A tankless water heater is a great investment for your home. Not only does it save you money on your monthly energy bill, but it also provides endless hot water for all of your needs. But before you purchase a tankless water heater, you need to determine what size unit will best meet your needs. We will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing a tankless water heater and also provide tips on choosing the right size unit for your home.
1. Number of People in Your Household
The first factor you need to consider when choosing a tankless water heater is the number of people in your household. This will help determine the flow rate that you need for your unit. The average person uses about 2 gallons of hot water per day. So, if you have two people in your household, you need a unit with a flow rate of 4 gallons per minute. If you have a family of four, you need a unit with a flow rate of 8 gallons per minute, and so on. It’s important to choose a unit with enough power to meet the needs of your household. Otherwise, you may find yourself taking cold showers.
Another factor to consider is the peak hot water demand. This is the amount of hot water you would need if everyone in your household were using hot water simultaneously. For example, if you have a family of four and everyone takes a shower simultaneously, you need a unit with a flow rate of 32 gallons per minute.
You can determine the peak hot water demand by adding up the flow rate of all the fixtures in your home that use hot water. To do this, you will need to know each fixture’s gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate. You can find this information on the manufacturer’s website or in the product manual.
2. Your Budget
Of course, your budget is another important factor to consider when choosing a tankless water heater. There are units available at a variety of price points, but it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. So, if you want a high-quality unit that will last for years, you need to be willing to spend a bit more money.
However, some great mid-range options are available that will still provide ample hot water for your needs. It’s all about finding the right balance between quality and price.
3. The Climate You Live In
The climate you live in is another important factor when choosing a tankless water heater. If you live in an area with warm weather, you won’t need as much power for your unit as someone in a cold climate. This is because the water doesn’t have to be heated much in warm climates.
If you live in a hot climate, you may want to choose a unit with a higher flow rate so that you always have enough hot water. Conversely, if you live in a cold climate, you may want to choose a unit with a lower flow rate so that it doesn’t use as much energy trying to heat the water.
4. The Type of Water Heater You Want
There are two main types of tankless water heaters: electric and gas. Electric units are more expensive to purchase but cheaper to operate. On the other hand, gas units are less expensive to purchase but more expensive to operate.
So, which type of unit is right for you? It depends on your budget and your needs. If you have a large family or live in a hot climate, you may want to choose a gas unit to have enough hot water. However, an electric unit may be the better choice if you have a small family or live in a cold climate.
5. Consult Professionals
If you’re still not sure what size tankless water heater is right for your home, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. A plumber or HVAC technician can help determine the best unit for your needs. They will consider all the factors we discussed above and help you choose a unit that is perfect for your home. Fusion Plumbing & Air helps you decide the best option for you.
6. Your Needs
Another factor to consider when choosing a tankless water heater is your needs. What are you going to use the unit for? Are you looking for a unit that can handle your entire household’s hot water needs, or do you need a small unit for a single sink?
Once you know what you need the unit for, it will be much easier to choose the right size. If you’re still not sure, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional. They can help you determine the best-size tankless water heater for your needs.
7. The Space You Have
Another factor to consider when choosing a tankless water heater is the space you have. Tankless water heaters come in a variety of sizes. So, if you have limited space, you’ll need to choose a smaller unit. However, if you have plenty of space, you can choose a larger unit.
It’s important to make sure that you choose a unit that is the right size for your needs and the available space. Otherwise, you may be unable to use the unit properly, or it may not work as efficiently as it should.
8. The Warranty
When choosing a tankless water heater, it’s important to consider the warranty. Most units come with a standard warranty of around five years. However, some units come with longer warranties of up to 10 years.
It’s important to choose a unit that has a good warranty. If anything goes wrong with the unit, you’ll be covered. Otherwise, you may have to pay for repairs or replacements out of your pocket.
9. The Brand
The brand of the tankless water heater is also important to consider. There are many different brands on the market, and they all offer different features. So, it’s important to research and choose a brand you can trust.
It’s also a good idea to read online reviews before you purchase a unit. That way, you can see what other people say about the different brands. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the best possible unit for your needs.
10. Required Temperature Rise
Another factor you must consider when choosing a tankless water heater is the required temperature rise. This is the difference between the incoming water temperature and the outgoing water temperature.
For example, if your incoming water temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit and you want your outgoing water temperature to be 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you would need a unit with a 60-degree temperature rise.
It’s important to choose a unit with the correct temperature rise for your needs. Otherwise, you may not be able to get the hot water temperature that you want.
Work With the Experts
Now that you know the different factors to consider when choosing a tankless water heater, it’s time to start shopping for the perfect unit for your home. With so many great options on the market, you’re sure to find a unit that meets your needs and fits your budget.
At Fusion Plumbing & Air, we are a licensed home services provider in Tucson that provides a wide range of services, including plumbing, water filter installation, and drain cleaning. Our team also repairs, installs, and maintains heating and cooling systems. Contact us today and let us help you with your plumbing and HVAC needs.
