You’re probably familiar with tankless water heaters – the small, energy-efficient units that many people use to replace their traditional water heaters. You may be wondering if an electric tankless water heater is a good option for you.
How do electric tankless water heaters work? In this post, we’ll take a look at how electric tankless water heaters work and discuss some of the pros and cons of owning one. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not an electric tankless water heater is right for you.
How do Electric Tankless Water Heaters Work?
The electric tankless water heater is quickly becoming popular because it has the potential to save you money on your energy bill and give hot showers in no time. The main reason to choose one is energy efficiency.
They can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by not having to heat unused hot water in storage tanks, which means you’re saving money every day.
Tankless water heaters are a great way to free up the space that bulky traditional heating systems take up. Electric tankless models will be more efficient than their counterparts but know this:
they require 25,000 watts of electricity for an average home-based unit. A whole-house electric version can use upwards or even over 50kW – not something you want in your home if you intend to use less power.
The concept behind each unit is the same: a flow sensor detects when you turn on your hot water faucet and activates an electric tankless system.
Heating elements will continue heating until this device recognizes them as not being in use, at which point it shuts off automatically.
There are many different types and models to choose from when it comes down to the choice for your next electric tankless water heater.
From simple on/off units up through ones that will automatically adjust based upon flow rates or incoming temperatures, there’s something in store no matter what type you’re looking at.
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How You Can Install an Electric Tankless Water Heater
Installing a tankless electric water heater is not as easy or straightforward of an endeavor to do independently. Many components need attention, and it can be tricky knowing where everything goes if you’re unfamiliar with these types of appliances.
I highly recommend getting professional help when setting up any new plumbing system in the home-it could save time and expenses down the line. If you intend to do it alone, though, here are the steps you should follow:
- Start by switching off the water supply and circuit breaker. Switching off the circuit will ensure that all your electric cables are not powered, while closing the water supply will ensure you have a good workspace and not a flooded one.
- Drain your water heater ultimately- For this to be successful, you will need a bucket or container and a hose. You should ensure that all your connecting pipes have been unscrewed before disconnecting the mounting brackets and old wiring.
- Take out the front cover.
- Mount your water heater
- Connect pipes
- Install pressure and flow valves
- Bleed your electric tankless hot water system
- Inspect all your electrical components
- Turn the circuit breaker on
- Test the outlets and temperature
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The Lifespan of Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are an excellent investment for homes that will use over the long term. They can last 20 years or more, which means you won’t need to purchase another one as often and save money each time around.
Advantages of Electric Water Heaters
- They are energy efficient
- They have an extended life span
- You wait for less time for water to get hot
- They are space-saving
- They guarantee more safety
Disadvantages of Electric Water Heaters
- They have a very high initial cost
- They cannot keep up with numerous demands in the house
- They face a risk of a power outage
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Frequently Asked Questions on Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Are Electric Tankless Water Heaters Worth It?
Electric tankless water heaters are an excellent way to save money on your energy bill. They use less power, meaning that you could potentially cut hundreds of dollars each year with this type of heating system. The significant advantage is also its convenience – there’s no need for tanks or other plumbing fixtures in most cases where people will be using them regularly. Hence, installation becomes much easier as well.
What Is the Downside of a Tankless Water Heater?
There are a few disadvantages to tankless water heaters, but they have many advantages. First and foremost is their upfront cost for installation-higher than other tanks. They also take longer in delivering hot water when you need it most because no storage area can be used like with an old-fashioned unit; sometimes, the temperature fluctuations can also be too much. Power outages can also be an issue because they need electricity to operate.
How Much Power Does an Electric Tankless Water Heater Need?
When they are on, electrical tankless heaters require up to 30,000W of electricity. For comparison, an average washing machine will need about 1k W for its spin cycle, and it’ll only take about 2 hours. But an electric water heater isn’t running all the time- just when you need hot water or want some extra warmth in your home’s cold winter months.
Electric tankless water heaters are an excellent option for those looking to save on their energy bills. They work by heating the water as it is needed, rather than keeping a large tank of hot water waiting around. This can save you up to 50% on your energy costs.
Installation is relatively simple, and most models come with detailed instructions. There are a few disadvantages to tankless water heaters, however.
One is that they may not be able to handle very high demand, so if you have a large family or run multiple appliances at once, you may need something more powerful. Another downside is that they can be more expensive than traditional tank-style water heaters.
Overall, though, electric tankless water heaters offer many advantages compared to disadvantages. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision about whether or not an electric tankless water heater is right for you.
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