What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need?

When it comes to ensuring a steady and efficient supply of hot water in our homes, tankless water heaters have gained immense popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional water heaters with large tanks, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, making them energy-efficient and space-saving solutions. If you’re considering upgrading to a tankless water heater, one of the essential questions you’ll encounter is, “What size tankless water heater do I need?” Fear not, as Lickety-Split is here to guide you through this decision-making process!

Why Size Matters

Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand why the size of a tankless water heater is crucial. Unlike conventional water heaters that store a fixed amount of hot water, tankless units heat water as it flows through the system. Determining the right size is vital because an undersized unit may not deliver sufficient hot water, while an oversized one can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and higher costs.

Factors Affecting Tankless Water Heater Sizing

Several factors influence the size of the tankless water heater that would best suit your needs. Let’s take a closer look at these considerations:

Flow Rate: This refers to the amount of hot water the tankless heater can produce per minute, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Calculate your required flow rate by considering the number of fixtures you intend to use simultaneously (e.g., showers, faucets, washing machines). Lickety-Split recommends a flow rate of 2-5 GPM for smaller households and 5-10 GPM for larger ones.

Temperature Rise: Temperature rise is the difference between the incoming water temperature and your desired hot water temperature. Warmer regions will have a lower temperature rise than colder areas. For instance, if the incoming water is 50°F and you want hot water at 120°F, the temperature rise is 70°F.

Peak Demand: Analyze your household’s peak hot water usage. If multiple members of the household take showers or use hot water simultaneously during certain periods, you’ll need a tankless water heater with a higher GPM capacity to meet this demand.

Fuel Type: Tankless water heaters can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. The fuel type you choose can affect the unit’s maximum flow rate and performance.

Water Quality: Water hardness and other factors can influence the tankless water heater’s maintenance needs and overall lifespan. Lickety-Split recommends regular water quality testing to ensure the longevity of your system.

Lickety-Split’s Expert Sizing Recommendations

As a reputable plumbing company, Lickety-Split offers some expert recommendations to help you find the ideal tankless water heater size for your home:

Small Homes or Apartments: For properties with low hot water demand, such as one-bathroom apartments or small homes, a tankless water heater with a flow rate of 2-3 GPM should suffice.

Average-Sized Homes: For homes with two bathrooms, the recommended flow rate ranges from 4-6 GPM. This ensures that multiple fixtures can be used simultaneously without compromising performance.

Larger Homes or High Demand: Homes with three or more bathrooms and higher hot water demand require tankless water heaters with a flow rate of 7 GPM or more to meet peak usage without a drop in temperature.

Commercial Applications: Businesses or commercial applications may require specialized commercial-grade tankless water heaters with higher GPM capacities, tailored to their specific needs.

Consulting with Lickety-Split

While this guide provides a solid foundation for determining the size of the tankless water heater you need, every home is unique. To make an accurate assessment and find the perfect fit for your requirements, it’s best to consult with a plumbing expert from Lickety-Split. Their professionals can conduct an in-depth evaluation of your household’s hot water needs and recommend the most suitable tankless water heater model for your budget and preferences.

In conclusion, selecting the right size tankless water heater is crucial to ensure an uninterrupted supply of hot water while optimizing energy consumption. By considering factors like flow rate, temperature rise, peak demand, fuel type, and water quality, you can make an informed decision that will keep your home running smoothly for years to come. And with Lickety-Split’s expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that your tankless water heater needs are in good hands.