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Whole House Tankless Water Heaters' Ultimate Installation Checklist
Choosing the best water heater for your entire household can be a complex decision, especially when considering efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to meet the hot water demands of a whole house. Tankless water heaters, often called on-demand water heaters, have emerged as a top choice for whole-home setups due to their energy efficiency, convenience, and ability to deliver unlimited hot water without the bulk of traditional storage tanks. These systems heat water only when needed, eliminating standby energy loss and optimizing overall performance.
Installing a tankless water heater for a whole house can dramatically reduce energy bills while ensuring a steady, reliable supply of hot water to multiple fixtures and appliances simultaneously. However, achieving the full potential of a tankless system requires proper installation. Following a comprehensive installation checklist not only ensures your water heater is set up correctly but also extends its lifespan and maximizes performance. A well-installed system guarantees safe and efficient operation, providing your home with dependable hot water for years to come.
This blog is your comprehensive guide to installing a Whole House Tankless Water Heater for your entire home, featuring trusted models from Eccotemp. Whether you're exploring natural gas water heaters or propane tankless water heaters or searching for the best whole-house solutions, this blog will walk you through the key steps to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
Understanding Whole Homes and Tankless Water Heaters
What is a Whole Home?
A "whole home" refers to an entire residential property, including all living spaces and amenities, with systems and utilities designed to serve the entire household. In terms of appliances or systems like heating, cooling, or water heating, a "whole home" solution ensures that the system meets the needs of all occupants and rooms, delivering consistent and efficient performance throughout. Whole-home solutions are particularly well-suited for families or larger properties, where reliable, seamless operation across multiple rooms and applications is essential.
Why Are Tankless Water Heaters Ideal for Whole Homes?
Tankless water heaters are becoming the preferred choice for whole-home water heating due to their efficiency, convenience, and ability to meet the demands of large households. Unlike traditional water heaters that store a fixed amount of hot water, a tankless boiler heats water instantly as needed, providing a continuous hot water supply for multiple applications throughout the home. This makes them an ideal solution for families or properties with high hot water demands. Here are the key benefits of having a tankless boiler in a whole-house setup:
- Endless Hot Water Supply
A tankless hot water heater offers instantaneous hot water, meaning you never have to worry about running out of hot water. With a whole house tankless water heater, you can enjoy instant hot water at multiple faucets and showers simultaneously, perfect for large families or busy households. - Energy Efficiency
Unlike traditional water heaters that constantly heat and store water, a tankless gas water heater only heats water when you need it. This on-demand water heater system eliminates the energy waste of maintaining a full tank of hot water, making it a more energy-efficient choice. Whether you choose a natural gas tankless hot water heater or a propane tankless water heater, you’ll save on utility bills over time. - Space-Saving Design
Tankless water heaters are significantly more compact than traditional bulky gas hot water heaters, making them an excellent choice for homeowners with limited space or those wanting to optimize their living area. Whether installed indoors or outdoors, a continuous water heater offers the flexibility of installation without consuming valuable floor space. - Long-Term Cost Savings
Although the tankless water heater cost may be higher initially, the savings on energy bills over the life of the tankless geysers make it a cost-effective choice in the long run. By providing hot water on demand, a tankless gas water heater or propane water heater only uses energy when it’s needed, reducing overall consumption. - Smart Features for Maximum Control
Thanks to the innovation of smart tankless water heaters, homeowners can now easily control and monitor their water heaters remotely through mobile apps or smart devices. There are whole house tankless water heaters that offer smart technology. Like the WIFI water heater models from Eccotemp that feature remote temperature adjustment, customizable scheduling, and maintenance alerts, smart water heaters ensure peak performance, enhanced convenience, and maximum energy efficiency. - Multiple Installation Options
Whether you’re looking for a natural gas on-demand water heater for an outdoor setup or a convenient continuous water heater for a whole house indoors, these systems offer flexible installation options to suit your home’s needs. From natural gas tankless water heaters to liquid propane water heaters, there’s a system that fits almost every household. - Environmentally Friendly
With their energy-efficient operation and lower carbon footprint, tankless water heaters are an eco-friendly option. Choosing a natural gas tankless water heater or propane tankless water heater can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional water heaters, contributing to a greener home. - Reliability and Durability
A tankless gas water heater typically lasts longer than a traditional gas water heater, with an average lifespan of 15-20 years or more. With proper maintenance, a tankless hot water heater can provide reliable service for many years, making it a solid investment for homeowners.
Eccotemp’s Whole House Tankless Water Heater Models
Eccotemp is renowned for providing high-quality tankless water heaters also called continuous water heaters, making them an ideal choice for whole-house setups. Their tankless water heaters deliver reliable hot water on demand, meeting the needs of larger households with higher water consumption. Below is a brief overview of the top Eccotemp whole house tankless water heaters that ensure consistent performance, energy savings, and a continuous supply of hot water for your entire home:
- Key Features: The Eccotemp 45 Series 6.8 GPM Indoor Tankless Water Heater is designed for medium-sized to whole homes, offering a flow rate of 6.8 GPM with a 38-degree temperature rise and 140,000 BTU per hour. Available in natural gas and liquid propane options, it features advanced 0.7 GPM low-flow ignition technology for uninterrupted hot water delivery. The compact, wall-mounted design integrates a Generation 3 Product Control Board and a gas-modulating valve for optimal temperature performance.
- Benefits: The 45 Series 6.8 GPM Indoor Tankless Water Heater is perfect for standard-sized single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and cabins. It supports 2-3 simultaneous applications, such as a shower and two sinks, delivering endless hot water on demand. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly, it minimizes power consumption by heating water only when needed, while the fully automated control system ensures reliability. Certified for use in the US and Canada, this model is a cost-effective solution for homeowners seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
Builder Series
- Key Features: The Eccotemp Builder Series 6.0 GPM Indoor Tankless Water Heater is designed for standard to smaller-sized single-family homes, townhomes, condos, cabins, and light commercial use. This model offers a flow rate of 6 GPM and is available in both natural gas water heater (6GB-ING) and liquid propane water heater (6GB-ILP) options. With a powerful 145,000 BTU rating, it delivers consistent hot water with a temperature rise of 45 degrees. Eccotemp’s advanced 0.53 GPM low-flow ignition technology ensures endless hot water, even during simultaneous use, while the newly upgraded product control board and gas modulating valve provide excellent temperature performance.
- Benefits: The 6GB Builder Series is an ideal solution for homes with moderate to high hot water demands, providing on-demand hot water for up to 2-3 simultaneous applications like showers, sinks, or other household needs. Its compact, space-saving design makes it a perfect choice for indoor installations. This energy-efficient indoor tankless water heater heats water only when needed, significantly reducing utility bills, while its low amperage operation (under 0.34 amps) ensures minimal energy consumption. CSA-certified for use in both the US and Canada, the Builder Series meets rigorous safety and efficiency standards. It’s a cost-effective, reliable choice for homeowners, contractors, and builders, offering both dependable performance and reduced energy costs, all while ensuring durability and safety for a whole-home setup.
- Key Features: The Eccotemp Builder Series 6.8 GPM Tankless Water Heater is designed for whole-house applications, offering a flow rate of 6.8 GPM and 140,000 BTU. This series has indoor and outdoor models available in both natural gas and liquid propane options, this model provides energy-efficient, on-demand hot water with a temperature rise of 38 degrees. It features advanced 0.7 GPM low-flow ignition technology and an upgraded Product Control Board with a gas-modulating valve for best-in-class temperature performance. Both indoor and outdoor models are CSA-approved for US and Canadian use.
- Benefits: The compact, wall-mounted design of the Eccotemp Builder Series 6.8 GPM allows for easy indoor or outdoor installation, making it a versatile choice for any home or light commercial setting. With the ability to handle 3-4 simultaneous applications, this continuous water heater delivers reliable hot water on demand, eliminating cold spots and ensuring consistent performance. Its energy-efficient operation reduces utility costs by heating water only when needed, while the low amperage draw (about 12 amps) makes it an eco-friendly solution. Certified to meet DOE safety and efficiency standards, this whole-house tankless water heater is an excellent choice for families seeking reliability, energy savings, and superior performance.
- Key Features: The Eccotemp Builder Series 7.0 GPM Tankless Water Heater is ideal for larger households or light commercial applications, offering a flow rate of 7.0 GPM with 180,000 BTU. Available in natural gas and liquid propane options, this outdoor model features advanced 0.79 GPM low-flow ignition technology and a Generation 3 Product Control Board with a gas-modulating valve for precise temperature control. Designed for outdoor installation, it requires no venting and is CSA-approved for US and Canadian use.
- Benefits: The Builder Series 7.0 GPM is the largest-capacity tankless water heater in the Eccotemp Builder line, making it perfect for handling 4-5 simultaneous applications, such as multiple showers and sinks. Its compact, wall-mounted design saves space while ensuring efficient outdoor installation. Energy-efficient operation reduces utility costs by heating water only when needed, while the low amperage draw (0.61 amps) makes it an eco-friendly solution. Certified to meet DOE safety and efficiency standards, this model offers peace of mind and reliable, on-demand hot water for medium to large homes or commercial spaces.
Smart Water Heaters
- Key Features: The SH22 Series 6.8 GPM SmartHome Tankless Water Heater is a next-generation water heating solution featuring a 6.8 GPM flow rate with a temperature rise of 35 degrees and 140,000 BTU per hour. It is available in both natural gas and liquid propane options. Equipped with smart technology, it supports Wi-Fi connectivity, voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and remote operation through the Eccotemp mobile app. Smart Tankless Water Heater’s sleek, compact design is ideal for both indoor and outdoor installation, and it includes advanced Eco Mode functionality to enhance energy efficiency.
- Benefits: The SH22 Series SmartHome Tankless Water Heater offers homeowners the ultimate convenience and control over their hot water needs. Its smart capabilities allow users to set schedules, monitor energy consumption, and adjust temperatures effortlessly, even remotely. These smart gas water heaters are ideal for modern homes, They support up to 3-4 simultaneous applications, making them suitable for large households or light commercial use. The SH22 Series smart gas water heater helps reduce energy costs by up to 25% with its Eco Mode feature, and its compact design ensures easy installation in tight spaces. Certified for US and Canadian use, it combines cutting-edge technology with reliability, ensuring long-lasting performance and comfort.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before installing a tankless gas water heater, you need to assess several factors to ensure you select the right water heater model and place it in an optimal location.
- Evaluating Your Home’s Water and Gas Supply
First, confirm that your home's water pressure meets the tankless geyser's recommended specifications to ensure optimal performance. For gas-powered tankless hot water heaters, such as propane water heaters or natural gas tankless water heaters, check that your gas supply is sufficient and that your home's gas lines are compatible with the selected model. Proper assessment of both water pressure and gas supply is crucial for the efficient and reliable operation of your tankless on-demand water heater. - Determining the Right Model for Your Home Size and Hot Water Needs
For whole homes, models such as the 45 Series, SH22 Series, or 6GB, 6.8GB, and 7GB Builder series tankless boilers are well-suited to meet your hot water demands. The best gas water heater choice for you will depend on factors like the number of simultaneous water uses (such as showers, sinks, and dishwashers) and the overall square footage of your home. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a natural gas water heater or a propane tankless water heater to match your needs and preferences. - Evaluating the Installation Location
Tankless water heaters can be installed indoors or outdoors. For whole homes, installing your tankless gas water heaters indoors close to the most-used outlets, like bathrooms and kitchens, will ensure quick hot water delivery. Indoor tankless water heaters require proper ventilation and clearance from combustible materials, so make sure to evaluate the space for safety. - Understanding Local Building Codes and Permits
Before you begin the installation process, it’s important to check your local building codes. Many areas require specific permits for installing a continuous water heater. Ensure your installation meets local safety and energy regulations, and we recommend consulting with a professional installer.
Whole House Tankless Water Heater Installation Checklist
Proper installation of your tankless gas water heater ensures it runs efficiently and safely for years to come. Below is a checklist to make sure every aspect of your water heater installation is covered.
Water Heater Location
- Installed Indoors and Outdoors
- Close to area of mostly used outlet
- Protected from freezing temperatures
- Proper clearance from combustible surfaces observed
- Sufficient fresh air supply for proper operation of water heater
- Air supply free of corrosive elements and flammable vapors
- Provisions made to protect area from water damage
- Sufficient room to service heater
- Combustible materials, such as clothing, cleaning materials, rags, etc. clear of the heater and vent piping
- Water heater is properly attached to the wall
Water Supply
- Water supply has sufficient pressure
- Air purged from water heater and piping
- Water connections tight and free of leaks
- Water filter is clean and in place
- Materials used are as instructed in this manual
- Water pipes are insulated
Gas Supply
- Gas type matches rating plate
- Gas supply pressure is sufficient for the water heater
- Gas line equipped with shut off valve, union and sediment trap
- Approved pipe joint compound used
- Commercial leak detector or soap and water solution used to check all connections and fittings for possible gas leak
- Gas company inspected installation (if required)
Relief Valve
- Pressure relief valve properly installed and discharge line run to open drain
- Discharge line protected from freezing
Electrical Wiring
- Voltage matches rating plate
- Water heater is properly grounded
- Wiring meets all local codes
- GFCI protection where required
IMPORTANT NOTE: These products cannot be used for HYDRONIC SYSTEMS, RECIRCULATING, or FLOOR HEATING. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION REQUIRED.
Importance of the Installation Checklist
An installation checklist is essential to ensure your tankless water heater operates efficiently and safely. It addresses critical factors like proper placement, sufficient water and gas supply, and adherence to safety standards. Following this checklist minimizes the risk of issues such as leaks, suboptimal performance, or potential hazards, guaranteeing long-term reliability and peak efficiency.
FAQs
Question: What is the best tankless water heater size for a whole home?
Answer: The best tankless water heater for a whole home depends on your household's hot water demand and climate. For most homes, a water heater with a flow rate of 6-7 GPM is ideal, as it can handle multiple simultaneous applications, like showers and sinks. For larger households or colder climates, consider a model on the higher end of this range to ensure sufficient water heating capacity.
Question: Can I install a tankless water heater myself, or do I need a professional?
Answer: While homeowners with experience in plumbing and electrical work may feel capable of installing a gas tankless water heater, hiring a professional is strongly recommended. Installation involves complex gas, water, and electrical connections, and proper setup is crucial for safe and efficient operation. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION IS REQUIRED.
Question: What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor tankless instant hot water heaters?
Answer: Indoor tankless water heaters are installed inside the home and require proper ventilation to expel exhaust gases safely. In contrast, outdoor models are designed for exterior installation, eliminating the need for additional venting systems as they vent directly into the open air.
Question: How often should a tankless instant water heater be maintained?
Answer: To ensure optimal performance, a tankless water heater should undergo annual maintenance. Essential tasks like descaling, flushing, and cleaning filters help prevent mineral buildup and extend the hot water heater's lifespan. Regular maintenance keeps your on-demand water heater efficient, reliable, and running smoothly for years to come.
Conclusion
Investing in a Whole House Tankless Water Heater, especially models like the Eccotemp 45 Series, SH22 Series, or the Builder Series (6GB, 6.8GB, and 7GB), is a smart decision for homeowners seeking energy efficiency, endless hot water, and long-term savings. These advanced systems ensure you’ll never run out of hot water, even during high-demand periods, while providing reliable, on-demand water heating that helps lower energy costs.
To fully enjoy the benefits of your new tankless water heater, it’s crucial to follow an installation checklist, ensuring the system is set up correctly and performs at its best. Whether you’re upgrading from a traditional tank or installing a tankless water heater for the first time, investing in the proper installation will guarantee consistent, energy-efficient performance for years to come.
