Tip Of The Month
If you have been considering a tankless water heater but have questions about cost, benefits, and performance, there are some things to consider before you rush out and buy one at a home center.
As far as cost goes, a tankless water heater is more expensive to install than a tank type. Maybe as much as three times the cost of a tank type water heater.
The benefits of a Rinnai tankless water heater are many. You won’t run out of hot water. When not in use, you are not paying for energy to keep a tank of water hot. A Rinnai tankless water heater is expected to last twenty years. This is probably twice what you can expect from a tank type water heater. Tankless water heaters take up less space than a tank type heater. Combustion air is not a problem. Air for combustion is drawn in from around the vent so these heaters can be installed in a small space with no fear of carbon monoxide dangers. A diagnostic digital thermostat is included with each heater. This is an extra on some brands. Changing temperature is as easy as pushing an up or down arrow.
Performance is something to consider. An entry level Rinnai tankless water heater can go head to head with a 50 gallon tank type gas water heater as far as volume is concerned. What this means is the flow from a tankless water heater is based on temperature difference between the cold water entering and the temperature of the water leaving. If you have 60 degree water coming into the heater and desire 120 degree water coming out, you have a temperature difference (delta t) of 60 degrees. At a 60 degree delta t, a Rinnai will put out about 5.3 gallons per minute. If you think all tankless water heaters are the same, this is something to consider. You can buy cheaper, but not equal and better.
The two things to consider when thinking about price are gas volume and the vent. If you are changing from a 40 gallon gas heater with a btu rating of 40,000 and going to a tankless with a modulating burner capable of 180,000 btus, that ½ inch gas supply won’t cut it. If the gas supply is not adequate they won’t perform properly. The vent is specific on a Rinnai heater. It is an inner aluminum vent for combustion with an air space and an outer plastic pipe for drawing in outside air for combustion.
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We hope that these tips can help you maintain your plumbing system. Look for a new tip every month. Or if you have a plumbing tip you would like to share, feel free to send it to us. We just might post it next month.
Contact Air Works today at 479.751.7411, toll-free 800.781.7411 or e-mail info@multi-craft.net.
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