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If you’re currently in the market for a new water heater, it’s definitely worth considering a tankless system. As more and more people become aware of the advantages they provide, tankless water heaters are becoming more popular all the time. Not only are these systems exceptionally energy-efficient, but they also provide endless hot water and are relatively easy to maintain. When you’re shopping for a tankless water heater, though, you’ll have quite a few options in front of you. Here, we’ll cover a handful of factors you’ll want to consider when deciding which new system is the right fit for your home.
One of the first things you’ll want to consider when selecting a tankless water heater is what size unit you need for your home. To figure this out, you’ll need to look at factors like the GPM (gallons per minute) that your home uses as well as the BTUs (British thermal units) that you’ll require. These figures will be determined based on how much hot water your household uses and how powerful of a system you’re looking to purchase. If you’re having trouble working these things out, your local plumbing professionals will be happy to assist you.
Although tankless water heaters tend to be more efficient than standard systems, it’s still worth considering the efficiency levels of the different units you’re looking at. Tankless systems use a rating called EF (energy factor) to measure their energy efficiency. Systems with higher EF ratings will typically be more expensive, but they’ll also save you money in the long run when it comes to your monthly bills. You should decide how much you want to prioritize efficiency and be sure to check the EF of a water heater before you purchase it.
Whenever you’re purchasing a new appliance, it’s wise to consider the type of warranty you’re getting, and tankless water heaters are no exception. Ideally, you’ll want to purchase a system that comes with an extended warranty that will protect you if the unit breaks down in the future. If you know that your home has hard water running through the plumbing, then having a quality warranty is even more important.
In colder climates, water heaters generally have to work harder to effectively do their jobs. And in the Metro Detroit area, the wintertime temperatures can regularly drop well below freezing. This is definitely something worth considering when you’re shopping for a tankless water heater for your home. Because the winters can be so chilly, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a unit with a high enough GPM rating to effectively provide your household with warm water.
While you’re considering different tankless water heaters, you’ll notice that there are both indoor and outdoor models available. You’ll need to decide which option is a better fit for your home. The benefits of outdoor units are that they typically don’t need systems set up for venting or draining. However, because the Michigan winters can get so cold, it may be a safer option to go with an indoor model.
You’ll also need to decide whether to go with a condensing or non-condensing tankless water heater. Water heaters that use condensation during operation tend to be about 10% more efficient, but they also require slightly more maintenance. Non-condensing units will cost you more on energy bills, but they will require very little upkeep. Additionally, they need to have venting hood systems installed. Both types of water heaters have associated pros and cons, and you’ll want to decide where your priorities lie before making your choice.
There are three main energy types available for tankless water heaters: natural gas, propane, and electricity. When you decide which kind you prefer, it will really narrow down your choices. For most households, natural gas water heaters are the best choice, as they’re relatively powerful and tend to be affordable. If your home doesn’t have a natural gas line, then a propane unit may be a better choice. You could also consider an electric unit, but when the Michigan winters are at their coldest, it may not be as effective as you’d like.
For obvious reasons, you’ll want to make sure the tankless water heater you’re investing in is a high-quality model. One surefire way to verify that is by looking up the specific unit online and browsing customer reviews. That way, you’ll find out if the model you’re considering has any common problems or deficiencies that you’d want to be aware of. After all, it’s much better to find out about those issues before you purchase the water heater than it is to be unpleasantly surprised by them later!
Although many homeowners don’t realize it, it can sometimes be worthwhile to buy multiple tankless water heater units. If you have a relatively small home and/or don’t use too much hot water, one quality unit is probably enough. However, if you have a large home or a large family, you should consider investing in multiple tankless water heaters for your household. You can then connect the units to achieve consistent whole-home water heating and ensure that you always have plenty of hot water.
When you’re shopping for a tankless water heater, it’s important to remember that there’s no harm in getting some assistance. If you’ve never purchased one of these systems before, it can be overwhelming trying to make the right decision for your home. But if you contact Flo-Aire, we can help evaluate your situation and your water heating needs. With your information, we’ll be able to help you make the best buying decision when choosing a tankless unit for your house, making it worth the time in the end.
When you’re looking to purchase a tankless water heater, there is so much to remember and keep in mind. Make sure to take your time and do thorough research on a unit before buying it. If you should have questions about choosing a tankless water heater that’s right for your home or if you’re looking for experienced team to install, please give our office a call today at (734) 285-1809 to schedule an appointment!
Locally owned and operated in Southgate, MI since 1955, Flo-Aire Heating, Cooling & Electrical is one of the top heating & cooling companies in Southeast Michigan. Flo-Aire provides residential, commercial and industrial HVAC services throughout all of Metro Detroit.
