Can I replace an electric water heater with a tankless water heater?

Generally, you can replace an existing conventional water heater with a similarly powered tankless unit, although there are a few considerations depending on the power source: For electric systems, you will need to address the additional voltage and amperage requirements of a tankless heater; for gas systems, there …

Is it worth it to upgrade to tankless water heater?





A tankless water heater could help keep your energy bill low in a vacation home. You could also save money if you travel often, or just don’t consume a lot of hot water. If you use less than 40 gallons of water per day, installing a tankless heater can be 24%- 34% more energy efficient.

What is the downside of an electric tankless water heater?

The Cons of Tankless Water heaters:

Con: High Upfront Cost of the Unit and Installation. Con: Take Longer to Deliver Hot Water. Con: Cold Water Sandwich. Con: Inconsistent Water Temperature When Multiple Outlets Are in Use.

Is it easy to replace water heater with tankless?

Tankless water heaters cost more than traditional tank water heaters; typically about twice the price for the unit alone, depending on what flow rate is needed. They’re also more difficult to install, as they have special venting requirements and often need larger gas lines because of the higher BTU rating.

What size breaker do I need for a tankless water heater?





Typical tankless requires 40-50 amp breaker for each wire. Each wire supplies 1 element. This example requires 3 breakers rated 40-50 amp = 120+ total amps. 150 amps main breaker: 150 amps x 80% = 120 amps safe maximum so there is no electricity left for other appliances.

How much does it cost to switch to tankless water heater?

Tankless water heater installation costs $800 to $3,500 on average. Tankless hot water heater prices are $300 to $2,100 for a gas or electric on-demand system, plus $300 to $2,500 for installation labor. Tankless water heaters save $40 to $200 yearly by reducing energy costs by 8% to 34%.

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed.

What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6?

Number Of Family Members: Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM) Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW)
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3? 7-9 GPM 15-23 kW
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4? 8-10 GPM 20-28 kW

Can tankless water heaters leak?



It may seem impossible, but tankless water heaters can leak after some years of use.

Do you need special pipes for tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters don’t always need two ventilation pipes, even for direct-vent units. Direct-vent water heaters can use two separate pipes for intake and exhaust, but some manufacturers offer concentric venting, a single pipe that contains an inner exhaust vent and an outer intake vent.

Do electric tankless water heaters need a vent?

No. Unlike gas tankless water heaters and gas traditional tank style water heaters, electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting. This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing whether you should purchase a gas or electric tankless water heater.

What size gas line does a tankless water heater require?



¾-inch

A typical tankless water heater will need a ¾-inch gas line. However, if there is sufficient pressure and the run length is short enough, a ½-inch line may be sufficient with certain tankless water heaters, such as the Noritz EZ Series.

Do I need to upgrade my gas line for a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand. Gas units require a gas line, adequate combustion air, a vent to remove combustion gas and an electrical outlet to power the unit. While they last longer than tank-style water heaters, they are more costly to install and often require upgrading your gas line.

Can you use flex gas line on water heater?

These straps prevent a water heater from tipping over and are required in earthquake-prone areas. $12 per pair. A flexible gas line can withstand movement and is usually required in earthquake-prone areas. They’re easier to connect than steel pipe, but they’re not allowed everywhere, so check with your inspector.

How many BTU does a tankless water heater use?



In order to get the water to a sufficient temperature, the units use a high volume of gas, typically between 150,,000 BTUs, which in most homes requires the upsizing of a gas line.

Can you have both tank and tankless water heater combination?

Takagi Tankless Water Heaters can be used as an indirect water heater in conjunction with a storage tank for high volume situations. The Storage tank should be 30 gallons or larger and must always be set at least 5 degrees below the Takagi Tankless Water Heater.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

Is tankless water heater better than traditional?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

Do tankless water heaters have unlimited hot water?



One of the types of water heaters that we install for homes is the tankless water heater. In fact, it’s one we often recommend customers consider for a replacement water heater because of the many advantages of this type of system: lower energy costs, longer service life, smaller size, and unlimited hot water.