http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-x7UlFFcjYqfZTzsQ9nrdq2BifGTFtiRD en-us Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:52:18 GMT http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-x7UlFFcjYqfZTzsQ9nrdq2BifGTFtiRD?p=9
Researching consumer reports and recall notices can give you a good idea of the quality of the product and whether spending more the best model is really worth the extra money.

Always compare length of warranty with competitor’s products to get an idea of what is the industry standard. Often a related association will have benchmark guidelines for judging performance.

And then there are online search engines that can be useful for comparing prices. Sites like Nextag and shopzilla offer not only listings of models by price and retailer but also feedback from buyers who are sharing their experience with the supplier as well as the product.

You know what they say about an informed consumer.

Choosing a tankless hot water heater for the home can be easy with the right measurements.

Find out how to choose the right electric tankless water heater


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The measure of efficiency
EnergyStar ratings are used to lead consumers in finding the best tankless hot water heater, or other home heating product that will give them more value. Electric tankless hot water heaters can be seen as .99 energy efficient, while tankless gas heaters are compared at .80. The gap is in the amount of loss of heat in the fuel burning process of gas burners. Tank water heaters are rated with even lower efficiency rating.

Delve into the cost of energy costs in your locale. If the price of electricity is competitive, this could produce a difference in your energy choice. Regardless, gas might point to the best choice for a tankless hot water heater. Gas fired hot water is usually considered the best choice for larger houses.

As an example, this will show you what to expect: Electric tankless models produce a flow of only 2-5 gallons per minute of hot water, while gas models can produce 9-13 gallons of hot water per minute. Using multiple units is a way to custom fit tankless models to fit your needs and reduce wasted energy.

For your reference, A shower, with a water saver nozzle uses 1-¼ to 1-½ gallons per minute. A tub or clothes washer uses about 2 to 2-½ gallons per minute.

Energy prices and the best tankless hot water heater
It was once understood that natural gas gave more value for the money but it may be different in your state. But utility prices can vary by locale. See for yourself, compare energy costs for your area. Recent times have brought changes. The bargain rate of gas that once balanced out a low efficiency rating for home heating needs has changed.



This will give you a quick idea of US power rates:

Electric prices vary from $0.06/kwh to $0.23/kwh ($1.76 to $6.74 a therm)
Gas prices vary from $10 to $19 per 1,000 cu ft of natural gas ($1 to $1.90 per therm)

Regional climate
In the northern part of the US, where ground temperature may drop to just above freezing, it will demand a lot more energy to raise the temperature of a gallon of water. This could call for the power of a gas model, depending on your rate of flow needs. Give attention to these two things: Flow Rate and Gallons Per Minute to find what size heater measures up to your lifestyle and whether it should be gas or electric.

The installation step
This step means more homework. A quick search may show that there may be few contractors knowledgeable in advising you in choosing the best tankless hot water heater and how to install it. The best course is to look for qualified people and get several estimates. Look for someone familiar with this type of gas combustion system.

Electric tankless hot water heaters, on the other hand, can be a handyman project. If you want to stay within a low budget you can save money this way. Get a good how-to book and the manufacturer’s manual for help with this project.

Installing a tankless hot water heater can be a DIY project. See for yourself: http://www.installing-a-tankless-water-heater.com

Find out how to choose the best tankless hot water heater for your home: http://best-tankless-hot-water-heater.info

]]> Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:06:47 GMT http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-x7UlFFcjYqfZTzsQ9nrdq2BifGTFtiRD?p=5
You can do this by measuring the difference between ground water and at-the-faucet temperature. More rise means more energy to heat the water. Home tankless models usually produce 2-5 gals per minute, depending on the temperature rise.

Calculations to find your needs can be easily made by running a showerhead into a bucket for one minute. If you anticipate multiple users, repeat the bucket process for each. Your total will give you the gallons per minute that you need. Next is temperature rise which can be measured with a digital thermometer at the sink closest to water’s entry point.

Run the cold water for a few minutes to clear standing water and take a measurement. For best results this should be done in the coldest month, otherwise figure 20 degrees F. range between the extremes.

The equation looks like this:

Gallons/minute x temperature rise = energy

Higher temperature rise means less faucets running at one time.

More faucets running means colder water

Some advantages are:

A tankless water heater only turns on when you turn the hot water faucet.

There is a never ending supply of hot water.

Replacement parts make it a long-term investment.

Manufacturer’s sites are a good source of information. Many have maps and graphs to help you calculate the right model for your needs. A trip to you home building supply store can also be helpful.

While the cost of installing a new gas tankless hot water heater may seem pricey, keep in mind that this is a long-term investment with a life expectancy of 20 years or more and the cost of natural gas will continue to rise.

Be sure to do your research. You may find that an electric unit with a holding tank could have you ahead on your investment from day one. Especially if you install it yourself.

A tankless water heater can be the perfect fit for a weekend retreat or second home.

Installing a tankless hot water heater can be a DIY project. See for yourself how easy it is to install a tankless water heater

]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:00:08 GMT http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-x7UlFFcjYqfZTzsQ9nrdq2BifGTFtiRD?p=3
Tankless hot water heaters are also known for their energy efficiency, with an “only on when you need it” approach to home hot water needs. Some, for under the counter use are even smaller, about the size of a loaf of bread. Imagine what that would be like - having instant hot water anywhere in the house?

Many of us are looking for ways to help make this planet a little healthier. Recycling is one way to help out. For big items, like home appliances, it is the responsibility of local governments to reduce what goes into the landfill. Appliances that have out lived their usefulness can be salvaged for reusable metals. Tankless heaters have the edge here too.

If your hot water tank is starting to show its age maybe it’s time to see if a tankless would work for your needs. Tankless water heaters, because of their compact size, just naturally require less natural resources. These heaters also have the advantage of replaceable parts and long life. In fact, they may be the last hot water heater you will ever have to buy. Good for you and good for the planet.

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