Getting Started with a Tankless Water Heater in Austin, Texas

Are you looking for the perfect solution to satisfy your hot water needs in Austin, Texas? Investing in a tankless water heater can provide a more energy-efficient solution for your home.

A tankless water heater works by heating the water as it passes through the device. The energy savings come from the fact that it does not need to continuously heat and reheat a tank full of water, as traditional water heaters do. While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, they will pay for themselves in energy savings in the long run.

Tankless water heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to determine what size and capacity the best unit for your home will be. You can use the following tips to help guide you in the process of getting started with a tankless water heater.

Choosing the Right Size and Capacity

The size of your tankless water heater largely depends on the number of hot water fixtures in your home. A unit that is too small for your home's needs can result in a drop in water pressure or inadequate hot water supply. To calculate an accurate size for a tankless water heater, base your calculations off of the number of showers, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines your home has. This will ensure that you select the best unit for the hot water needs of your home.

Be sure to also consider the flow rate of your hot water fixtures. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). When selecting a tankless water heater, pick a unit that can supply the same or more GPM than your hot water fixtures require.

Understanding How Tankless Water Heaters Work

It is important to understand how a tankless water heater works before investing in one. Tankless water heaters use electricity or gas to heat water. Electric units have two heating elements that heat the water when it is needed. Gas units have an igniting pilot light that heats water when a hot water tap is turned on and the water begins flowing.

Tankless water heater units require an additional feature called recirculation. This ensures that the water is continually heated and ready to use. It works by having a pump circulate water through the unit at regular intervals while the hot water is not in use.

What Type of Tankless Unit Is Best for You?

Once you know the size and capacity requirements of your tankless water heater, the next step is to determine the right type of unit for your home. Currently, there are two main types of tankless water heaters available on the market: electric and gas.

Electric tankless water heaters are best for smaller homes with lower hot water demand, since electric units have lower maximum water flow rates. Moreover, electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting, making them the easier and more economical choice.

Gas models are powerful enough to keep up with the hot water needs of larger homes but require more installation work because they need to be vented, hence they are more expensive than electric versions.

Finding the Right Professional

While it is possible to install a tankless water heater on your own, it is always best to seek professional help. An experienced installer will be able to advise you on the right size and capacity to meet your home's hot water demands.

Ensure that your installer is certified and licensed to work with your chosen type of unit. At Abacus Plumbing in Austin, Texas, our experienced professionals are up-to-date on all of the newest water heater technologies and will be able to make sure your tankless water heater is installed correctly the first time.

Tankless Water Heater

Austin Texas

Hot Water Supply