A propane tankless water heater may be worth it depending on your situation. If you have a large family or an unusually high demand for hot water, going tankless may be beneficial as they usually have higher flow rates than conventional tank heaters.
Additionally, tankless units are more efficient since they only heat water when it’s needed. This means that you won’t be unnecessarily wasting energy and resources to maintain the heated water in a regular tank.
Furthermore, tankless water heaters have a longer life span and generally don’t require as much maintenance as traditional water heaters do. Finally, propane is cheaper to use than electricity in many areas, which may be an additional reason to consider a propane tankless heater.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not a propane tankless water heater is worth it will depend on your specific needs and budget.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The main downside of a tankless water heater is the cost. The initial investment of purchasing and installing a tankless water heater is much higher than a traditional tank water heater. Also, upgrading the gas line, electrical wiring, and venting may be necessary, which can significantly increase the cost of the installation.
Additionally, home and water demands may be too great for a tankless water heater to adequately handle, so multiple tankless systems may have to be installed, increasing the cost even further. Finally, although tankless water heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water, the flow rate and temperature of the water may vary depending on the types and number of fixtures or appliances that are operating at the same time.
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?
The size tankless water heater you will need for a family of 4 largely depends on the hot water use by the family. To determine the size heater needed, you will want to calculate the peak gallons per minute (GPM) that will be needed for your family’s hot water use.
It is recommended to multiply the total number of bathroom fixtures (sink, toilet, tub, or shower) by the number of gallons they use per minute. This equation will give you the peak GPM required to adequately meet hot water use.
In addition to taking into account the number of fixtures and their GPM, other factors to consider when choosing a tankless water heater are the location and climate. Tankless water heaters require an inlet water temperature of around 58°F to operate correctly.
If your area experiences colder winters, the inlet water temperature will be lower than 58°F, requiring a larger GPM tankless water heater to properly heat your water.
Once you have determined the peak GPM needed, you can choose the appropriate tankless water heater size. If your peak GPM requirement is around 4-6 GPM, then a mid-sized tankless water heater with a 6-8 GPM capacity should be sufficient.
For a family of 4 with a peak GPM requirement of 6-7 GPM, then a larger tankless water heater with a capacity of 8-10 GPM would be more than adequate.
Using the equation above along with taking into account the climate and location should help you find the appropriate tankless water heater size for your family of 4.
Do tankless water heaters need to be flushed every year?
Yes, tankless water heaters require annual maintenance and flushing each year in order to keep them running smoothly and efficiently. The main reason for this is to remove any built-up sediment, minerals, and other debris that could cause issues with your water heater and reduce its overall performance.
When sediment accumulates and builds up inside the heater, it can cause flow restriction, and lead to decreased efficiency or even complete failure. For these reasons, it is important to have your tankless water heater flushed at least once a year.
During a flush, a professional technician will use specialized tools to flush out any sediment or debris that has built up inside your tankless water heater. They will also inspect it for any signs of damage and potential repairs that may be needed.
This is a fairly quick and easy process that doesn’t take too much time, but it can be extremely important for the overall maintenance and performance of your tankless water heater. If you want to ensure your tankless water heater continues to provide reliable hot water for your home, then be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and have it flushed out at least once a year.
Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?
Yes, it is possible to run out of hot water when using a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters typically use a gas burner or electric heating element to heat water on-demand, as opposed to holding a large tank of hot water like traditional water heaters.
Since Tankless water heaters don’t have a reservoir of stored hot water, they may run out of hot water. This is most likely to occur when multiple people or appliances are running multiple showers, laundry or dishes at a time, and the capacity of the water heater is exceeded.
If this happens, it is best to either upgrade to a higher capacity unit, or install a point-of-use recirculation pump, which will help keep water hot in the pipes so hot water is ready for use instantly.
Are tankless water heaters a lot of maintenance?
No, tankless water heaters are not a lot of maintenance. The beauty of tankless water heaters is that they require minimal upkeep. Generally all that is needed to maintain a tankless water heater is to clean the inlet filter and flush the system annually.
This will ensure the best performance and the longest life of your tankless water heater. Also, it is recommended to check the connections and venting system of the tankless water heater on a regular basis, especially after the first year of operation.
Doing so will ensure that nothing is broken or in need of repair in the system.
How long will 100 gallons of propane last for water heater?
The amount of time 100 gallons of propane will last for a water heater will vary greatly depending on the specific water heater and its efficiency rating. Generally speaking, 100 gallons of propane will last between 60 to 140 days.
This time frame could be shorter or longer depending on the amount of hot water being used, the size of the water heater, and the efficiency rating of the appliance. It is important to ensure the water heater has been properly calibrated and in good working condition to ensure efficiency.
Also, if the hot water demands are increased, such as from additional family members or increased usage, the time frame may be shorter.
What is liquid propane water heater?
A liquid propane water heater is an appliance that heats water by burning liquid propane fuel. It is an efficient type of water heater with the ability to heat a large amount of water quickly and evenly.
It is often used in areas where water may not be readily available, as the liquid propane can be stored for extended periods of time and heated as needed. Generally, liquid propane water heaters feature a large tank that is filled with liquid propane fuel, which is then used as the heat source.
The fuel is burned via a burner, which is regulated by a control valve. The heat generated by the burning of the liquid propane is then transferred to the water inside the tank and throughout the distribution pipes of the home, providing hot water where and when it is needed.
Liquid propane water heaters offer a number of advantages over traditional electric or natural gas water heaters, such as greater energy efficiency, longer lasting lifespan, reduced operational noise and fumes, and a greater ability to accommodate larger hot water needs.
Is liquid propane the same as propane for heater?
No, liquid propane and propane for heaters are not the same. Propane for heaters usually refers to vaporized propane, which is created by compressing propane gas into a liquid state. When vaporized, propane expands several hundred times, allowing it to be used in portable, single-flame heaters.
Liquid propane, on the other hand, is the highly flammable liquid form of propane, which is most often used as a fuel source for heating, cooking, and other industrial purposes. Although liquid propane and propane for heaters are both forms of propane, the two should not be confused as they function differently and have different uses.
What is the difference between a propane water heater and a natural gas water heater?
The main difference between a propane water heater and a natural gas water heater is their fuel source. A propane water heater uses propane as its primary fuel source, while a natural gas water heater uses natural gas.
Both fuel sources are flammable gases that are ignited to heat the water, but they differ in their sources and cost. Propane is a fossil fuel liquified under pressure, and can be used to power many appliances and is often used in residential water heaters in areas not serviced by natural gas.
Natural gas is a combustible gas created by the decomposition of ancient plant and animal remains, and is widely used in many areas to heat homes and businesses through centralized infrastructure.
Propane tank water heaters are typically more expensive to install than their natural gas counterparts because they require larger tanks to store propane and extra piping to bring it from the tank to the water heater.
However, cost savings can be realized over natural gas water heaters in areas that are not serviced by natural gas lines due to lower usage costs. Natural gas is generally less expensive than propane, and water heaters that use it require no additional storage tanks, freeing up space in the home or business.
In addition, natural gas is typically more accessible, making it the go-to for most areas.
In conclusion, propane and natural gas water heaters differ primarily in their fuel source, with propane coming from tightly sealed tanks and natural gas typically coming from a centralized system. Propane may be more expensive initially to install, but can save money over time due to lower usage costs.
Natural gas is typically more accessible and typically less expensive to use.
Is liquid propane cheaper than electricity?
The cost of liquid propane compared to electricity can vary depending on several factors, including your geographic location and the cost of energy in your area. Generally speaking, liquid propane tends to be a more cost-effective fuel than electricity.
In colder climates, it’s typically significantly cheaper to operate an appliance on propane than electricity due to the lower cost per BTU of propane compared to electricity.
For homeowners in areas with certain climates and geographic conditions, such as places with a high concentration of rivers and creeks, propane may be the only option due to the difficulty of running electrical wiring to their homes.
In these cases, propane will typically be the most economical form of energy.
Overall, the decision of whether to use liquid propane or electricity will ultimately depend on your energy needs and the cost of energy in your area. Depending on your location and energy needs, liquid propane may be the cheaper option.
It’s recommended to compare the cost of electricity and liquid propane in your area before making a final decision.
Is it cheaper to run a propane water heater or electric?
When deciding between a propane water heater and an electric one, several factors should be taken into account. Propane water heaters tend to be cheaper to run than electric ones in most cases, as the cost of propane is generally less than that of electricity.
Propane water heaters also usually require less maintenance than electric ones, which can save costs in the long run. Additionally, the upfront cost of buying a propane water heater can be lower than that of an electric one.
On the other hand, electric water heaters may be preferable for those living in areas where access to propane is limited or difficult.
When weighing the costs of running a propane water heater versus an electric one, consider the size of your home and the amount of hot water you use. If your hot water needs are high, an electric water heater may be the more cost-effective option.
Finally, consider the efficiency of your water heater. There are Energy Star rated electric and propane water heaters which will help save costs in the long-term.
Should I replace a 15 year old water heater?
Whether you should replace a 15-year-old water heater depends on several factors, including the overall condition of the unit, whether it has been properly maintained over its lifespan, and whether it is a gas or electric model.
Generally, replacing a gas or propane heater at the 15-year mark is a good idea, as these units can become less efficient and potentially unsafe as they age. Electric water heaters tend to last longer than their gas counterparts, up to twice as long, so even if it is 15 years old you may still be able to get a few more years out of it.
To determine if replacing your 15-year-old water heater is necessary, it’s a good idea to get it inspected by a qualified technician. Factors like corrosion, sediment buildup, and visible leaks can contribute to the need to replace the system prematurely.
Similarly, if you have a tankless water heater, check the manufacturer’s owner’s manual to determine whether it needs to be inspected or replaced at the 15-year mark. All in all, fifteen years is typically a good time to consider replacing an aging unit, but it should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Can a gas water heater last 20 years?
Yes, a gas water heater can last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to replace it about every 10-15 years. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the build up of sediment from hard water, the age and efficiency of certain parts, and the deterioration of the unit itself due to normal wear and tear.
It is important to keep your water heater regularly inspected and tuned-up by a qualified HVAC technician to ensure it lasts as long as possible and works as efficiently as possible. Additionally, make sure to install a quality system with good warranty protection.
What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?
The signs that your hot water heater is going out can vary, depending on the make and model of the heater, but there are certain signs that are usually common to most models. These include a lack of hot water, unusual sounds and noises coming from the heater, a pilot light that keeps going out, rusty or discolored water coming out, a bad odor emitting from the unit, lack of hot water pressure, or the hot water becoming too hot and then too cold.
Additionally, if the unit is more than 10 years old, you may be due for a replacement.
If these signs are present, it’s important to contact a qualified plumber or hot water heater specialist who can diagnose and repair the issue. With proper maintenance and timely repairs, you could extend the life of the hot water heater.