Do electric tankless water heaters need GFCI breakers?

In a garage, every 120, 15 and 20 Amp receptacle outlet needs to be GFCI protected, so if you have a tankless water heater in the garage, it should be protected as well.

What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?





Most Common Problems With Tankless Water Heaters

  • Overload. Every tankless water heater has a flow rate capacity that should give you a good idea of how much hot water can be used simultaneously. …
  • Cold Water Sandwich Effect. …
  • Mineral or Sediment Buildup. …
  • Flame or Ignition Failure.

What is the most common problem in an electric water heater when your customers calls and tells you they have no hot water?

No Hot Water

Water in an electric water heater is heated by two heating elements (in most cases). The most common reason for absolutely no hot water is that the circuit breaker has tripped and you should first check the breaker box. If that’s not the cause then the heating elements may have failed and need replacement.

Can electric tankless water heaters keep up with the demand?





Although tankless water heaters technically cannot run out of hot water since they are designed to always heat up more water on demand, they can be overwhelmed with demand when there are multiple taps or appliances on at once.

Why does my water heater keep tripping the circuit breaker?

Altogether, the answer to your question “why does your water heater keep tripping the breaker” is simple: you either have a faulty breaker, a bad heating element, or damaged wiring. With these anomalies, it is necessary for you to find out where the problem takes place.

What is needed to install an electric tankless water heater?

To get you started, we’ve laid out this step-by-step tankless electric water heater installation guide.

  1. Switch Off Circuit Breaker and Water Supply. …
  2. Drain Your Old Heater Before Disconnecting It. …
  3. Remove the Front Cover. …
  4. Mount the Water Heater. …
  5. Connect Any Pipes. …
  6. Install Flow and Pressure Valves. …
  7. Bleed the Hot Water System.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

What are the pros and cons of electric tankless water heaters?



Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It? 10 Pros and Cons

  • Pro #1: Instant Hot Water. …
  • Con #1: Inconsistent Temperatures. …
  • Pro #2: Longer Lifespan. …
  • Con #2: Higher Initial Cost. …
  • Pro #3: Lower Month-to-Month Costs. …
  • Con #3: Limited Hot Water Supply. …
  • Pro #4: Space Savings. …
  • Con #4: Additional Equipment is Often Necessary.

Are electric tankless water heaters any good?

Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency.

How long do electric tankless water heaters last?

15 to 20 years



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.

How much electricity does an electric tankless water heater use?

Most American families use around 50 gallons of hot water per day. To meet this demand, an electric tankless water heater will use 9–12 kWh of electricity. An electric tankless water heater needs about 3 kWh of electricity to heat a 10-minute shower.

Do electric tankless water heaters work in cold climates?

Tankless water heaters are a good option for homes located in both warm weather and cold weather climates. However, there are several factors that can play into how well the heaters work in chillier climates.

Can cold weather affect tankless hot water heater?

Most indoor and outdoor tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection against temporary winter temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Fahrenheit to -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This protection cannot withstand long term below freezing temperatures.

Can I use a tankless water heater in a cold climate?



Choose a size that can handle the cold weather. In the winter months, when the incoming water temperature is a lot colder, a tankless unit can’t heat as much hot water. To make sure there’s sufficient hot water for your residence, the water heater should be sized based on winter temperatures in your area.

How do you winterize a tankless water heater?

How to Winterize Tankless Water Heaters. First, the heater should be turned off and the power cord unplugged. The gas and water supply lines should then be shut and the tank drained. When the water pressure reduces, the inlet and outlet water pipes should be disconnected.

Do tankless water heaters require annual maintenance?

Annual or semi-annual maintenance is important for a tankless water heater, but it won’t make the system last forever. Eventually you will need to replace the appliance with a new one, though a tankless system may last more than 20 years.

Do tankless water heaters need to be flushed?

Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank’s heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it’s important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.