Tankless Water Heater Installation and Upgrades
Sizing a tankless water heater is quite different from sizing a traditional tank water heater. With on-demand systems, you have to choose a flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) that exceeds your household’s peak demand. Peak demand encompasses all the fixtures and water-using appliances you want to operate simultaneously. If the flow rate isn’t high enough, then you’ll experience low water pressure during periods of high usage.
Another reason professional installation is important is that you have to account for temperature rise. Rise is the difference between the groundwater temperature and your target hot water temperature. The greater the rise, the lower the GPM. When shopping for water heaters, you’ll notice they indicate flow rate at a particular temperature rise.
Electric water heaters are more prevalent than fuel-fired systems in Sarasota. That said, if you have a natural gas hookup, it can be an excellent time to convert. Gas tankless water heaters provide even bigger energy savings than their electric counterparts. There are also high-efficiency systems that can reduce fuel use by another 10% or more.
Once we know those details, we can help you explore options in that space. Flow rates range from about 2 GPM for small homes to over 10 GPM for large houses. Many of the models available have earned ENERGY STAR certification. That label can provide confidence in your purchase. It may also allow you to claim rebates, tax credits, and other incentives. Those incentives can significantly reduce your initial costs.
