A water heater is a must-have, especially if you live in a cold region where winter lasts longer than summers. Over the years, the traditional tank water heater trend has died down, and people prefer tankless ones for various reasons. The best tankless water heater is super convenient as it takes little space and works wonderfully to heat water faster. People are increasingly opting for it as it has fantastic energy-saving properties. We love how it comes with up to 20 years of warranty which indicates its incredible lasting ability. However, the issue with them is that you need to select the right one for your house and your needs. It will be useless if you buy a too small or too large one for yourself. Let’s have a look at some factors that will help you find the right one for yourself.
Benefits of tankless water heaters
In countries like Canada, you need a water heater that supplies hot water 24/7. We think getting your hands on the best tankless water heater for Canadian weather is a lifesaver as it is 34% more energy-efficient than standard water heaters. You can easily mount it on the wall to save space; it can heat 5 to 7 gallons of water per minute. We think it is excellent value for money because it has a life expectancy of up to 20-years; get more information here.
Steps to find the right tankless water heater
There are a few crucial factors one needs to consider before investing in a tankless water heater. Finding the best tankless water heater for yourself will help you save money and get enough hot water supply. Let’s have a look at these factors:
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Determining the right size
To find the right size for the tankless water heater, you need to see at what speed water heats up. BTU (British Thermal Unit) and GPM (Gallon Per Minutes) are two units that determine the heating ability of a water heater. Determine the flow rate you require; typically shower has a flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute and a tap has a flow rate of 075 gallons per minute. You need to add both amounts to determine the flow rate you require. 31K BTU heats 1.2 GPM water per minute. You need to be precise about how much water you need. The water heater’s flow rate varies from 2 to 6 gallons; you need to choose according to your family size and use.
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Find quality warranties
One of the things that every individual should keep in mind is the warranties. Although some tankless water heaters come with a warranty, they may not cover some technical difficulties. If you have a hard water supply in your house, it is essential to find a tankless water heater with more extended warranties. However, it is best to use water softeners to avoid unnecessary damage. Do you want to know whether you need a water softener or not? Click here! Read warranty letters and see what the company offers in their repair policies. It is always a smart move to read the warranty card and ask questions to your retailer.
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Energy-saving efficiency
If you are buying a tankless water heater for the sake of its perks and energy-saving efficiency, then you have to look at its mechanisms in detail. It takes 24% to 34% less energy for a tankless water heater to generate a hot water supply. A tankless heater does not have a hot water reservoir; hence, it only works when you open the hot water tap. The water travels to the heater and heats up through a gas burner or an electric element. Hence, you must look at how energy-efficient a water heater is and how much percentage you can save before making the purchase.
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Climate
Climate also plays a pivotal role in determining which tankless water heater will work for you and which one will not. GPM is the most common factor on which users base their purchases. If you live in a colder region like Canada, winters last longer than summers. In winter, water is colder, and it takes longer for the water to heat. Hence, you must go for a 7 GPM per minute tankless water heater. However, if you live in a hotter region, GPM may not be a determining factor for your purchase.
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Maintenance
The maintenance of a tankless water heater depends upon if you have an electric one or a gas one. Most people favor electric ones because they require little to no maintenance; you have to clean their water inlets which are not that difficult regularly. On the other hand, a gas-burner tankless water heater does need regular maintenance. You cannot do it at home because it requires professional assistance. The professionals know how to implement preventative measures and repair any hazardous issues. If you think regular maintenance is a hassle, you must stick to an electric one.
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Tankless water heater vents
Most tankless water heaters do not need ventilation as they do not use burners to heat water. However, you need an open space to ensure that the hot water fogs are vented out. It is essential to take a professional’s advice when installing them. Some tankless water heaters can endure outdoor factors. However, if you live in areas with harsh cold, it is better to purchase indoor units as they are super easy to install and cost less.
Conclusion
Water heaters are one of the things you need in your house as a regular hot water supply is necessary for winters. Traditional water heaters are too much work and require maintenance that most of us do not have time for. It is better to find yourself the best tankless water heater that fulfils your needs properly. We think electric tankless water heaters are the best for people who live in a colder climate. You can clean them at home, and they have a longer life expectancy. If you are thinking of ditching your traditional water heater, we suggest going for it.