The Ultimate Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide

1. Understanding Tankless Water Heaters

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, heats water directly without storing it in a tank. When hot water is needed, water travels through the heat exchanger inside the unit, where either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. The tankless water heater will continue to heat the water as long as hot water is needed. So tankless water heaters essentially deliver an endless supply of hot water.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

• Energy Efficiency: Tankless units are very energy efficient because they only operate when hot water is needed.
• Space-Saving: These units are compact and can be installed on walls, saving valuable space.
• Longer Lifespan: Tank-based water heaters have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, whereas tankless units can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
• Endless Hot Water: As long as the unit is appropriately sized, you will have a continuous supply of hot water.

2. Key Considerations When Buying a Tankless Water Heater

Fuel Type

• Electric: Ideal for homes without gas lines, electric tankless heaters are easy to install and maintain. They’re also perfect for single-station applications, such as a sink that is far from your home’s water heater, so you don’t have to wait a long time for hot water.
• Gas: These units can heat larger volumes of water quickly, making them suitable for larger households.

Flow Rate

Tankless water heaters typically have a flow rate of 2–5 gallons per minute (GPM). The flow rate you need depends on how many fixtures you plan to use at once and the climate you live in. For example, a 4 GPM tankless water heater can handle a sink and a shower at the same time. You can calculate your household’s peak hot water usage to ensure the unit you choose meets your needs. Ask your plumbing professional for help.

Energy Efficiency Rating

Look for tankless water heaters with a high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating. The higher the UEF rating, the greater the efficiency and potential energy savings.

Installation Requirements

Consider the installation requirements, including the need for ventilation of gas units and electrical capacity for electric units. Professional installation is required to ensure safety and optimal performance. Don’t have a plumber? You can search here to find a Bradford White professional in your area.

3. Top Features to Look For

Temperature Control

Adjustable temperature controls allow you to set the water temperature precisely according to your preferences.

Safety Features

Look for features such as automatic shut-off, freeze protection, and anti-scald technology to enhance safety. For example, the Bradford White Infiniti^® Series GR and GS models feature gas and water leak safeties to help protect your home and family.

Digital Display

A digital display provides easy monitoring and control of the unit’s performance and settings.

Remote Control

Some models offer remote control capabilities, allowing you to adjust settings conveniently from anywhere in your home. Water heaters can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, enabling you to set the temperature and monitor the performance from an app on your smartphone or even via a smart home assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest.

Remote Control

Bradford White offers a number of tankless water heaters for your consideration. The Infiniti^® Series tankless water heaters are Built to be the Best^® for outstanding quality. They offer exclusive features like Scale Reduction Technology^™ (SRT – available on Infiniti^® L and K models) for reduced maintenance issues. Some Infiniti^® models also offer a stainless-steel heat exchanger for even longer-lasting reliability.

Remote Control

Bradford White’s KwickShot^® Series solves the problem of waiting for hot water in a bathroom or kitchen that’s far from your water heater. They’re designed to heat water at one specific location, typically a sink where you often need hot water. They’re electric and can be easily installed wherever you need it.

Recirculation

With a recirculation pump, your tankless water heater can recirculate hot water throughout your house. This gives you almost instantaneous hot water at every faucet and shower head. This is especially popular on new homes where a return line can be easily installed. On existing homes, the recirculation can take place using an under-sink thermal bypass valve. Ask your plumbing professional about this valuable option.

Recirculation

Many tankless water heaters offer a recirculation option. For example, the Bradford White Infiniti^® Series L and GR have recirculation pumps installed.

4. Maintenance Tips for Tankless Water Heaters

Regular Descaling

Mineral buildup can reduce efficiency. Regular descaling, especially in areas with hard water, is crucial to maintain optimal performance. Ask your plumbing professional for a recommended maintenance schedule.

Regular Descaling

Bradford White’s exclusive Scale Reduction Technology™ (SRT – available on Infiniti^® L and K models) helps reduce scale and makes maintenance easier. Click here to learn more.

Annual Inspections

Have your unit inspected annually by a professional to check for any potential issues and ensure it operates efficiently. Find a Bradford White professional in your area.

Clean the Inlet Filter

Regularly clean the inlet filter to prevent debris from clogging the system and affecting performance. This will be part of the regular maintenance your plumber can conduct.

5. Cost Considerations

Initial Cost

Tankless water heaters tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional tank water heaters. However, their long-term energy savings and extended lifespan can help offset this initial investment.

Installation Cost

Professional installation is necessary for optimal performance and safety. Installation costs can vary based on the type of unit, your home’s existing infrastructure, and installation complexity.

Operating Cost

While tankless water heaters can reduce energy bills through greater efficiency, the actual savings will depend on usage patterns and local energy rates.

6. Making the Final Decision

When choosing a tankless water heater, consider your household’s hot water needs, budget, and installation requirements. Research different brands and models, read customer reviews, and consult with a professional plumber or HVAC technician to make an informed decision. Don’t have a plumber? Click here to find a Bradford White professional in your area.