Electric Tankless Water Heater Installation

One way to increase the energy efficiency of your home is to install an electric tankless water heater. These water heaters have been popular in Europe and are gaining popularity in the United States. Instead of heating and reheating a large tank of water like traditional water heaters, a tankless water heater will only heat the water that is being used.

Pick the Appropriate Type of System

You can choose between a central system to replace your old hot water heater or a smaller, supplementary system that is installed near an appliance needing hot water. These can be used near a washing machine or dishwasher or to supply water to single bathroom. Tankless water heaters are sized based how much water they can provide heated to a certain temperature. You will need to know how much hot water your family uses and the temperature of the water coming into the house. Also, consider if you will be showering while running the dishwasher or having multiple people showering at the same time. This will affect the flow rate of hot water needed.

Installation of a Tankless Water Heater

Installing a tankless water heater is not a do-it-yourself project. These units require a lot of energy and most homes will require upgrades to their electrical systems to support them. Manufacturers recommend that you have a contractor install your tankless water heater. A dedicated circuit breaker will need to be installed and a certified electrician must do this. It also may be necessary to upgrade to heavier gauge wiring to prevent overheating and the possibility of electrical fires depending on the age of your home. However, the future energy savings will make the cost of installation worth the effort in the long run so it is worth researching for your home.