As a homeowner, you want to utilize the best home appliances with energy efficiency. If you’re using water in the kitchen or bathroom, you’ll hope you have the best tankless water heater to keep it warm. It is indeed a good purchase as you don’t only conserve energy but save money as well. Rather than keeping hot water in tanks, the heater saves energy by heating water as you directly use it. It then makes you save, saving the environment and helping yourself. Below are a few tips for selecting your tankless water heater:
Also, read The Pros and Cons of Switching to a Tankless Water Heater.
What fuel you intend to use: You need to know the fuel to use before purchasing a desired tankless water heater. The home appliance can run using gas or electricity. Choosing gas water heaters can have a higher flow rate.The water heater’s size and capability: This is also important, especially if you have more people in your household. If you opt for a good size, you need enough space in your house to store the heater and kept in a safe place. If you wish to install the heater by yourself, check the instructions in your user manual. The heater’s capability will depend on how many people use it and how frequently it’s used. If you’re alone, you need a small water heater. If your family is big, you need the best tankless water heater with higher flow.Consider your budget: Before buying a tankless water heater, check everywhere that fits your budget. You should see a wide variety of water heaters and their warranties provided by the manufacturer. Ensure you get a longer contract to save costs on maintenance and repairs. How often hot water is used? You need to calculate your expenses from buying the heater to using it in your household daily. A good review or recommendation from someone close can be helpful, as you need someone who has experienced your preferred tankless water heater.
Condensing or non condensing water heater nh are two water heaters that operate differently and have different efficiency levels.
Here’s an overview of each type:
Non-Condensing Water Heater:
Operation: Non-condensing water heaters directly heat water using a gas burner or an electric element. They heat the water and maintain it at a specific temperature.Efficiency: These water heaters are generally less efficient because they need to effectively utilize the heat from the combustion process. They lose a significant amount of heat through the flue.Venting: Non-condensing water heaters typically require a traditional chimney or flue for venting.
Condensing Water Heater:
Operation: Condensing water heaters are designed to maximize efficiency by extracting additional heat from the combustion gases through a secondary heat exchanger. This allows them to use more of the available heat and achieve higher energy efficiency.Efficiency: Condensing water heaters are more efficient than non-condensing models because they can achieve up to 98% or more efficiencies. They are especially efficient when used with natural gas.Venting: These water heaters require special venting because the combustion process produces condensate, which needs to be properly drained.
Choosing between the two:
Efficiency: If energy efficiency is a primary concern, a condensing water heater is generally the better choice, as it can result in significant energy savings over time.Venting: Consider whether you have the appropriate venting infrastructure in place. Condensing water heaters require special venting to handle the condensate.Cost: Condensing water heaters are more expensive upfront than non-condensing models. However, the higher efficiency can lead to long-term energy savings that offset the initial cost difference. Consulting a Professional: Before making a final decision, consult with a heating repair professional to assess your home’s specific heating needs and ensure compatibility with existing systems.Fuel Type: Consider the type of fuel available in your area. Natural gas is particularly efficient for condensing water heaters.Space Constraints: Condensing water heaters may be slightly larger due to the additional heat exchanger, so this could be a factor to consider if space is limited.Related What Are the Common Issues that you can face with Water Heaters?