A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand or instant water heater, provides hot water only as it is needed. They are very energy-efficient because they don’t have to heat and maintain a large volume of water like a storage tank water heater.
Tankless water heaters are rated by the maximum temperature rise possible at a given flow rate. For example, a 40-gallon tankless water heater set at 120°F can deliver 4 gallons of hot water per minute (GPM), but it will only deliver 2.5 GPM if the temperature is set at 140°F.
To find the right size tankless water heater for your home, you’ll need to determine the maximum flow rate and temperature rise you’ll need.
The first step is to calculate the maximum flow rate you’ll need. This is the number of gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water that your household will demand at its peak.
To do this, add up the flow rates of all the fixtures you’ll be using at the same time. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher and taking a shower at the same time, you’ll need the flow rate of both fixtures.
The flow rate of a fixture is usually printed on the fixture itself or in the manufacturer’s documentation.
Once you have the maximum flow rate, you can
What’s The Maximum Power Load A Tankless Water Heater Can Handle?
Most tankless water heater manuals will have a section that details the maximum power load the unit can handle. This information is important to know because if the maximum power load is exceeded, the unit can overheat and be damaged.
For example, the Rheem RTG-64XLP can handle a maximum power load of 150,000 BTUs. If the unit is asked to heat water beyond that, it will overheat and shut off.
One way to help ensure that your tankless water heater doesn’t exceed its maximum power load is to install a water softener. This will help reduce the amount of work the unit has to do to heat the water, and as a result, will help extend its lifespan.
What’s The Difference Between A 240-volt And A 208-volt Tankless Water Heater?
A 240-volt tankless water heater is different than a 208-volt tankless water heater in a few key ways. For one, a 240-volt tankless water heater requires a different electrical panel than a 208-volt tankless water heater. Additionally, a 240-volt tankless water heater typically produces more hot water than a 208-volt tankless water heater. As a result, a 240-volt tankless water heater is generally more expensive than a 208-volt tankless water heater.
Here’s a real-life example of the difference between a 240-volt and a 208-volt tankless water heater. Let’s say you have a family of four and you’re using a 240-volt tankless water heater. Your family takes two showers a day, on average. With a 240-volt tankless water heater, you’ll have enough hot water for both showers with no problem. However, if you had a 208-volt tankless water heater, you might run out of hot water during the second shower. As a result, the 240-volt tankless water heater is a better choice for a family of four.
What Size Breaker Do I Need For A Tankless Water Heater?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your water heater until it’s not working. But when it comes time to replace your old water heater, or if you’re building a new home and need to install a new one, you’ll need to know what size breaker to use.
A tankless water heater needs a 60-amp breaker to work properly. This is because the tankless water heater uses a high amount of electricity to heat the water on demand. If you use a smaller breaker, the water heater will not be able to function properly and could cause a fire.
So, if you’re wondering what size breaker you need for a tankless water heater, the answer is a 60-amp breaker. Now that you know, you can be sure to install the correct size breaker the next time you need to replace your water heater or install a new one.
Can I Install A Tankless Water Heater Myself?
You might be wondering if you can install a tankless water heater yourself. The answer is yes, you can install a tankless water heater, but there are some things you need to know before you get started.
First, you need to choose the right model for your home. There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a tankless water heater, such as the size of your home, the number of people in your household, and your hot water needs.
Once you’ve selected the right model, it’s time to install it. The process is actually pretty simple, but there are a few things you need to do to make sure it’s done correctly.
First, you need to shut off the power to your home’s water heater. Next, you’ll need to disconnect the cold and hot water lines from the tank. Once those are disconnected, you can remove the old water heater and dispose of it properly.
Now it’s time to install the new tankless water heater. Start by connecting the cold water line to the inlet on the heater. Then, do the same with the hot water line. Make sure all the connections are tight so there are no leaks.
Finally, turn on the power to your home and test the new water heater. Take a shower or run the dishwasher to make sure it’s working properly.
If you follow these steps, you can easily install a tankless water heater yourself. Just make sure you select the right model for your home and follow the installation instructions carefully.
If you still have any questions about what size breaker you need for a tankless water heater, feel free to comment below.
