What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?

In this blog post, our professionals from Americana Plumbing will explore how to determine the right size tankless water heater for your home.

Hot Water Demand

Calculating your home's peak hot water consumption is the first step in deciding the amount of tankless water heater you require. This is the most hot water your household will ever require, such as when several family members are showering or utilizing hot water appliances at once. You must factor in the flow rate and temperature rise of each hot water-using fixture or appliance when calculating this.

By thoroughly analyzing your household's hot water usage, a professional plumber can assist you in determining your peak hot water demand. Your plumbing system will need to be examined, and the flow rates of each fixture and appliance will need to be measured. As an alternative, you can estimate your peak hot water demand using an online calculator that takes into account the number of people living in your home as well as the sorts of equipment you use.

Flow Rate & Temperature Rise

You can choose a tankless water heater with the right flow rate and temperature rise once you've determined your peak hot water demand. The heater's flow rate is how much hot water it can create per minute, and its temperature rise is how much it can raise the temperature of entering cold water.

Depending on the peak hot water demand in your home and the temperature of the incoming cold water, a different flow rate and temperature rise will be necessary. Larger families with higher hot water demands and colder incoming water temperatures would often need a higher flow rate and temperature rise. In contrast, a smaller household with just one or two occupants may only need a flow rate of 3–4 gallons per minute and a temperature rise of 40–50°F. For instance, a household with four people and multiple hot water appliances may need a flow rate of 8–10 gallons per minute and a temperature rise of 70–80°F.

Tankless water heaters are rated according to their maximum flow rate and temperature rise, although they might not always be able to meet these standards in actual usage. The performance of the heater can be impacted by a number of variables, including the incoming water's temperature, the unit's size, and the length of the hot water pipes. In order to guarantee that you have enough hot water when you need it, it's crucial to choose a tankless water heater with a slightly higher flow rate and temperature rise than your estimated peak hot water consumption.

Installation

It's crucial to have a qualified plumber handle the task when performing a tankless water heater installation. Tankless water heaters need a dedicated gas line or electrical circuit, and your plumbing system may need to be changed to make room for the new appliance. In addition to ensuring that the installation is done professionally and safely, a certified plumber will be able to offer guidance on choosing the best size and model of tankless water heater for your residence.

Need a Reliable Plumbing Company?

Need help with your tankless water heater installation? Luckily, we at Americana Plumbing have dedicated workers ready to solve your issues. Contact our representatives for more questions.