Tips for Selecting the Right Type of Tankless Water Heater for Your Home

Last updated 6 months ago

For years, traditional storage water heaters have provided millions of homeowners with reliable hot water. However, tankless water heaters have recently become more energy efficient and cost effective. If you’re interested in installing a tankless water heater in your home, you first need to wade through the various options. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Consider the energy source

Like traditional storage water heaters, the heating element of tankless heaters can use electricity, propane, or natural gas. When deciding on a tankless model, you should consider the types of energy that your home currently receives. Though virtually any home can accommodate an electric tankless model, you should first consider a propane or natural gas model, since they tend to heat water more quickly. If the initial cost of installing a gas-powered model is too great, then you should opt for an electric one.

Suggested copy: Since gas heat is extremely efficient, it can heat water much quicker than electric. Given the price of natural gas being far lower than other fuels, you might consider a natural gas tankless water heater as your first choice. If natural gas is not available in your neighborhood, consider installing propane.

Check available space

Since tankless water heaters are relatively small, you should be able to easily fit your new unit in the same spot as your old storage heater. That said, some tankless systems are larger than others, have specific venting requirements, or need a more centralized placement. When selecting a tankless water heater, it helps to get a professional’s opinion on whether or not you have the right kind of space to accommodate one.

Consider your hot water needs

If you have a small home with only a few occupants, you can probably get by with a small, electric tankless system. If you live in a large home with a large family, you should consider a larger gas-powered model or possibly multiple smaller units. You should also select a system that can successfully provide hot water to two or more fixtures simultaneously.

Whichever model you choose, Florida Public Utilities Company can provide the energy you need to run it. We offer propane, natural gas, and electricity, as well as professional home energy use analysis. Call us today at (561) 832-0872 to find out why we are one of the most trusted energy providers in the state.