How to Switch from Tank Water Heater to Tankless

Switching from a tank water heater to a tankless one can be a great way to save energy and money․ Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so you don’t have to wait for a tank to fill up before you can use hot water․ This can save you a lot of energy, especially if you have a large household․

Assess Your Needs

Before you switch to a tankless water heater, it’s important to assess your needs․ Consider the following factors⁚

• How much hot water do you use? A tankless water heater may not be able to meet the demand if you have a large household or use a lot of hot water for showers, baths, and laundry․
• What is your peak hot water demand? If you have multiple people showering at the same time, you’ll need a tankless water heater with a high flow rate․
• What is your budget? Tankless water heaters can be more expensive than tank water heaters, so it’s important to factor in the cost when making your decision․

Once you’ve assessed your needs, you can start shopping for a tankless water heater․

Here are some additional tips for assessing your needs⁚

• Check your energy bills․ See how much energy you’re using to heat water․ This will give you a good idea of how much you could save by switching to a tankless water heater;
• Talk to a plumber․ A plumber can help you assess your needs and recommend the best tankless water heater for your home․

By taking the time to assess your needs, you can make sure that you choose the right tankless water heater for your home․

Choose a Tankless Water Heater

Once you’ve assessed your needs, it’s time to choose a tankless water heater․ Here are some things to consider⁚

• Flow rate⁚ The flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM)․ It determines how much hot water the heater can deliver at once․ Choose a flow rate that is high enough to meet your peak hot water demand․
• Energy efficiency⁚ Tankless water heaters are rated by their energy factor (EF)․ The higher the EF, the more energy efficient the heater is․ Look for a heater with an EF of at least 0․80․
• Size⁚ Tankless water heaters are smaller than tank water heaters, but they still need to be properly sized for your home․ A plumber can help you choose the right size heater․
• Brand⁚ There are many different brands of tankless water heaters on the market․ Do some research to find a brand that is known for quality and reliability․

Here are some additional tips for choosing a tankless water heater⁚

• Consider your climate․ If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need a tankless water heater that is designed to operate in cold weather․
• Read reviews․ See what other people have to say about different tankless water heaters before you make a decision․
• Get a warranty․ Most tankless water heaters come with a warranty․ Make sure to get a warranty that is long enough to protect your investment․

By taking the time to choose the right tankless water heater, you can ensure that you have a reliable and efficient source of hot water for your home․

Install the Tankless Unit

Installing a tankless water heater is a job that is best left to a qualified plumber․ However, if you are comfortable working with plumbing and electrical systems, you may be able to install the heater yourself․

Here are the steps involved in installing a tankless water heater⁚
Turn off the water supply to your home․
Disconnect the old tank water heater․
Remove the old tank water heater․
Install the new tankless water heater․
Connect the water supply to the new tankless water heater․
Turn on the water supply to your home․
Turn on the gas or electricity to the new tankless water heater․
Test the new tankless water heater to make sure it is working properly․

Here are some additional tips for installing a tankless water heater⁚

• Make sure the tankless water heater is installed in a well-ventilated area․
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully․
• Use a licensed plumber if you are not comfortable working with plumbing and electrical systems․

By following these steps, you can safely and correctly install a tankless water heater in your home․

Once the tankless water heater is installed, you can enjoy the benefits of endless hot water without the high energy costs of a tank water heater․

Uninstall the Tank Water Heater

Once you have installed your new tankless water heater, you will need to uninstall your old tank water heater․ This is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid any damage to your home or injury to yourself․

Here are the steps involved in uninstalling a tank water heater⁚

Turn off the water supply to the tank water heater․
Turn off the gas or electricity to the tank water heater․
Disconnect the water supply lines from the tank water heater․
Disconnect the gas or electric line from the tank water heater․
Drain the water from the tank water heater․
Disconnect the drain valve from the tank water heater․
Remove the tank water heater from its location․

Here are some additional tips for uninstalling a tank water heater⁚

• Make sure the tank water heater is empty before you move it․
• Be careful not to damage the floor or walls when you are moving the tank water heater․
• Dispose of the tank water heater according to your local regulations․

By following these steps, you can safely and correctly uninstall a tank water heater from your home․

Once the tank water heater is uninstalled, you can enjoy the benefits of your new tankless water heater․