance to keep it running at its best. In addition to cleaning air and water filters every four to six months, it is important to inspect your unit for leaks, rust or other damage. Fortunately, these tasks are easy and can be done by yourself or with the help of a professional plumber.
The size of your home and the number of appliances or water fixtures that are used simultaneously play a role in the flow rate that you need from a tankless water heater. Calculating your home’s water demand is a simple process that involves adding up the peak-demand usage of all of your household water fixtures and appliances. This includes sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and showers. Don’t forget to factor in the temperature rise required for each fixture to reach your desired hot water temperature. Almost all tankless water heaters will include information about the required temperature rise and the required flow rate in their product details.
A small household of two people needs a tankless water heater with a flow rate of 6 to 8 GPM, while a larger household of four people requires a higher flow rate of about 10 GPM. Be sure to factor in your home’s climate and groundwater temperature, as well.
2. Energy Efficiency
Unlike traditional water heaters that have a storage tank, which uses energy continuously, tankless units only use energy when you demand hot water. This results in substantial savings on your utility bills.
The thermal efficiency of a tankless heater is determined by the heat exchanger’s performance, small electric tankless water heater its insulation, and its size. Look for a tankless unit with a high thermal efficiency rating to maximize your energy savings.
Another consideration when choosing a tankless unit is its cost. These systems are more expensive than their tank counterparts, but they can pay for themselves over time with the energy savings. They also require less maintenance and are more environmentally friendly.
You may encounter problems with your tankless water heater, but these can usually be resolved by resetting the system. Locate the reset button and press it for around 10 seconds to re-start the unit. This will help resolve minor errors and clear any error codes, but it’s important to check the power supply first. Flip the circuit breaker or power switch to the off position before performing the reset.
You should also clean the water filter on your tankless unit to prevent clogging. This task varies by model, but it usually involves using a descaling solution to remove any build-up.
3. Installation
A tankless hot water heater offers many benefits to home owners. It can be more efficient than a traditional heater, saving energy and money on energy bills. It also eliminates the worry of running out of hot water. However, these advantages can only be realized if the heater is installed properly. That’s why it is important to hire a professional plumber to handle the installation. They will have a thorough understanding of the local plumbing codes and regulations, and adhere to them throughout the installation process.
When installing a small tankless hot water heater, it is important electric tankless heater to ensure that the gas line and electrical connections are properly sized. This will help prevent the heater from overheating and reduce the risk of fires or explosions. It is also important to inspect the connections regularly. This will ensure that they are secure and free from corrosion or damage, and that they are in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and local electrical codes and regulations.
A small tankless hot water heater can be located near the point of use, making it easy to get hot water when needed. In addition, these units are easier to maintain than traditional heaters. They can be turned on and off by a timer, motion sensor, or smart device, and the temperature of the water can be adjusted to match your preferences.
4. Warranty
A tankless water heater’s warranty is a big selling point, as they typically come with longer warranties than their conventional counterparts. However, it’s important to review the fine print to determine what exactly is covered. For example, if a heater is installed improperly, the warranty may be limited or void. Also, it’s important to note that water heaters must be regularly maintained. Failure to do so could void the warranty, and it may lead to expensive repairs or even a replacement. It’s also worth considering getting a home warranty to cover some, or all, of the appliances and systems in your house.
Gas tankless units must be connected to your natural gas line, and they’re only as good as the quality of that connection. You need to ensure that the line can provide the necessary BTU, and it needs to be properly sized to prevent overflow and leaks. This is a job for a professional plumber, and it’s best to have one inspect your home’s entire plumbing system before installing a gas tankless water heater.
In addition to the installation, it’s a good idea to hire a pro to inspect and clean your tankless water heater annually. They’ll check the unit’s inlet filters to remove sediment and other debris, which can clog the heat exchanger over time. They’ll also test the electrical and gas connections to make sure they are leak-free.
