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Tips For Purchasing Tankless Gas Water Heaters
Whether you are going away on vacation or sleeping it makes good eco-sense to turn off or lower your heat, but the same cannot always be said for hot water. Leaving your hot water off when it is not needed is the logic behind the tankless water heater, which provides on-demand and instantaneous hot water at an efficient and economic rate.
Tankless heaters not only save several square feet of storage space, but eliminate sitting water or conserve energy use. Typical tankless water heaters can be about 35 percent more energy efficient than traditional storage tanks water heaters for a home that uses approximately 40 gallons of hot water a day.
When building your new home you'll want to consider these purchasing tips, to ensure you select the right ENERGY STARŪ qualified gas tankless water heater for your needs and lifestyle:
- Examining your lifestyle. A strong tankless heater can pump about 5 gallons a minute of hot water throughout you whole house. But if your daughter likes taking 15-minute showers while you run the washer, this might not suffice. Calculating your flow-rate demand is key in determining whether to install one heater for the whole house or multiple heaters for different appliances and bathrooms. In a busy household, all of these appliances running at the same time can challenge a tankless heater's ability to meet hot water demand. In addition, the climate conditions where you live can affect the performance of your heating unit.
- Decide what size you need. While the capacity of gas storage water heaters is based on the number of gallons that will fit in the tank, tankless models are rated by how many gallons of hot water they produce per minute (GPM). The more likely you are to have the shower, dishwasher, and clothes washer going at once, the larger the GPM you will need. You will need to consult with an experienced plumber to estimate the hot water demands in your home, but here are some average figures:
- Shower and Bathtub - 2.5 GPM
- Washing machine - 3.3 GPM
- Kitchen and Bathroom Sink - 2.2 GPM
- Dishwasher - 1.3 GPM
- Check product availability. Find out what qualified tankless models are available on the market by viewing the ENERGY STAR® Product List.
- Get a quote from a contractor or retailer. You may want to check a manufacturer or retailer's web site to get a general idea of cost, but you will eventually need an installer to come to your home and give you a customized price. The installer should confirm the optimal GPM size for your home, determine whether your existing natural gas line and electrical service is sufficient, and identify how the combustion gases will be vented. When requesting a quote, remember to:
- Request cost estimates in writing.
- Ask for references.
- Check the company with your local Better Business Bureau.
- See if the company will obtain a local permit if necessary and understands local residential building codes.
- Search for rebates and tax credits. You may be able to reduce your costs by taking advantage of rebates or tax credits. Be sure to review the eligibility rules before you make your purchase. For example, every ENERGY STARŪ qualified gas tankless model will qualify for a $300 Federal tax credit in 2009.
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There are four ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, or buy an ENERGY-STARŪ model. Be sure to work closely with your builder, so you can choose the most effective and efficient water heater to handle your needs and lifestyle.
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