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Tankless Water Installation in Miami
Hot water heater repair or Tankless water heater installation in Miami
Are you looking for a tankless water heater installation or water heater repair near me?
On this page we will explain the different types of tankless water heaters.
If you already have a tankless water heater then you know how awesome it is to never run out of hot water. But if you’re reading this and you don’t have a tankless water heater, allow me to ask; have you ever tried to fill your bathtub to only reach halfway before it gets cold? We’ve all been there at one time or another. Or perhaps you need the storage space and your current water heater is taking up too much precious room?
Let’s dive into what options you have and discuss all the possibilities and below we will also answer your question of “How much is it going to cost me?”
Tankless Water Heaters pros and cons
Oftentimes the best way to compare options is to look at the pros and cons of each choice. Tankless water heaters certainly have their perks, but they also can have their downsides. Let’s take a quick look at each:
Electric Tankless Water Heaters:
Residential units range in power from 3.5kw up to 36kw. They are powered by high voltage electricity and pull a lot of power at once.
3.5kw can only produce about 0.68 gallons per minute of hot water. Those are considered “point of use” mini tankless and they are a good option for one sink where local plumbing codes require some minimal hot water to wash hands, like in a public restroom. Most faucets are about 1.5 gallons per minute, so you can see how it’s not a good option in a home.
Units lower than 11.5kw = 2.15 gallons per minute would not provide adequate hot water for a shower. Most showerheads now have restrictors and limit the flow to 2.5 gpm. So the 11.5kw unit is cutting it close to not being able to keep up.
The water flow from a bathtub spout can be 4-6 gpm depending on the shower valve. If you try to fill a bathtub with a 11.5kw tankless water heater, you will most likely run into the issue of the water coming out cold, since the unit is being over used.
Often with small tankless water heaters, when we’re diagnosing a hot water issue, we test the shower head and it’s hot but the water from the tub spout gets cold. This is due to the wrong size unit being installed. Also during the few coldest weeks of our sunny winters here in South Florida, we get a lot of calls about hot water issues. This is because tankless water heaters can only raise the temperature by 30 degrees, and now since it’s cold out, the water temperature is colder than normal and it’s falling short of how much water it can heat. The unit is trying to raise the water temperature by 30 degrees and still has the same amount of water flow going through it, it can only heat so much before it gives up.
We often see tankless water heaters that are undersized. Some plumbing contractors near Miami won’t pay attention to the details. So they offer their clients a space saving solution without telling them the downside. Not only that, the original wiring for a water heater tank is 10 gauge wire. If there was a traditional water heater in its place prior then the wiring is too thin for a tankless unit.
A Tankless water heater with 11.5-13kw requires a 60 amp electric breaker and 6 gauge wire. If you have an 80 amp breaker you need 4 gauge wire. But often we see that the wires were not replaced and this poses a serious fire hazard.
When the electric is used, the wire heats up and if too much electric power is drawn through a wire that is too thin, it will burn and can cause a fire. So when replacing a tank for a tankless, there are many factors to consider. If some plumbing contractors offer to install a tankless unit for half the price of other plumbing companies, make sure to question all the work that will be completed. Not all Plumbing services are equal just as not all orange juice is equal. Florida is the Orange Capital of The World, we should know a thing or two about good Orange Juice.
20-24kw units can produce enough hot water for a small home, of course there are still several factors to consider. Very large homes or in scenarios where multiple showers will be used at once or shower heads that use 5-6 gallons per minute of water may need a 36kw tankless water heater.
If you have any questions or want to discuss your tankless options, fill out the contact form on the side and our service manager will call you to discuss your hot water.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters:
Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, tankless systems do not run out of hot water, as they heat water as it passes through the unit. There is a powerful gas fired heat exchanger that can heat up to 9.8 gallons per minute of hot water, depending on the size of the unit. The difference in cost between entry level units that produce 5.3 GPM and top performing units at 9.8 GPM is about $700 in cost.
It’s common to see gas tankless water heaters installed outdoors by Plumbers in Miami. These are units designed specifically for installation outdoors. Since we don’t have to worry about pipes freezing, this is a great space saving option.
Advantages of gas tankless water heaters include:
- Endless hot water: Because they heat water as it flows through the unit, gas tankless water heaters can provide a continuous supply of hot water.
- Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional tank-style heaters, as they only heat water when it is needed.
- Space-saving design: Gas tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional tank heaters, making them a great option to save space and get endless hot water.
- Longer lifespan: Tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than traditional tank heaters, as they do not have the corrosion and sediment build-up that can occur in tank heaters.
There are some limitations to gas tankless water heaters, such as:
- Initial cost: Tankless water heaters tend to be more expensive upfront than traditional tank heaters.
- Installation costs: Installing a tankless water heater can be more expensive than installing a traditional tank heater, as it requires specialized expertise and equipment.
- Flow rate: The flow rate of a tankless water heater is limited, so two units may be needed to provide enough hot water for larger households with many bathrooms that are being used simultaneously.
If you’re considering a gas tankless water heater, it’s important to choose a unit that is properly sized for your home’s hot water needs and to have it installed by a licensed plumber.
What is the cost of a gas tankless water heater?
Indoor tankless water heaters cost a little more than exterior units. Sometimes special exhaust vent piping and fresh air intake pipes are required, this can bring up the cost of the unit and installation. There are also condensing and non condensing units. Condensing units require special drainage and filtration from the condensation of the unit. As a starting point, a tankless water heater can cost between $2900 – $6500 depending on a swap out from an existing tankless or completely setting up a system from scratch with water and gas supply from another location. Homes with 8 bathrooms and a lot of usage at the same time may require two tankless water heaters to work together.
Condensing and non-condensing gas tankless water heaters are two different types of water heaters that operate on natural gas. The main difference between the two is the way they handle the heat that is generated during the heating process.
Non-condensing tankless water heaters simply heat the water and release the resulting heat and fumes into the atmosphere. In contrast, condensing tankless water heaters capture the heat that would otherwise be lost and use it to preheat the incoming cold water. This results in higher energy efficiency and lower operating costs.
The savings from a condensing tankless water heater can be substantial compared to a non-condensing model. On average, a condensing tankless water heater can be up to 10% more energy-efficient than a non-condensing model. This means that it can reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of a condensing tankless water heater is typically higher than a non-condensing model. So, while you may save money on energy costs in the long run, you may need to invest more upfront.
Additionally, the installation process for a condensing tankless water heater can be more complex, as it requires specialized expertise, equipment and more maintenance. This can drive up the installation costs, so it’s important to factor in all of the costs involved when making a decision on which type of tankless water heater to choose.
In summary, if you’re looking to save money on energy costs in the long run and are willing to invest more upfront, a condensing gas tankless water heater may be the way to go. However a non-condensing model may be a better option for you, so give us a call to schedule a consultation and discuss the options with you.
Oasis Plumbing is rated the best plumber in Miami Beach for tankless water heater installation and maintenance.