QA

Quick Answer: What Size Electric Tankless Water Heater

How big should my electric tankless water heater be?

The 5-10 GPM ones are most appropriate for the majority of households. Of course, the cost of a tankless water heater increases with capacity as we have written here. Note: For low water needs up to 8 GPM, the electric tankless hot water heaters are appropriate.

How do I know what size tankless water heater I need?

The best sizing factor for a tankless water heater is its flow per minute rate. A 3.2 gpm, tankless heater can heat 3.2 gallons of water per minute, which is roughly enough to provide hot water to a shower and a sink. To find the correct capacity, add up all of the fixtures that you expect to use at the same time.

What is the downside of an electric tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. they take longer to deliver hot water. the water temperature is inconsistent when multiple outlets are on simultaneously. they cannot provide hot water during a power outage.

How big should my on demand water heater be?

Sizing Guide for Residential Tankless Water heater Household Occupants Usage Capacity Required (Measured in Gallon) 2-3 people High 40-50 3-4 people Regular/Low 40 High 50-75.

What size Rinnai do I need?

Multiply the square footage by the BTU per square foot to arrive at the total BTU rating you’ll need from your Rinnai heater. All Rinnai heaters are rated for a particular number of BTU, ranging from 8,000 up to 40,000 or more, giving you a lot of flexibility in the model you can buy.

What size hot water heater do I need for a family of 4?

For a four-person family, a 50-gallon water heater is sufficient. 50-gallons is good if you’re using electricity, and 40 gallons will work for natural gas or propane. Families with more than five persons may benefit from an 80-gallon electric water heater or 50-gallon gas water heater.

Are electric tankless water heaters worth it?

The big advantage of tankless water heaters is that they use less energy since they only heat up water when you need it. You can save hundreds on your energy bill each year. According to Consumer Reports, you should expect to pay about $800 to $1,500 or more to have your tankless water heater installed.

Is a tankless water heater good for a large family?

From a comfort standpoint, a tankless model can ensure hot showers for the whole family, enough warm water for dishes and laundry and a restful soak in a warm bath after a long day at work. Tankless heaters alone can lag if you need hot water for showers and dishes at the same time.

How many BTU do I need in a water heater?

A common input is 34,000 BTUs on a 40-gallon tank and 36,000 BTUs on a 50-gallon tank. The higher the BTU input and efficiency, the faster the recovery. Electric water heaters typically have one 5,500-watt or two 4,500-watt elements.

Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?

With a tankless system, there isn’t a supply of hot water that can be depleted. Instead, the water heater heats up water as there is a demand for it. It will keep doing this as long as there is demand – and that means you won’t run out of hot water!Sep 11, 2017.

What is the life expectancy of a tankless hot water heater?

One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Installation is expensive because the unit needs a bigger gas supply than a conventional water heater does, and it needs to run its own exhaust flue to the exterior. Installation costs can vary widely, depending on the location of the flue and the gas supply. The unit itself costs between $800 and $1,000.

How many tankless hot water heaters do I need?

For larger households that typically use more than 85 gallons per day, two tankless systems, or the largest available model, are likely needed. For smaller households that use under 40 gallons per day, one unit should suffice.

Does a tankless water heater save money?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

How big of a tankless water heater do I need Rinnai?

Rinnai tankless gas water heaters need a demand of at least 0.4 to 0.6 gallons per minute of water flow through the hot side to ignite and 0.26 gallons per minute to stay in operation.

How do you size a Rinnai water heater?

To find the ideal tankless water heater size for your home, you will need an idea of how many gallons per minute (GPM) you will need. Here are some examples of items used in the home and how many GPMs are used.

How many BTU is 1700 square feet?

How many btu do I need to heat 3,000 square feet? Room/Area Size Heating Capacity(BTU) 1,500 sq ft 68,000-82,000 BTU 1,600 sq ft 72,000-88,000 BTU 1,700 sq ft 77,000-93,000 BTU 1,800 sq ft 81,000-99,000 BTU.