You’re the last to get a shower.

Here comes that dreaded cold water.

This is a common scenario with traditional water heaters.

Switching to a propane tankless water heater offers endless hot water on demand.
This guide takes you through the essentials of propane tankless water heaters, ensuring you make an informed decision about this significant upgrade.

What’s in this guide:

How a Propane Tankless Water Heater Works

Turning on a hot water tap in your home signals the tankless water heater to start heating water. The heater detects water flow, which activates the heating system.
Cold water enters the unit through a dedicated pipeline.
The incoming cold water circulates through a heat exchanger in the unit.
The unit’s propane burner ignites automatically as water flows through the heat exchanger.
The system provides a steady stream of hot water for as long as the tap remains open.
As soon as the hot water tap is turned off, the water heater shuts down, stopping heating and conserving energy.

Traditional vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Efficiency: 60% vs 98%

Traditional Water Heaters: These heaters continuously maintain a tank of heated water, leading to standby energy loss.

The average energy efficiency for these units is about 60%, meaning a significant portion of energy is wasted in keeping the water warm.

Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless heaters eliminate standby losses by heating water directly as it flows through the unit. Their efficiency can reach up to 98%, making them more cost-effective in the long run. Despite their higher initial cost (often twice as much as traditional heaters), these savings are substantial over the heater’s lifespan.

How much space tankless water heaters take up in your home

Traditional Water Heaters: Traditional water heaters are bulky, occupying significant space in basements or utility closets. This is an inconvenience in homes where space is at a premium.

Tankless Water Heaters: The compact design of tankless heaters, often no larger than a suitcase, allows them to be mounted on the wall, freeing up floor space.

Lifespan: 10 years vs 20 years

Traditional heaters have a lifespan of 10-15 years, whereas tankless heaters last over 20 years with appropriate care.

Performance and Capacity

Traditional Water Heaters: Traditional heaters have a limited hot water supply, which is quickly depleted in larger households.

Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless heaters provide a continuous hot water supply, regardless of usage patterns.

Well Water

Chester County’s climate, with its cold winters, makes the efficiency and reliability of tankless heaters particularly valuable. Unlike traditional heaters, which struggle to maintain a hot water supply during peak usage in cold weather, tankless heaters provide consistent performance.

Many homes in Chester County rely on well water. The temperature of well water fluctuates with the seasons, directly impacting the performance of your propane tankless water heater.

You may need to opt for a higher-capacity unit to accommodate the cold. A model with at least a 10% higher flow rate than usual might be necessary. You can calculate the temperature rise needed by subtracting the incoming water temperature from your desired hot water temperature. For example, if incoming water is at 40°F and you need water at 120°F, look for a heater with an 80°F rise capacity.

Installation Cost: $500-800 vs $1,000-2,500

The initial cost of a propane tankless water heater is higher than traditional tank heaters. While a traditional water heater costs between $500 to $800, a propane tankless model ranges from $1,000 to $1,500, not including installation fees.

Installation for a propane tankless heater varies depending on your home’s needs. Adding necessary plumbing or ventilation increases costs. The total installation ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the job’s complexity.

Residents in Chester County should explore rebates or incentives for energy-efficient appliances. This can significantly reduce the initial cost.

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Determining Size and Capacity

Choosing the right size for your propane tankless water heater is crucial for ensuring it meets your hot water needs.

Size is determined by the flow rate (gallons per minute) and the temperature rise needed based on your inlet water temperature.

Start by calculating the flow rate you need. Add up the gallons per minute (GPM) of all devices you might use simultaneously (like showers, dishwashers, etc.). For example, a shower may use 2.5 GPM and a dishwasher 3 GPM. Running both would require a heater with at least 5.5 GPM.

To determine the temperature rise, subtract the incoming water temperature from your desired hot water temperature. For instance, if your inlet water is at 50°F and you want 120°F water, you need a heater capable of a 70°F rise.

The Installation Process

Comprehensive Home Evaluation: A professional will thoroughly evaluate the current plumbing and gas lines to ensure your home is ready for your new tankless system. The best installation spot will be identified, considering venting requirements and gas line proximity.
Removal of the Old Water Heater: Your old water heater will be safely disconnected and removed.
Upgraded Plumbing: Plumbing lines will be upgraded or modified based on the water heater’s location to accommodate the tankless system.
Gas Line Fitting: The gas line size and setup will be assessed and adjusted to match the new tankless heater’s location perfectly. A pressure test on the gas line will ensure it meets the demands of the new heater.
Venting Requirements: A new venting system will be installed, tailored to the specific location requirements of the tankless heater.
Electrical Setup: A professional will handle all electrical connections, including electronic ignition and surge protection for the heater’s components, based on where the water heater is placed.
Mounting: The tankless heater will be securely mounted and connected to the gas, water, and electrical systems.
System Testing: Extensive testing will be conducted to ensure flawless operation.

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Maintenance Tips

Tankless water heaters are more straightforward. With fewer parts and no storage tank, there’s less that can wear out or break down. However, regular maintenance is still important.

Annual Check-Ups: Schedule yearly maintenance checks to keep your propane tankless water heater in top condition.

Scale Build-Up Monitoring: In Chester County, where hard water is common, it’s crucial to check for scale build-up, although you probably have an anode rod and water softener to mitigate this. This can affect the heater’s efficiency and longevity.

Burner and Air Intake Cleaning: Regularly clean the burner and air intake filters.

Maintenance Services and Warranty

Most propane tankless water heaters include a manufacturer’s warranty. This typically covers the heat exchanger and other key parts, often for several years.

It’s crucial to understand what the warranty covers and for how long. Coverage periods and terms vary significantly between manufacturers.

For example, parts might only be covered for 3 years, while functionality may be covered for 7. Often, you can purchase additional warranties that last over 10 years.

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your warranty valid. Some warranties require proof of annual maintenance.

Professional services ensure that maintenance is done correctly, which is vital for warranty purposes.

Safety and Environmental Standards

Propane tankless water heaters are designed to be safe and prevent overheating and excessive pressure build-up.

Many models include automatic shut-off features, which enhance safety by immediately stopping operation if a problem is detected.

Propane tankless water heaters contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional water heaters by operating more efficiently.

Partner with Kauffman Gas for Your Tankless Water Heater

Upgrading to a propane tankless water heater is wise, offering enhanced efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings.

If you’re considering upgrading to a propane tankless water heater, reach out to Kauffman Gas.

We ensure you get the best advice, installation, and support tailored to your needs.

Ready for endless hot water?

FAQs

Q: What do I need to know before switching to a tankless water heater?

A: Before switching to a tankless water heater, consider several important factors:

Energy Source: Tankless water heaters can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. Your choice will depend on the availability and cost of these energy sources in your area.
Water Demand: Assess your household’s hot water usage to determine the capacity needed. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand but have a limit on the flow rate, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Installation Requirements: Tankless systems may require significant changes to your home’s plumbing and electrical systems, especially if you’re switching from a traditional tank system.
Cost and Savings: While tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost, they are more energy-efficient and can reduce energy bills over time.

Q: What do I need to know before installing a tankless water heater?

A: Before installation, be aware of:

Proper Sizing: Selecting a water heater with the right capacity to meet your household’s needs without overburdening the system is crucial.
Location: Tankless water heaters should be installed in a location that allows for efficient operation and is accessible for maintenance and repairs.
Local Building Codes: Check local regulations and building codes to ensure compliance, especially regarding venting requirements for gas-powered models.
Professional Installation: Consider hiring a qualified technician to ensure the installation meets safety standards and maximizes the unit’s efficiency.

Q: What two things do you need to know when sizing a tankless water heater?

A: Sizing a tankless water heater accurately requires knowledge of:

Flow Rate: Calculate the total flow rate of all appliances and fixtures that could use hot water simultaneously. This is measured in GPM.
Temperature Rise: Determine the temperature rise needed based on the difference between the ground water temperature in your area and your desired hot water temperature.

Q: How do you know when a tankless water heater needs to be replaced?

A: Indicators that a tankless water heater may need replacement include:

Age: While tankless water heaters typically have a longer lifespan than tank models, those over 20 years old may require evaluation.
Frequent Repairs: If your unit needs frequent repairs or if the cost of repair is significant, it might be more economical to replace it.
Inconsistent Water Temperature: Fluctuations in water temperature or failure to produce hot water could indicate a failing system.
Visible Damage: Signs of corrosion or visible damage to the unit or its components can also signal that replacement is necessary.

Propane Tankless Water Heaters: Your Solution for Reliable Hot Water