Weekly Deals
Water Heaters
Accessories
Installation
Parts
Protection Plans
Tankless Gas Questions? We've Got Answers.
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work in Canada?
Tankless water heaters operate on a simple yet efficient principle: heating water precisely when it's needed. That's why they are also referred to as on-demand water heaters or instant hot water heaters. Unlike conventional hot water heaters, which store hot water in a reservoir, a tankless gas water heater generates hot water instantaneously as it travels through the system. When you turn on a hot water tap in your home, cold water is drawn into the tankless hot water heater through a dedicated pipe connected to the plumbing system. Inside the gas tankless water heater, a gas burner quickly heats the water to your desired temperature as it flows through the demand water heater. The beauty of this process lies in its efficiency.
With a gas tankless hot water heater, there's no need to wait for a large storage tank to fill up with hot water, as is the case with traditional water heaters. Instead, you get a continuous supply of hot water on demand, precisely when you need it. Once you turn off the hot water tap, the tankless water heater immediately stops heating the water. This means there's no wasted energy or standby heat loss, as there would be with a tank water heater. The result? Energy savings and a more environmentally friendly heating solution. In essence, gas tankless water heaters provide all the hot water you need without the inconvenience and energy inefficiency of a bulky storage tank. They're a modern, space-saving alternative that offers convenience, efficiency, and endless hot water whenever you need it. So, say goodbye to waiting for your water to heat up and hello to instant hot water with a gas tankless water heater.
How To Select the Right Size Tankless Water Heater?
Determining the best tankless water heater size for your household involves taking into account various factors that collectively contribute to meeting your hot water demands efficiently and effectively. One of the primary considerations is the number and type of hot water fixtures in your home, as each fixture contributes to the overall hot water usage. From showers to sink faucets and washing machines, each appliance and fixture has its own flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), which must be factored into the equation.
To begin the sizing process, conduct a comprehensive inventory of all the fixtures in your home that require hot water. Assess the flow rates of each fixture, considering typical usage scenarios and peak demand periods. For instance, a standard shower may have a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, a wash machine may be 3 GPM, a dishwasher 1.5 GPM, and a kitchen faucet 1.5 GPM. By compiling this information, you can calculate the total GPM demand for your household during simultaneous usage, providing a baseline for selecting an appropriately sized tankless instant water heater.
In addition to fixture flow rates, it's crucial to evaluate your household's hot water usage patterns and habits. Consider factors such as the number of occupants in your home, their bathing routines, and the frequency of hot water usage throughout the day. Understanding your household's hot water consumption patterns enables you to anticipate peak demand periods and select a gas hot water heater with a capacity that can comfortably accommodate these fluctuations.
Furthermore, take into account the temperature rise required to heat the incoming cold water to your desired hot water temperature. The temperature rise, measured in degrees Fahrenheit, is determined by the difference between the groundwater temperature and the desired hot water temperature at the tap. In regions with colder groundwater temperatures, a higher temperature rise is necessary to achieve the desired level of hot water comfort.
For mid-size homes, tiny homes, and apartments or townhomes with a hot water demand ranging from 4 to 6 gallons per minute (GPM), we recommend these mid-size home tankless water heaters. On the other hand, for larger residences such as whole homes with a higher hot water demand averaging between 6.5 to 7.0 GPM, selecting a tankless gas water heater with a correspondingly higher flow rate is essential. We recommend these whole home tankless water heaters.
Ultimately, the goal is to choose a gas hot water heater with a flow rate that aligns with your household's hot water demand while providing ample capacity to meet current and future needs. By conducting a thorough assessment of fixture flow rates, hot water usage patterns, temperature rise requirements, and potential future changes, you can confidently select the ideal size gas tankless water heater to optimize comfort, efficiency, and performance in your home.
How Long Should A Tankless Water Boiler Last?
Tankless water heaters have solidified their reputation as durable, long-lasting appliances in the realm of water heating solutions. Their extended lifespan, when properly maintained, stands as a testament to their robust engineering and efficiency. While traditional tank water heaters typically last around 6 to 12 years, tankless models can exceed this timeframe by a considerable margin, often reaching upwards of 20 years or more.
The durability of tankless water heaters stems from several key factors. Firstly, their design eliminates the need for a large storage tank, which is prone to corrosion and eventual failure over time. Without the constant exposure to water and pressure fluctuations that tank-based systems endure, gas tankless water geysers experience less wear and tear on critical components, thus contributing to their longevity.
Moreover, the materials used in the construction of on demand water heaters are often of higher quality compared to those found in traditional tank models. Stainless steel or copper heat exchangers, for example, are less susceptible to rust and corrosion, further extending the lifespan of the unit. Additionally, advancements in technology and manufacturing processes have led to more reliable components and better overall performance, enhancing the longevity of tankless water heaters.
Regular maintenance is crucial to maximizing the lifespan of a tankless water heater. Flushing the tankless hot water heater bi-annually to remove mineral deposits and descaling the heat exchanger are essential maintenance tasks that help prevent buildup and maintain efficiency. By following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and promptly addressing any issues that arise, homeowners can significantly prolong the life of their gas tankless water heater.
Opting for a tankless hot water heater entails considering the long-term advantages it offers beyond the immediate benefits. While the initial investment might seem slightly higher compared to traditional tank water heaters, Eccotemp offers several tankless hot water heaters built for performance yet affordable for almost any budget, like the Builder Series found here. These tankless gas water heaters boast extended lifespans and energy-saving features, ultimately making them a cost-effective choice over time. Homeowners who select an Eccotemp Instant Water Heater can anticipate enjoying consistent hot water for many years while simultaneously minimizing their environmental footprint and lowering energy expenses throughout the appliance's lifespan.
How Often Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance?
Tankless water heaters are undoubtedly a fantastic choice for homeowners, offering the convenience of instant and limitless hot water precisely when and where it's needed, surpassing the efficiency of traditional water heaters. However, to ensure that these advanced systems continue to operate at peak performance levels and maintain their efficiency over time, regular maintenance is paramount.
While instantaneous hot water heaters boast numerous benefits, including reduced energy consumption and a longer lifespan compared to traditional tank-based systems, they are not maintenance-free appliances. Without proper upkeep, these models can experience issues such as reduced flow rates, decreased efficiency, and even premature failure.
One of the most critical aspects of tankless hot water heater maintenance is the regular cleaning of internal components to prevent the accumulation of sediment and mineral deposits. Over time, minerals present in the water supply can build up within the unit, leading to issues such as scale formation and reduced heat transfer efficiency. To mitigate these issues, it's recommended to descale your tankless water heater at least twice a year, or more frequently in areas with hard water.
Descaling is a vital maintenance task for tankless water heaters. This process involves removing mineral deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, from the heat exchanger and other internal components to restore optimal performance. Our EZ-Flush System Descaling Kit pairs perfectly with all our gas tankless water heaters and is an easy DIY solution to prevent costly repairs and ensure uninterrupted heater function. The EZ-Flush System Descaler Kit provides homeowners with an effective solution for removing mineral deposits and maintaining the performance of their tankless water heaters. By incorporating regular descaling into their maintenance routine, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their tankless water heaters and continue to enjoy efficient and reliable hot water for years to come.
In conclusion, while tankless hot water heaters offer numerous advantages, including energy efficiency and on demand hot water, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. By incorporating routine cleaning and descaling into their maintenance regimen, homeowners can maximize the efficiency and lifespan of their tankless water heaters, ultimately saving money on energy costs and avoiding costly repairs.
What Fuel Type Should I Choose For My Hot Water Heater?
When determining which gas type to choose for your tankless geyser, several factors come into play. Firstly, consider your home's existing infrastructure. If your home is already equipped with a natural gas supply, opting for a natural gas tankless water heater may be the most convenient and cost-effective choice. Natural gas is typically readily available in many urban and suburban areas, and it often comes with lower operating costs compared to propane.
On the other hand, if your home does not have access to a natural gas supply, or if you live in a rural area where natural gas infrastructure is limited, a propane water heater may be the better option for your tankless hot water heater. Propane tanks can be installed onsite, providing a reliable fuel source for your propane tankless water heater regardless of your location. While propane may have slightly higher operating costs compared to natural gas, it offers greater flexibility for homes without access to natural gas lines.
Additionally, consider your personal preferences and any environmental considerations. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that produces carbon emissions when burned, albeit at lower levels compared to other fossil fuels. Propane is also a fossil fuel but typically produces fewer emissions than natural gas. If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, you may want to explore renewable energy options or energy-efficient models of both natural gas and propane tankless water heaters.
Ultimately, the decision between a natural gas water heater and a liquid propane water heater depends on factors such as availability, cost, and environmental impact. Evaluate your specific circumstances and consult with a professional installer to determine the best gas type for your tankless hot water heater based on your needs and preferences.
Are Gas Tankless Hot Water Heaters More Energy Efficient?
Eccotemp smart tankless water heaters stand out in the market due to their exceptional Energy Factor (EF) ratings and smart home advantages, making them a top choice for residential and small commercial water heating solutions. These innovative systems utilize cutting-edge technology to heat water on-demand, eliminating the need for a traditional storage tank and thereby reducing standby heat losses. By only heating water when it's needed, Eccotemp tankless hot water heaters effectively minimize energy consumption, resulting in significant cost savings on utility bills while also contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.
One of the key factors that contribute to the energy efficiency of Eccotemp tankless water heaters is their high EF ratings. EF ratings measure the efficiency of water heaters by considering factors such as energy input versus heat output. Eccotemp models consistently achieve high EF ratings, indicating their ability to convert energy input into usable heat with minimal waste. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners and a reduced environmental footprint.
Smart home technology has revolutionized the way we interact with and control our home appliances, making it easier than ever to optimize comfort and energy efficiency. Our innovative smart home tankless gas water heaters are no exception, offering seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, as well as advanced mobile app features to put control at your fingertips.
- The Eccotemp app allows you to control your water heater with ease to adjust the temperature: Customize your water heater's temperature settings to suit your preferences and needs.
- Set schedules: Schedule your water heater to turn on and off based on your daily routine, ensuring hot water is available when you need it and conserving energy when you don't.
- View real consumption statistics with an associated dollar amount: Keep track of your hot water usage and associated costs, helping you make informed decisions about your consumption habits.
- Receive maintenance alerts: Stay on top of your water heater's maintenance needs with timely alerts and reminders.
By utilizing these smart home features, you can customize your hot water usage to match your lifestyle, while also optimizing energy usage and reducing utility bills.
Furthermore, Eccotemp's commitment to energy efficiency extends beyond their products to include ongoing research and development efforts aimed at improving performance and sustainability. By investing in innovation and technology, Eccotemp continues to push the boundaries of energy-efficient water heating solutions, providing homeowners with reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly options for meeting their hot water needs.
