Installing an Instant Water Heater Electric
Unlike the traditional storage tank water heater, electric tankless water heaters (also known as on-demand water heaters) only turn on when you open the faucet. This saves energy and money.
Moreover, they have a quiet operation and require less space. This makes them ideal for use in homes with limited living spaces.
Energy Efficiency
Electric instant water heaters are highly energy efficient. They work at a lower temperature than storage tank water heaters, and they don’t waste energy heating up a huge amount of water that doesn’t get used (standby loss). They also heat the water only when it’s needed. This eliminates the need for a large hot water cylinder and reduces upfront installation costs. They can also be run on green electricity for additional savings.
When purchasing a tankless water heater, look for one with a low standby loss and an Energy Star rating. Look at the EF (energy factor) rating and compare it to the gas or electrical cost in your area. Then consider the size and capacity of your household and your expected usage to choose a suitable model.
The technology used in an instant water heater electric varies by brand. Some use a heating element while others have a more advanced micro electric boiler that uses electrodes to instantly heat the water. The latter is more eco-friendly than the former, because it doesn’t suffer from the drawbacks of traditional heating elements such as overheating and burnout, or scaling.
If you’re replacing a conventional storage tank water heater, keep in mind that you may need to upgrade your home’s piping, gas meter, and main line. Also, a gas unit requires a safe venting system.
Flow Rate
When selecting the right tankless water heater, it is essential to shower water heater understand the maximum flow rate that your house will require. This is determined by the number of fixtures and appliances that you expect to run at the same time. Add up the GPM (gallons per minute) used by each fixture that requires hot water, such as a shower, kitchen faucet, and washing machine. It is also helpful to consider the system water pipe sizing and the incoming building supply temperature.
The total flow rate is then divided by the heater’s energy efficiency (as indicated by its Uniform Energy Factor in product specs) to determine the unit’s peak demand capacity. This is the amount of Btu/hr (36 watts) the heater must use to heat a given volume of water.
During intermittent use, there may be a delay between when the fixture is turned off and the heater’s flow detector re-activates. This can result in a small volume of cold water flowing through the valve for some time before hot water starts to flow again.
In order to prevent this, it is important to install low-flow water fixtures and appliances whenever possible. This will help to reduce the peak demand on your home’s water heater. This will allow you to maximize your tankless water heater’s energy efficiency and longevity.
Water Temperature
Unlike tank-type water heaters, which keep a reservoir of hot water at all times, instantaneous water heaters only heat the water on demand. This means that they only work when water is flowing through them, and that’s why they’re more energy efficient than traditional units.
When you turn on your hot tap, a flow sensor detects the water’s velocity and sends a signal to the water heater. The control board then activates the heat source – either the electric elements or gas burner, depending on the model you choose. Water is then heated to the desired temperature, and a mixing valve can add a small amount of cold water for balance.
The exact temperature is controlled by a thermostat that is installed inside the unit. This can be adjusted by a user or programmed via a digital interface. It is possible to specify a minimum and maximum temperature, which can help to prevent scalding.
A low temperature setting is generally recommended for households with children and elderly people, as higher temperatures can lead to scalding injuries. However, a high temperature can also increase the growth of Legionella bacteria (which causes legionnaires’ disease) and may cause other health problems for vulnerable people. For this reason, it is usually best to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before adjusting the temperature.
Installation
If you’re thinking of installing an instant water heater electric, it’s recommended that you use a professional to ensure the work is done properly and safely. A professional installer understands local codes, will be familiar with the manufacturer’s installation requirements and electric tankless hot water heater can perform any required electrical upgrades or wiring to ensure your unit operates correctly.
Before starting any work, switch off the supply of electricity to the existing water heater and locate the gas shut-off valve. Using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the gas line and cap off the line to prevent any leaks.
The plumbing connections on an instant water heater should be made with stainless steel to ensure durability and longevity. The location of the heater is also important to minimize heat loss and the distance hot water must travel. A professional plumber will ensure that the plumbing connections are watertight and sealed to prevent any leaks or rusting.
When installing an instantaneous water heater, it’s important to choose a location where it can be vented to the outside of your home. This can be done with a metal or PVC vent pipe. It’s also essential to install a sediment trap, gas shut-off valve and tee for proper operation. To reduce energy consumption, consider choosing a model that uses an intermittent ignition device instead of a standing pilot light.