Why Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Are you tired of your water heater constantly running out of hot water? Tankless water heaters might be the solution for you! Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water, which is perfect for busy households. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of tankless water heaters and why you might want to switch to one.
What is a tankless water heater
A tankless water heater is a type of water heater that doesn’t use a storage tank. Instead, it heats water on demand as you need it. That means you can save space because you don’t need a big tank taking up room in your home. Plus, you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water since the tankless water heater will continue to heat water as long as you need it. The only downside is that it can take a little longer for the hot water to reach your fixtures since it’s not being stored in a tank. But overall, a tankless water heater is a more efficient way to heat your water.
Are tankless water heaters more expensive than a regular water heater
When it comes to tankless water heaters, there are a few things to consider. For one thing, tankless water heaters are more expensive than regular water heaters. They also require more maintenance and care. However, tankless water heaters have a number of advantages over regular water heaters. Perhaps the most significant advantage is that they are much more energy-efficient. Tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed, so they don’t waste energy keeping a tank of hot water constantly heated. This makes them a great choice for homes and businesses that want to save money on their energy bills. In addition, tankless water heaters have an unlimited supply of hot water, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of hot water again. Overall, while they may be more expensive upfront, tankless water heaters can save you money in the long run.
Can I just switch to a tankless water heater?
Not every house is suitable for a complete-house electric tankless water heater. This is due to the fact that such a system’s amp draw is just too high. This might imply that you’ll have to replace your old electrical service panel with larger wires and bigger breakers, or you’ll need to build a new one.
How do you switch out a regular water heater to a tankless water heater?
Please note that this step-by-step installation guide is only intended as a template. The steps necessary to install your particular water heater may differ. As a result, be sure to read the entire product manual before beginning.
Furthermore, if you don’t install it correctly, the warranty will be void, system longevity will be reduced, and you may suffer significant personal injury or death as a result. So if you have no idea what you’re doing, hire a qualified electrician and plumber to do the installation for you. The task is too dangerous and not worth the risk just to save a few hundred dollars.
On a separate note, some manufacturers’ systems must be installed by a licensed professional or else the warranty will expire immediately. If you have any difficulties with the tankless water heater installation, call tech support.
- To begin, turn off all of the circuit breakers that have been switched on.
- Close off the main water supply.
- If you’re replacing your water heater, drain and remove it if necessary.
- Remove any screws that hold the front cover of the device you’ll be installing. Remove the front panel, but exercise caution: You may have to remove one or more connections before you can set it aside.
- Attach the electric tankless water heater to the wall with screws and anchors. The kit should contain both.
- The cold (usually right side) and hot (usually left side) water connections should now be made. It’s probably easiest if you use stainless steel flex pipe (¾”) with Teflon tape to connect the two. Copper or PEX tubing may also be used instead of Teflon tape in this situation. It’s just that some water heaters have a filter screen at the cold water inlet that needs to be cleaned on occasion. This is why it’s critical for the cold water connections to be simple to remove. If you must cut into a pipe, clean the edges first. Also, be sure to drain the pipes before connecting them to the water heater and that too much heat might cause damage to the equipment.
- Before and after the heater, it is advised to install a shut-off valve so you may turn off the water supply to the unit for maintenance or repairs without also shutting off the water to your house.
- The cold water line should be installed before the electric hot water heater so that the incoming pressure is lower (read more). By the way, this is also when you should install a pressure reduction valve on the cold water side in case the incoming pressure exceeds a certain level (read more). A temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P) – to be put on the hot water side – should not be required unless mandated by local or state installation codes.
- To clear any air from the pipes and water heater, open several hot water faucets for a couple of minutes. At the same time, look for any leaks in connections. All outlets should be shut.
TAKE NOTE: See wiring diagram in the instruction booklet for details! The next step is to connect the water heater to one side of the electric panel and the electrical connections with the water heater on one side and the electric panel on the other. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for wire and circuit breaker size and number. Connecting a single device to one circuit with one set of 6/2 AWG wire and a 50A double pole breaker is an easy task. Larger units necessitate two or maybe three distinct circuits, as well as thicker wire. Cut the wire sets to length and strip them, then feed them through the bottom holes of the water heater housing and firmly connect them to the terminal block’s appropriate slots (check manufacturer instructions for recommended torque). A ground conductor must be connected to the unit’s grounding busbar and circuit breaker panel for each circuit.
- Check for any loose connections and double-check all electrical connections. Make sure you didn’t mix up the various wire sets.
- Replace the front cover of the system.
- Turn the circuit breakers back on.
- Your tankless water heater should be switched on at this point. Make any necessary adjustments, such as changing the water temperature to the desired level.
- Open a hot water supply. Allow the temperature to calm down before proceeding. Check the temperature and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
A tankless water heater is a great investment for your home. Not only will it save you money on your energy bill, but it will also provide an endless supply of hot water. With a little bit of research and careful planning, you can easily install a tankless water heater in your home.
Recently, we realized our water heater stopped working as it did before, so we want a new one. We didn’t know how some houses need to upgrade their electrical panel before installing a tankless water heater, so we’ll look for a plumber to help us figure that out. Thanks for the information on tankless water heaters and their installation process.