Tankless Electric Water Heaters: The Truth, The Myth, The Legend

Tankless electric water heaters provide hot water only when it is needed. Unlike tank-type water heater, they don't produce standby energy losses that cost you money. How they work is that the hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe and into the unit, and an electric element heats the water to deliver a constant supply of hot water.

Keep in mind that tankless electric water heaters typically provide hot water at a rate of 2-5 gallons (7.6 – 15.2 liters) per minute. Smaller tankless electric water heaters are not meant to supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple use in large households. This means that there will not be enough hot water supplied if someone is taking a shower and the dishwasher is running at the same time. To overcome the insufficient supply of hot water produced by smaller tankless electric water heaters you can install a whole house type tankless electric water heater, install two or more tankless electric water heaters or install separate tankless electric water heaters for appliances that use a lot of hot water.

Tankless electric water heaters are so beneficial because they are extremely energy efficient. For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, tankless electric water heaters can be 24 percent to 34 percent more energy efficient than tank-type water heaters. For homes that use around 86 gallons per day they can be 8 percent to 14 percent more energy efficient. If you install a tankless water heater at each hot water outlet, you can achieve an even greater energy savings or 27 percent to 50 percent.

It is important to consider factors like location, size, demand and application before purchasing a tankless electric water heater. Make sure you are purchasing a tankless water heater with the correct voltage and amperage and that you have a circuit or circuits that will support your heater. It may even be necessary to put the tankless electric water heater on its own circuit or circuits. Also consider where you will be using the tankless electric water heater and how much hot water that location uses. Each fixture has specific demands that must be met to ensure the greatest efficiency and optimal operation.

One especially important factor is the flow rate. Tankless electric water heaters generate a temperature rise based on the flow rate demanded. Also consider the ambient incoming water temperature. This can be affected by the climate you live in. The most important thing to find out is how much temperature rise you will need in order for your hot water to reach the desired heat.

Tankless electric water heaters should be properly installed and maintained for proper operation and energy efficiency. This means it is imperative that you hire a qualified and license plumbing and heating contractor. Request cost estimates in writing, ask for references, check the company with your local Better Business Bureau and confirm that the company will obtain a local permit if necessary when you hire a contractor. Following all of these guidelines should ensure that your tankless electric water heater lasts the entirety of its 20 year life expectancy.