Water heater dilemma solved! find the right tankless size for your needs
What To Know
- Are you tired of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower or dealing with lukewarm water during the winter months.
- There are a few factors to consider, including the number of people in your household, the size of your home, and the climate you live in.
- If you live in a cold climate, you will need a larger tankless water heater than if you live in a warm climate.
Are you tired of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower or dealing with lukewarm water during the winter months? If so, a tankless water heater may be the perfect solution for you. Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water on demand, so you never have to worry about running out again.
But how do you know what size tankless water heater you need? There are a few factors to consider, including the number of people in your household, the size of your home, and the climate you live in.
Factors to Consider When Sizing a Tankless Water Heater
- Number of people in your household: Each person in your household will use hot water for showers, baths, washing dishes, and laundry. The more people in your household, the larger the tankless water heater you will need.
- Size of your home: A larger home will require more hot water than a smaller home. This is because there are more bathrooms, sinks, and appliances that use hot water.
- Climate you live in: If you live in a cold climate, you will need a larger tankless water heater than if you live in a warm climate. This is because the cold water entering the tankless water heater will need to be heated to a higher temperature.
How to Calculate the Size of Tankless Water Heater You Need
Once you have considered the factors above, you can use the following formula to calculate the size of tankless water heater you need:
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GPM (gallons per minute) = (Number of people in household) x (Flow rate per person)
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The flow rate per person is based on the number of fixtures in your home that use hot water. The following table provides average flow rates for different fixtures:
| Fixture | Flow Rate (GPM) |
| — | — |
| Shower | 2.5 |
| Bath | 4.0 |
| Sink | 2.0 |
| Dishwasher | 1.5 |
| Washing machine | 3.0 |
Once you have calculated the GPM, you can use the following chart to determine the size of tankless water heater you need:
| GPM | Tankless Water Heater Size (kW) |
| — | — |
| 2.5 | 12 |
| 3.0 | 15 |
| 3.5 | 18 |
| 4.0 | 21 |
| 4.5 | 24 |
Example
Let’s say you have a family of four and live in a 2,000 square foot home in a cold climate. You have two bathrooms, a kitchen sink, a dishwasher, and a washing machine.
Using the formula above, we can calculate the GPM you need:
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GPM = (4 people) x (2.5 GPM per person) = 10 GPM
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According to the chart above, you would need a 24 kW tankless water heater.
Types of Tankless Water Heaters
There are two main types of tankless water heaters: electric and gas.
- Electric tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than gas tankless water heaters, but they require a higher amperage circuit.
- Gas tankless water heaters are less expensive to operate than electric tankless water heaters, but they require a gas line.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters offer a number of benefits over traditional tank water heaters, including:
- Endless supply of hot water: Tankless water heaters provide an endless supply of hot water on demand, so you never have to worry about running out.
- Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters because they only heat water when you need it.
- Space saving: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional tank water heaters, so they can be installed in tight spaces.
- Long lifespan: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters, lasting up to 20 years.
Recommendations: How to Choose the Right Size Tankless Water Heater
Choosing the right size tankless water heater is essential to ensuring that you have an adequate supply of hot water for your needs. By considering the factors discussed above, you can calculate the GPM you need and choose the right size tankless water heater for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do tankless water heaters last?
A: Tankless water heaters have a lifespan of up to 20 years, which is longer than traditional tank water heaters.
Q: Are tankless water heaters energy efficient?
A: Yes, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank water heaters because they only heat water when you need it.
Q: What is the best type of tankless water heater?
A: The best type of tankless water heater for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Electric tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient, while gas tankless water heaters are less expensive to operate.
