How do I know what size tankless water heater I need?

How to Select the Right Size Tankless Water Heater
  1. Determine the maximum number of devices you want to run and their total flow rate. Then, add up their flow rates (gallons per minute). …
  2. Determine required temperature rise. …
  3. Sizing Example: An average shower will be between 104–106° and uses 2.6 gallons of water.

Can tankless water heater be too big?

However, tankless water heaters are limited by how much water they can heat at any given time. Choose too small of a system and it won’t have the capacity to provide enough hot water to meet your household needs. Go too big and you will overpay.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. … they take longer to deliver hot water. the water temperature is inconsistent when multiple outlets are on simultaneously. they cannot provide hot water during a power outage.

What two requirements are necessary to size a tankless water heater?

There are two factors that need to be considered when sizing a tankless water heater:
  • Flow Rate (GPM): How much hot water you will need at any given time.
  • Temperature Rise (ΔT): The difference between the incoming cold water temperature and the desired temperature.

What size tankless water heater is needed 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

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

For a four-person family, a 50-gallon water heater is sufficient. 50-gallons is good if you’re using electricity, and 40 gallons will work for natural gas or propane. Families with more than five persons may benefit from an 80-gallon electric water heater or 50-gallon gas water heater.

How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater?

Tankless Water Heater Cost

A tankless water heater costs about $2,299 to install, or between $1,197 and $3,426, but labor rates vary. Tankless model prices vary by brand, type and flow rate. The best way to budget for a new tankless water heater is to compare quotes from local contractors.

What size Rinnai do I need?

Multiply the square footage by the BTU per square foot to arrive at the total BTU rating you’ll need from your Rinnai heater. All Rinnai heaters are rated for a particular number of BTU, ranging from 8,000 up to 40,000 or more, giving you a lot of flexibility in the model you can buy.

Is a tankless water heater worth the cost?

Energy Use and Efficiency

Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency.

How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater from home Depot?

The Home Depot offers traditional water heater tanks and modern tankless units, both powered by either gas or electricity. Depending on your selection, the average cost for water heater installation is between $1,000 to $3,000.

Can you install a tankless water heater yourself?

Installation. While it is possible to install your own tankless water heater, it’s not a job for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. There are a number of different sizes and styles of tankless water heaters, including propane, natural gas and electric, along with single-room or whole-house sized models.

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Installation is expensive because the unit needs a bigger gas supply than a conventional water heater does, and it needs to run its own exhaust flue to the exterior. Installation costs can vary widely, depending on the location of the flue and the gas supply. The unit itself costs between $800 and $1,000.

How long do Navien tankless water heaters last?

You can expect a Navien tankless water heater to last 15 to 20 years, even longer with routine maintenance. One of the main advantages of having a tankless water heater is that it heats water as you need it, instead of the tank-style water heater that continuously heats an entire storage tank.

Where should a tankless water heater be installed?

The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home. Most installations are small and unobtrusive so they will easily fit in a pantry, under the stairs, or under your sink. If you must place the water heater outside, make sure it’s safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects.

How long does it take to install a tankless water heater?

between one to three hours
Additional time is required to install new power and water lines and air vents. Afterward, the tankless unit must also be mounted and connected. Tankless to Tankless Installation: This generally takes between one to three hours.

Is Navien tankless water heater any good?

Is Navien a Good Tankless Water Heater? Navien is a solid choice when it comes to tankless water heaters. Their units are manufacturered by a company that takes pride in quality, design, and user friendliness. In fact, there’s no shortage of satisfied customers!

Where are Navien water heaters made?

JAMES CITY COUNTY, VA — Navien Inc., a leader in condensing technology for water heaters and boilers, will invest $77.5 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing and assembly operation in James City County, Virginia. The company plans to create 180 new jobs.

Are Navien tankless water heaters gas or electric?

All Navien tankless models are gas-fired and designed as whole-house water heaters. They come equipped with natural gas (NG), but the valve is easily replaced to burn liquid propane (LP). This table includes all current Navien tankless models and their specs.