How to Select and Install a Kitchen Water Heater
Unlike regular water heaters that need to be plumbed in, these units are compact and can be easily installed under sink. They are also efficient and consume little energy on standby.
Whether you need to rinse a dish or wash your hands, you will want instant hot water. While installing a point of use tankless heater may help, it still requires time to heat the water.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you want to install a traditional gas-fired or electric tank water heater in your kitchen, consider how much energy the unit will consume. Generally speaking, a higher EF rating (Energy Factor) represents a more efficient heater.
The EF number evaluates how effective the unit is at heating your water, comparing the amount of fuel or electricity used to produce one gallons of hot water. For reference, a high EF rating is equal to about 95% efficiency.
A gas-fired condensing water heater is typically the most efficient choice for households that use a lot of hot water. Kitchen instant water heater This type of unit recycles unused exhaust gases and uses them to heat the water, making it less expensive to operate than conventional storage tanks.
Electric demand water heaters have a small footprint and operate on low-wattage currents, so they are ideal for tight spaces. However, they require more watts per gallon of hot water to achieve a temperature rise, so you should make sure that your electrical wiring can handle it before purchasing a small electric unit.
If you live in a sunny area and want to cut your energy costs even more, consider a solar water heater. The EnergySage Marketplace lets you find custom solar quotes for your home and compare the best deals in your area, all free.
Water Heater Capacity
The capacity of a water heater is how many gallons or liters it can hold at full tank capacity. It’s important to select the proper capacity for your household, as a water heater that is too large will consume more energy than necessary and may result in excess hot water waste. The size of your household and how often you use hot water impacts the capacity required. Peak demand times, such as first thing in the morning when everyone is showering and washing clothes, also factor into determining the appropriate water heater size.
When shopping for a tank water heater, look at its first hour rating (FHR). This value tells you how many gallons of hot water the unit can supply in one hour after it’s fully heated. For example, if your peak usage period occurs during the morning rush when you’re taking two showers and running a load of laundry, you’ll need a water heater with a FHR of at least 46 gallons. The A. O. Smith 50-gallon ProLine Power Vent water heater available from SupplyHouse offers this much capacity.
Tankless water heaters offer higher flow rates than storage units, and they’re more energy efficient. However, the size of your household and desired water temperature also impact the maximum flow rate. Check for a flow rate chart on the manufacturer’s website to see how many electric tankless boiler gallons per minute a particular model can produce at various temperature rises. The higher the flow rate, the more water it can deliver, but be sure to consider the BTU capacity required to raise the water temperature sufficiently for your uses.
Installation Requirements
When installing a kitchen water heater, there are some requirements you must meet. This includes the space it must be installed in, and the fact that most units will require some form of plumbing work to function correctly. It is important to read the installation instructions carefully, and follow them closely to avoid any potential problems.
Many conventional tank water heaters connect to a chimney or vent system, using either B-vent or single-wall pipe. The ideal is for the entire venting system to be vertical, but this isn’t always practical or possible. In any case, the vent and chimney connectors must be free of obstructions and the piping must slope upward from the water heater at a rate of no less than 1/4-in-12.
Some codes also stipulate that a sediment trap be installed in gas-powered units, and this must be located downstream of the shutoff valve. Another common code violation involves not installing pans and drains in replacement installations of old water heaters – these must be installed when the unit isn’t located where leaks might cause damage.
Whether it’s a traditional or point-of-use hot water heater, you should use a tape measure to determine the distance from the water supply line to the intended location of the unit. Once you have this information, mark the spot where the unit will go on the wall, and drill the holes needed to mount it securely.
Warranty
Many manufacturers offer warranties on their water heaters. These may include either parts and labor or just the cost of replacing the unit. Once this warranty expires, homeowners will need to pay for any repairs or replacements out of pocket. However, many home warranty companies have extended coverage plans that can lengthen a manufacturer’s original warranty for an additional period of time.
The type of anode rod used can also have a significant impact on the manufacturer’s warranty terms. For example, some manufacturers require that anode rods be checked annually or they will void the warranty. In addition, the installation company can impact the terms of a water heater’s warranty. Using licensed professionals who are experienced in installing and servicing water heaters can help ensure that the warranty remains intact.
If you have a new water heater, check the manufacturer’s website to determine its warranty status. Typically, you will need to know the model number and serial number in order to access the information online. If you have an older model, contact a local plumbing professional to get the details on its current status.
In addition to a manufacturer’s warranty, some home warranty companies have added coverage options that can protect a water heater for longer than normal. A quality home warranty company will also provide excellent customer service and technology that makes it easy to file a claim when needed.
