Whole-house heaters heat the water for your entire home with multiple offshoots. This means a whole-house heater is much larger than a single-point. Choosing which one depends on several factors like price and family size:. This means you need a tankless heater for every water source. For example, you need three units if you have two bathrooms and a dishwasher unless all three locations are close.
Whole-house tankless heaters are installed near an exterior wall to reach the vent for gas units, but they have some flexibility. One unit can handle multiple bathrooms and a dishwasher, even when used at the same time. Purchase a unit that can handle the amount of use your home needs. The amount of water heated with a tankless system varies from 0.
This is important when considering which system to choose. For example, a home with multiple people bathing and a washing machine and dishwasher running cannot be supported from one unit. Therefore, if you have a heavy-water-usage household, you may need to install multiple units, prioritize your water usage so that you are not using more than 10 gallons at a time, or consider mixing a whole-house unit with a point-of-use unit for certain rooms.
A whole-house water heater is sufficient for most single-family homes, allowing you to have multiple bathers or a washing machine and dishwasher running at once. However, a single-point heater may be sufficient in small apartments. Both should be considered to determine which is right for your needs. Compare prices from tankless water heater technicians near you Compare Quotes. There are many sizes of water heaters, so choose the correct one for your household.
Since a single-point water heater can only heat one source, you need multiple units to cover all the places in your house that use hot water. This heater works best for additions or as a supplemental water heater. For most households, you need a whole-house water heater. They come in several sizes and are typically sized to the number of bedrooms. Most meet the needs of homes between 2 and 4 bedrooms.
If you have a larger home, you may need to combine a whole-house heater with a point-of-use heater to meet your needs. If you have a larger-than-average family size and multiple people bathing while the laundry or dishwashing is going, you may also need to combine hot water heaters.
Tankless hot water heaters do not hold many gallons of water like a traditional tank-style unit. Instead, the unit heats the water as it enters. Each unit heats a specific amount of water, usually rated in gallons per minute GPM. To determine the best size, take stock of all the appliances in your home and their water usage.
Add the total GPM together of the appliances you plan to use at the same time to find out the unit capacity you need. The table below shows the average number of GPM used by water appliances in the home. Only add up the numbers you plan on using at the same time. An appliance does not count toward your final number if it is used independently.
Most tankless heaters are sold with a recommendation for the number of bedrooms the heater can handle. However, your home may have higher or lower water needs, impacting the size. Differently sized units have varying costs. Depending on the type, there can be an overlap in costs.
Energy-efficient or budget brands impact the cost, and having a larger electric heater can be less expensive than a smaller gas one. Where you live can have a big impact on how well a tankless water heater performs. The water goes through pipes from the ground, whether from a well or municipal water.
If you live in a warm climate, the water entering your home requires less heating to reach the optimal temperature for showering or washing clothes or dishes. This means that your heater often produces more GPM in a warm climate than the same heater could produce in a cold climate. For this reason, you may be able to size down in a warmer climate or need to size up in a colder climate.
Otherwise, your energy bills could be too high in a warmer climate, while you may struggle to get the water hot enough or have an insufficient supply in a colder climate.
In a temperate climate, a heater might put out 4. That same heater produces up to 7. The table below explains your expected GPM based on a unit designed for 4. Refer to a map to see what the average groundwater temperature is in your area. Find the best tankless water heater installers near me Find Pros. There are varying methods to fuel the heater. You can use the same fuel you use to heat your home, including electricity, natural gas, propane 1 , and oil. You can also use a combination, such as installing an electric heater with a propane furnace.
A solar heater is another option, which reduces energy bills. The following costs are for the needs of a 3 to 4-bedroom home with average water usage:. Natural Gas. This type is widely available and one of the most popular choices of homeowners. It requires minimal maintenance and is environmentally friendly because it only needs electricity. It is difficult to find this heater type in outputs of more than 7 to 8 GPM. If you have higher water needs and rely on electricity, consider a tank-style unit instead.
Otherwise, consider a different fuel if you want to remain tankless. Natural gas tankless water heaters are widely available and perfect for cold climates. The homeowner does not need to buy oil or pay a higher electricity bill. Gas tankless heaters can produce more GPM than electric heaters can. You can find natural gas tankless heaters that can handle 15 or 20 GPM without issue. This is ideal for cold climates, larger-than-average households, and households with above-average hot water needs.
Most hot water heaters that run on natural gas can also use liquid propane. A few may need a converter if they are currently designed for natural gas. You can also find tankless heaters designed for propane. Propane is a good option for those who do not have access to natural gas or pay the higher electricity costs.
Propane is more costly than natural gas, but it is usually cheaper than oil. Oil tankless water heaters are not available everywhere, and most are available in limited sizes. It is most common to find oil tankless heaters for higher GPM output than lower output.
Oil tankless heaters are not as efficient as other types. They are best for cold climates where the home is already heated by oil. These heaters may need more maintenance than others because they use oil. Solar water heaters are recommended in sunny areas. They are easy to maintain and offer quiet operation, but the initial installation and repairs are costly.
However, they have very low ongoing costs once set up and running. This helps pay for the unit over time. As with most appliances, there are a plethora of brands to choose from. Obviously, some are less expensive, while the cost may be prohibitive on others. As always, buyers have to look at all aspects of the decision, not just cost. Founded in Germany in , Bosch has a history of producing high-quality, technologically advanced products.
Today, their products are sold in over countries. The tankless water heater from Bosch comes in electric and gas. Though dependable, Bosch products are not as highly rated as some of their counterparts, particularly Navien and Rinnai.
The company has been around since and originated in Emeryville, California. It is the largest manufacturer of water heating products. Their tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water and save money on your utility bill.
They are also available with the EcoNet WiFi system for maintenance reminders, automatic water shut-off, and mobile temperature control. Founded in by Mariano Reyes, the company started in Puerto Rico and expanded around the world.
While they have a low price, these tankless water heaters are reliable. The economy-size heaters are not recommended for colder climates. AO Smith features an economy and a pro line. The type of water heater you pick out will also play a factor in whether you have to knock out drywall or create a larger space for your new water heater. The following are popular types:. They perform very well, are easy to maintain, and they have high energy ratings.
They do draw more energy than other models, and you might have to hire an electrician and have them rewire your home for this one. You can choose from:. If you live within a set distance from a natural gas line, law may require you to go with this model. However, propane is more efficient and generally cleaner, but it has a higher BTU capacity.
There is a huge range of sizes and models available for gas tankless systems, and this can make your tankless water heater cost go up. You can get commercial or residential-grades. Also, if you have a natural gas line available in your area, check and see if your appliances can convert before you make the switch.
If they can, consider doing so on your next kitchen remodel. Your power source will have to be at least volts for an electric heater, but this adds some flexibility to help control your tankless water heater cost. However, you will need a tankless water heater for every water source. But, you get some of the highest returns with them to help offset the costs. You can easily pair your tankless water heater with a solar system to get excellent energy savings, and there are solar grants available to help with the conversion cost.
Solar tanks also tend to store more heated water from their collectors, and your tankless unit can then use it.
There is a bigger upfront cost for the solar components of the system to consider. Finally, you have the whole house system. You install them by an exterior wall so they can reach the vent required for gas units. One unit is powerful enough to handle several bathrooms and kitchen appliances, even if you run them simultaneously.
A whole house unit can heat between five and ten gallons per minute while a single point heater can heat between half and two gallons per minute. A single person could get away with a single point heater. For most homes, a whole house system works well. However, you want to consider all of your options before you settle on one. By contrast, most homes especially older homes have water heaters that use tanks.
Most units store between 30 and 50 gallons of water in their tank. The water is heated and then kept in reserve for when it is needed, then distributed to faucets, showers, etc. Like tankless units, traditional water heaters can be fueled by either natural gas or electricity.
Before we discuss the tankless water heater installation cost, it may be worth reviewing some of the pros and cons associated with these units.
These are a few potential issues to keep in mind as you consider whether the tankless water heating route is right for you and your family. A few examples of the factors that can cause your tankless water heater cost to go up or down include:. Now, getting a gas-powered electric water heater may cost quite a bit more on the front end. And, it would be disingenuous to say that the energy efficiency of the tankless unit means it will pay for itself. However, we will note that tankless heaters should offer energy savings every month, and over time those savings will add up.
Also keep in mind that tankless water heaters are going to last you longer and may even be less expensive to repair.
As such, the lifetime value of the tankless water heater may make it a better option. We like Bradford White because of the quality of their products. These tankless heaters lead the field in terms of overall durability, and we believe that homeowners who choose Bradford White will get a lot of good years out of their unit before they ever need to do any repairs.
Bosch and Rinnai are solid alternatives as well, though again, Bradford White is going to be our top recommendation for more homeowners. Keep in mind that the fuel type may have an impact on your tankless water heater installation cost. One of the main differences to be aware of is cost. As a general rule, a high-quality gas water heater is going to be more expensive to buy and to install than an electric one.
You can shop around and get a cheaper gas option, but of course, this often means you are compromising quality. This is definitely a situation where you get what you pay for. There are actually three different types of gas water heaters available, and the option you pick will have a big impact on your tankless water heater costs.
By contrast, electric tankless water heater installation tends to be less expensive, and the units themselves also cost less. However, there is one big exception: If you live in an older home, you may need to upgrade your electrical system in order to accommodate your electric tankless water heater. While tankless water heaters offer numerous benefits over traditional tank water heaters, they may not be for everyone. A plumber is the professional you should call to install your tankless water heater.
Plumbers have the expertise to perform all of the necessary water and gas line work, along with basic electrical wiring. If you are installing an electric heater from scratch, you may need to have an electrician install a new circuit on your electrical panel first. Be sure to check references, and only hire professionals who are licensed and insured. They also use far less space and last twice as long compared to traditional tank water heaters.
In many cases, a whole house tankless water heater is adequate. In larger homes or those with hot water needs spread on opposite ends of the home, a secondary point-of-use water heater may be necessary. A properly sized tankless water heater puts out hot water on demand.
Tankless water heaters have a lifespan of about 20 years, which is up to twice that of a traditional tank heater. The initial cost of purchase and installation of a tankless water heater is significantly more than a tank heater. But the reduced energy costs equate to monthly savings that add up quickly. Plus, the extended lifespan of the tankless water heater makes it much more cost-effective in the long run.
Mark is a seasoned green industry veteran and freelance writer based in Georgia. His work encompasses all things garden, landscape, home improvement, and DIY, with a focus on sustainability. He occasionally blogs about his gardening adventures at theprudentgarden. Lexie is an assistant editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics.
Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Mark Wolfe, Lexie Pelchen. Contributor, Editor.
0コメント