Water Systems

Things To Consider When Buying A Tankless Gas Water Heater

A tankless gas water heater will save you a lot of money over the tanked version, as it is much more efficient since it doesn't have to keep a tank of water hot at all times. However, there are some things you should consider when deciding which type of water heater would be best for you.

First of all, with a tankless gas water heater you need to keep in mind the total cost of using this type of system. This includes the initial price of the system, as well as the installation and the operating costs. Although natural gas and LP gas are many times cheaper than electricity in a lot of areas, the prices tend to fluctuate a lot so you can't count on a guaranteed cost for running your system. The initial purchase price of a gas heater will probably be lower than that for an electric one, but the overall efficiency peaks at around 80 or 85% for gas heaters and around 95% for electric heaters, so the electric heaters are more efficient.

With a tankless gas water heater you also have to consider the exhaust venting, gas line size, and combustion air requirements. You need to place the water heater near some type of chimney or vent, and away from areas where it would be exposed to poor weather conditions. Those living in a warm area can install their water heater's outside, negating the need for a direct vent. You also need to make sure that your gas line is of a size that is large enough to handle the higher amount of BTUs required by tankless water heaters over conventional water heaters. You also don't want the gas line to be too long.

There are a number of different manufacturers for tankless gas water heaters. These include Noritz, Polonis, Bosch, Aquastar, and Navien. It might be a good idea to check out the reviews for the different makes and models to figure out which might be the best hot water heater for your family. The model you choose should be large enough to handle the water needs of your family, otherwise you might need to install more than one heater. If you have specials application in mind, remember there are other options, including portable and even outdoor tankless water heaters.