Ultimate Guide: Installing Your Electric Tankless Water Heater

Installing an electric tankless water heater is a great way to save energy and money on your water heating costs. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so you don’t have to pay to keep a large tank of water hot all the time. This can save you up to 50% on your water heating costs.Electric tankless water heaters are also more efficient than traditional tank water heaters. They have a higher energy factor (EF) rating, which means they use less energy to heat the same amount of water.

Installing an electric tankless water heater is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You will need to have some basic plumbing and electrical skills, and you will need to make sure that your home’s electrical system can handle the load of the water heater.

Once you have installed your electric tankless water heater, you will need to maintain it regularly. This includes flushing the unit once a year to remove sediment and scale buildup. You should also check the anode rod every few years and replace it if it is corroded.

1. Energy efficiency

Tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters because they only heat water when you need it. This means that you don’t have to pay to keep a large tank of water hot all the time, which can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills.

Reduced standby heat loss: Tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank, so there is no standby heat loss. This means that you are only using energy to heat water when you need it, which can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills.
Higher energy factor (EF) rating: Tankless water heaters have a higher EF rating than traditional tank water heaters. The EF rating measures the energy efficiency of a water heater, and a higher EF rating means that the water heater is more efficient. This means that you will use less energy to heat the same amount of water with a tankless water heater.
Demand-based heating: Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, which means that you are not wasting energy heating water that you are not going to use. This can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills.

Overall, tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters. This can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills, and it is also better for the environment.

2. Installation

Installing a tankless water heater is a more complex process than installing a traditional tank water heater. This is because tankless water heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit and they need to be properly vented. If you are not comfortable working with electricity or plumbing, it is best to hire a qualified professional to install your tankless water heater.

Electrical requirements: Tankless water heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit. The circuit must be sized to handle the load of the water heater. If the circuit is not properly sized, it can overheat and cause a fire.
Venting requirements: Tankless water heaters need to be properly vented to the outside. The vent pipe must be sized to handle the volume of exhaust gases produced by the water heater. If the vent pipe is not properly sized, it can cause the water heater to overheat and shut down.
Plumbing requirements: Tankless water heaters need to be connected to the water supply and the drain. The water supply line must be sized to provide enough water to the water heater. The drain line must be sized to handle the volume of water that the water heater will produce.

If you are not comfortable working with electricity or plumbing, it is best to hire a qualified professional to install your tankless water heater. A qualified professional will be able to ensure that the water heater is installed safely and correctly.

3. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your tankless water heater operates efficiently and lasts for many years. The following are some of the most important maintenance tasks that you should perform on a regular basis:

Flush the unit once a year: Flushing the unit once a year will help to remove sediment and scale buildup. Sediment and scale can build up over time and reduce the efficiency of the water heater. To flush the unit, simply turn off the water supply to the water heater and open a hot water faucet. Allow the water to run for several minutes until the water runs clear.
Check the anode rod every few years: The anode rod is a metal rod that is inserted into the water heater tank. The anode rod attracts corrosion and helps to protect the tank from rusting. The anode rod should be checked every few years and replaced if it is corroded.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help to ensure that your tankless water heater operates efficiently and lasts for many years.

FAQs on How to Install an Electric Tankless Water Heater

Question 1: What are the benefits of installing an electric tankless water heater?

Electric tankless water heaters offer a number of benefits, including:

Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, so you don’t have to pay to keep a large tank of water hot all the time.
Endless hot water: Tankless water heaters can provide an endless supply of hot water, so you never have to worry about running out.
Space saving: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional tank water heaters, so they can save you a lot of space in your home.
Longevity: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank water heaters, so you can save money on replacement costs in the long run.

Question 2: What are the drawbacks of installing an electric tankless water heater?

There are a few potential drawbacks to installing an electric tankless water heater, including:

Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than traditional tank water heaters.
Lower flow rate: Tankless water heaters have a lower flow rate than traditional tank water heaters, so you may not be able to get as much hot water at once.
Need for a dedicated electrical circuit: Tankless water heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit, which can be expensive to install.

Question 3: Is a tankless water heater right for my home?

Whether or not a tankless water heater is right for your home depends on a number of factors, including:

Your hot water usage: If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water, a tankless water heater may not be able to keep up with demand.
Your climate: Tankless water heaters are not as efficient in cold climates, so they may not be the best choice if you live in a cold area.
Your budget: Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install than traditional tank water heaters, so you need to make sure you have the budget for it.

Question 4: How do I install an electric tankless water heater?

Installing an electric tankless water heater is a complex process that should be performed by a qualified electrician. However, here are the basic steps involved:

Turn off the water supply to your home.
Disconnect the old water heater.
Install the new tankless water heater.
Connect the water supply to the new water heater.
Turn on the water supply to your home.
Test the new water heater to make sure it is working properly.

Question 5: How do I maintain an electric tankless water heater?

Electric tankless water heaters require minimal maintenance. However, you should flush the unit once a year to remove sediment and scale buildup. You should also check the anode rod every few years and replace it if it is corroded.

Question 6: How long do electric tankless water heaters last?

Electric tankless water heaters have a lifespan of 10-15 years. However, with proper maintenance, they can last even longer.

These are just a few of the most commonly asked questions about electric tankless water heaters. If you have any other questions, please consult with a qualified electrician.

Conclusion: Electric tankless water heaters can be a great way to save energy and money. However, it is important to do your research and make sure that a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home. If you have any questions about electric tankless water heaters, please consult with a qualified electrician.

Next steps: If you are considering installing an electric tankless water heater, the next step is to consult with a qualified electrician. They can help you determine if a tankless water heater is right for your home and can help you with the installation process.

Tips for Installing an Electric Tankless Water Heater

Tip 1: Hire a qualified electrician. Installing an electric tankless water heater is a complex process that should be performed by a qualified electrician. An electrician can help you determine if a tankless water heater is right for your home and can help you with the installation process.Tip 2: Choose the right size water heater. The size of the water heater you need will depend on the number of people in your household and your hot water usage. A qualified electrician can help you determine the right size water heater for your needs.Tip 3: Install the water heater in a well-ventilated area. Tankless water heaters produce exhaust gases, so it is important to install the water heater in a well-ventilated area.Tip 4: Flush the water heater once a year. Flushing the water heater once a year will help to remove sediment and scale buildup. This will help to keep the water heater running efficiently and will extend its lifespan.Tip 5: Check the anode rod every few years. The anode rod is a metal rod that helps to protect the water heater tank from corrosion. The anode rod should be checked every few years and replaced if it is corroded.

Conclusion

Installing an electric tankless water heater can be a great way to save energy and money. However, it is important to do your research and make sure that a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home. If you are considering installing an electric tankless water heater, be sure to follow the tips outlined in this article. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your water heater is installed safely and correctly.

Electric tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to save energy and money. If you are interested in learning more about electric tankless water heaters, there are a number of resources available online. You can also consult with a qualified electrician to get more information about electric tankless water heaters and to determine if they are the right choice for your home.