WHY GO with a TANKLESS water heateR?
Tankless water heaters have become very popular for many good reasons. Call our experts now for a quote.
- Endless Hot Water – Water is Heated on Demand! Endless hot water.
- Energy Efficiency – Save Up to 60% on water heater costs.
- lasts 25-30 years (regular tanks last about 10 years.)
- overall lifetime savings of $3,000.
- Increase home resale value.
Tankless hot water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional units because they heat water as it is used, rather than heating and reheating water in a storage tank. They also take up significantly less physical space, as they do not have a bulky storage tank.
Customers who have installed tankless water heaters have been very pleased. We install most brands of tankless water heaters including both indoor and outdoor units. Need help deciding which tankless unit is right for you? Call (425) 636-7038 or fill out the contact form below.
TYPES OF TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
There are three types of tankless hot water heaters available. These units can also be vented in PVC which is less expensive. In some cases, the units also addressed “cold water sandwich” issues and pressure fluctuations that sometimes occurred with first and second generation models. There may also be slightly less lag in the time it takes to deliver hot water to the tap or appliance. One of the drawbacks (as of writing) of this technology is that because it’s newer, most models are manufactured by smaller companies. In some cases, there have been manufacturing-quality and warranty issues with these units. Product reliability is improving but it’s important to be careful about the brand you purchase.
Non-condensing
This is the first generation of tankless unit. These units use a heat exchanger to heat your water on-demand, and reach an Efficiency Factor (EF) of .82-.85. This technology has been in use in Europe and Japan for decades and is well-proven. The advantage of this type of unit is in reliability in that they are established products with few manufacturing issues.
Condensing
Condensing units are the second generation of tankless water heaters. After a primary heat exchanger, these units use a second heat exchanger, which reuses the heat from your exhaust to further heat the water. This results in an increased efficiency of 92-94%. The benefit of cooler exhaust is that these units can be vented using (inexpensive) PVC, while the drawbacks included a higher unit cost and, similar to non-condensing units, a lower efficiency for short water draws.
Condensing hybrid
Condensing hybrid units are the third generation of tankless water heaters and were pioneered in the United States. These heaters incorporate a small – between 1 liter and 2-gallon – holding tank. This small holding tank keeps a reservoir of hot water, eliminating lower efficiency for short draws, meaning these water heaters achieve a true EF of .92-.96. A recent study by the Gas Technology Institute measured real life efficiency of condensing hybrid tankless water heaters and found the units consistently operated at 94% efficiency with little to no degradation due to short draws.
Endless hot water
Since tankless heaters warm water on-demand, hot water will not run out. This is especially useful for large families or for homes with large hot water demands – for example, homes with a hot tub or spa system are often good candidates for a tankless system. If you have considered upgrading your tank size from 40- or 50-gallons to 66- or 80-gallons, we strongly recommend a tankless hot water heater.
While traditional hot water tanks are compared based on gallon capacity, recovery rate and first hour rating, tankless hot water heaters are compared based on flow rate. As long as the home uses hot water at a flow rate below the tankless heater’s maximum flow rate, there is no “recovery”. For practical purposes, first hour usage is unlimited.
Flow rate for a tankless water heater is measured in gallons per minute, based on a given heat rise (typically 25 or 50 degrees) and range from 4 gallons per minute to 8 gallons per minute. A unit that heats 4 gallons per minute can handle a shower plus one appliance operating at the same time. A unit heating more than 7 gallons per minute can typically handle two showers and a large appliance.
*Important to note: Tankless units do not literally provide “instant hot water” – the hot water still takes time to flow from the unit to the faucet.
high quality/longer lasting product
A standard water heater will usually last 8-12 years. Tankless heaters can perform well for 20-30 years. These water heaters are constructed with top-of-the-line components and materials, and accordingly, are less susceptible to rust and leaks.
With the long lifespan of a tankless water heater, you can expect to recoup higher installation expenses with your annual energy savings, over time.
Save Space
The footprint of tankless units is much smaller, freeing up additional space in your home or garage. Tankless units save space because they are wall-mounted and do not utilize a large water storage tank. Some units can be installed on the exterior of your home, so they take up no indoor square footage.
more energy efficient
Currently, the most efficient traditional gas water heaters operate at 67% efficiency. Efficiency is a measure of heat transfer from the energy source to your hot water. Tankless heaters operate at greater than 80% efficiency. Tankless units save additional energy because water is not being constantly heated, cooled and reheated within a storage tank. And while efficiency for traditional water heaters will decline as sediment builds up in the tank, a tankless hot water heater maintains its efficiency over time.
Overall, a consumer can save 30-60% in water heating energy costs, assuming their water usage habits do not change. Annual energy costs for heating water in the average home range from $150-400 per year, so there is a significant savings potential.
increase home resale value
In some cases, homeowners may be able to recover the cost of a tankless installation as a tankless water heater may increase the overall sale value of your home.
Does fast water heater Install Tankless Water Heaters?
Fast Water Heater Company does install tankless water heaters. We offer most major brands, including indoor and outdoor units. There are three types of tankless water heaters that we can install in your home:
Non-condensing – These are first-generation units that offer proven tankless water-heating technology using a single heat exchanger. They do require the installation of stainless steel venting for exhaust and are slightly less efficient than other on-demand units.
Condensing – These units use two heat exchangers, which increases their efficiency by up to 94%. Venting can be accomplished using PVC, which is more affordable.
Condensing hybrid -These third-generation units incorporate small holding tanks to hold a reserve of hot water. They can also be vented using PVC and operate at up to 94% efficiency.
Cost Savings from Tankless Water Heaters
While a tankless unit costs more upfront, your cost savings are going to come over time.
According to the Department of Energy, a gas-powered tankless heater can save$108 in energy costs annually on average and electric tankless units save about $44 annually. These units also have longer warranties and a longer useful life.
A few other advantages of tankless units are that they take up less space in your home and are better for the environment (no rusty tanks heading to the landfill). You also won’t have to worry about the potential for a failing tank leaving a mess in your home and causing serious damage.
If you’d like to learn more about the tankless water systems we offer, give us a call. We can provide you with a free estimate and outline your options for a variety of different types of units.
How much will it cost to install a tankless water heater?
Cost to install a tankless unit varies greatly. We usually must perform an estimate in order to determine total cost. However, total cost generally ranges from $6,500-$8,000 installed.
In order to install the unit properly, your home must have gas or propane and we must typically:
- Run a dedicated gas line to the unit because tankless heaters require up to 200,000 BTUs at full fire.
- Install category-3 stainless steel or PVC venting. This may require us to relocate the heater to an exterior wall or outdoors.
- Install additional piping if we need to relocate the heater.
- Run dedicated power to the tankless heater. Please note in the event of a power outage, the unit will not provide hot water. However, we can install a backup battery system.