Tankless Water Heaters - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!

Tankless water heaters are selling like hotcakes these days. But like just about everything, they have their good points, and their bad points. Before examining the pros and cons, let's take a look at how they work.

For our example we will use a gas heater, because it is easier to visualize than electric, but it's pretty much the same for an electric model as a gas model.

A tankless water heater can be pictured as a coil of pipe over a campfire. As you run water through the pipe, the heat from the flames gradually heats the water in the pipe, and by the time the water has gone through the entire length of pipe it is hot. The more slowly the water travels through the pipe, the hotter it will get. If the water travels through the pipe very quickly it might not be in the flames long enough to get hot. Some heaters can modulate the heat source to even out the temperature rise for different water flow rates.

With a conventional water heater you have a big tank full of heated water, which is slowly losing heat to its surroundings, even with lots of insulation. If it's a gas heater it has a pilot light as well, which consumes energy 24 hours a day. Since the tankless heater does not have a pilot light and does not have a big tank full of heated water losing energy constantly, it is more energy efficient.

One nice thing about the tankless heaters is that you never run out of hot water. Endless water is one of the selling points for the tankless water heater, but be careful, it could lead to an increase in water usage by the homeowner who now believes his hot water is cheaper.

With the tankless units a minimum flow, typically ½ gallon per minute, is required to turn on the heater. So say goodbye to low flows of warm water, because low flows won't keep the heater turned on.

The tankless heaters need larger flues than tank type units if they are gas and larger gas lines, and if they are electric they need larger diameter wires to handle the high amperage currents they draw. (It takes a lot of electricity to heat water fast.) They are also quite a bit more expensive than tank type units and much more complex. If they ever need repairs they are more expensive to repair, and sometimes parts are hard to get, but then there is no tank to rust out either.

Since the tankless water heaters need to heat the water before sending it to the fixture, it takes longer to get water than with the storage type water heaters. That leads to wasting water which no one wants to do.

There is a solution to the water wasting problem, and it's called a demand system. It's a small pump that installs under the sink furthest from the heater. When you want hot water you activate the pump, which pumps the water in a big loop from the water heater past the sink and on through the cold water piping back to the inlet of the water heater. When heated water reaches the pump it shuts off. Now you have instant hot water and you did not run any water down the drain.

Demand systems use less than $2.00 per year in electricity since they run for such brief periods of time. Don't confuse a hot water demand system with a traditional circulating system. The demand systems only run for a few moments when hot water is demanded. Typical circulating systems run continuously for long periods and will void the warranty on the tankless units.

A tankless water heater will save energy over a conventional water heater, but will waste water when compared to a tank type unit. To save both energy and water install a hot water demand system pump along with the heater. That's called being nice to mother earth.

Learn about tankless water heaters, hot water circulating systems, hot water demand systems and more at: Faster Hot Water

Visit Mr. Lund's blog about water heaters, tankless water heaters, hot water pumps and more: The Hot Water Guy

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Questions On Rheem Tankless Water Heaters

1) What is a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters are compact in size and provide a steady flow of hot water for as long as you need it. Rheem tankless gas water heaters are more energy efficient than conventional water heaters, because the tankless models eliminate the need for re-heating stored water.

2) How does the Rheem tankless water heater work?

A conventional tank-style water heater stores hot water, and heats the water 24/7, whether you use it or not. The new generation Tankless Technology Water Heater from Rheem only heats water on demand. When the faucet is opened, the water flows through the Rheem Tankless Water Heater, which heats it to the temperature you've digitally set. When the faucet is closed, the Rheem Tankless Water Heater senses the command, and goes to standby mode.

3) Can it be installed in the same place my old hot water heater was installed?

As long as enough combustion air is provided, Rheem tankless water heaters can be installed in a utility room, garage, basement, attic, or placed on an outside wall. Plus, they can be installed in locations where a storage water heater may not fit. The Digital Temperature Controller can be mounted in any room.

4) Are tankless water heaters energy efficient?

Yes, tankless water heaters are very energy efficient. The Energy Factor, EF, of all Rheem tankless water heaters is over .81. By comparison, a standard tank type water heater has an EF of around .62, so you can see that they are inherently more efficient than a storage type water heater.

5) Is a tankless water heater more energy efficient than a tank?

Rheem tankless gas water heaters are more energy efficient than conventional water heaters, because they eliminate the need to maintain a large supply of heated water. A Rheem tankless water heater operates only when hot water is needed. Regardless of whether you currently have a conventional electric or gas water heater, the Rheem tankless will save money on your energy bills. In addition, every Rheem tankless water heater qualifies for up to a $300 [tax credit?]

6) What is the Energy Factor for the RTG-42 series water heaters?

Answer: 0.83

7) What is the Energy Factor for the RTG-53, RTG-74 and 199 series water heaters?

Answer: 0.82

8) Does this mean tankless water heaters have lower operating costs?

A higher EF is only one of many reasons why tankless water heaters cost less to operate. A Rheem tankless water heater has no standing pilot light, no stand by loss, and the burners modulate to maintain maximum efficiency.

9) How do I ensure that I select a tankless water heater in the appropriate size for my home?

It's as easy as 1-2-3! If your home has only one bathroom, a Rheem tankless RTG42 series water heater provides an ample supply of continuous hot water for your needs. If your home has two bathrooms, a Rheem RTG-53 series water heater provides an ample supply of continuous hot water for your needs. If your home has three bathrooms, choose a Rheem RTG74 series, which can supply up to 3 showers simultaneously. Homeowners with 3 or more bathrooms and/or large volume multi-head showers should consider linking (manifolding) 2, 3, or more of our tankless water heaters together.

10) Does Rheem offer customer service for their tankless water heaters?

Yes! Rheem Customer Service is available 7 days a week/7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. The professional staff provides fast, reliable service. Customer service options are available, please call 1-866-720-2076 or visit http://www.rheemtankless.com.

11) What is the minimum water flow rate required for the tankless water heater to ignite?

All Rheem tankless water heaters require a minimum flow rate of .66 GPM to ignite the burner. Too little flow will not activate the main burner.

12) What type of exhaust venting do these products require?

The venting must be Category III, Stainless steel, and it applies to the adapter, the vent pipe, all elbows, and terminal vent. This is important because the flue gases and by-products of combustion can cause condensation. Stainless steel will not deteriorate like type B venting under these conditions. The RTG-53X, RTG-74X and GT-199X outdoor models do not require any venting materials. Always consult the Use and Care Manual provided with the water heater for detailed installation and venting instructions.

13) Can you adjust the water heater setpoint temperature setting in 1 degree increments?

No, the minimum temperature adjustment for RTG series waters heaters is a 2 degree increments from 100 F up to 120 F and 5 F increments from 120 F to 140 F.

14) What are the temperature setting options for each model?

The minimum temperature adjustment for GT series water heaters is a 2 degree increments from 100 F up to 120 F and 5 F increments from 120 F up to 180 F.

15) What safety device is used to prevent overheat failure of the heat exchanger?

An Over Heat Limiting Film wrap is wrapped around the entire heat exchanger. This monitors the temperature of the heat exchanger and will shut the unit down if it exceeds a safe temperature. This is an exclusive feature of the Rheem tankless water heaters.

16) What is the minimum clearance on the back, sides, top, bottom, and front of the water heaters?

0" back, 1/2" sides, 12" top, 12" bottom, and 12" front.

17) What does the sensing burner do?

The sensing burner is a device that detects incomplete combustion during operation of the water heater. If incomplete combustion is detected, the water heater corrects the problem to provide clean, efficient water heater operation at all times. This is an exclusive feature of the Rheem tankless water heaters.

18) Is there a standing pilot?

No, the direct ignition sends a spark to the main burner when hot water flow is detected. This feature improves the energy efficiency of the water heater.

19) Can the water heater be installed at elevations that are 5,000 or 6,000 feet above sea level?

All Rheem tankless water heaters can be programmed to operate at elevations up to 9,840 feet. Optional programming chips are available for elevations greater than 3,280 feet above sea level. One programming chip is available for elevations between 3,280 - 6,560 feet, and a second optional chip is available for elevations between 6,560 - 9840 feet. The chips install on the water heater circuit board (PCB) in a matter of minutes and are available from the Rheem Service Parts Department. This again is an exclusive Rheem feature and is designed to insure proper combustion at these higher altitudes.

20) Can I convert the water heater from LP to natural gas or natural gas to LP?

No, these units can not be converted from one fuel source to another.

21) Where in my home can I install a Rheem tankless water heater?

The RTG-42PV, RTG-74PV, and GT-199PV indoor units are very versatile, and can be installed in a utility room, a garage, a basement, or an attic as long as enough combustion air is provided. As with any appliance, consult local codes and the manufacturer Use and Care manual prior to choosing the site for installation. They may not be installed in a bedroom or bathroom, and are not designed for use in mobile homes. The RTG-53DV, RTG-74DV, and GT-199DV may be installed in all locations, including bedrooms and bathrooms. These units obtain combustion air from the outdoors. These models are not designed for use in mobile homes. The RTG-74X and GT-199X outdoor models are for outdoor installations only, and are a great alternative if your climate is appropriate. This saves space and the cost of venting.

22) What are some reasons to use a tankless water heater over a standard storage-type water heater?

Tankless water heaters can provide a continuous supply of hot water, while a tank will run out of hot water. Tankless products also have a longer life; lower operating costs, precise delivery temperature, and can be installed in many locations where a storage water heater may not fit.

23) How much can I expect to save on my monthly bill if I install a tankless water heater?

Test results have shown that a tankless gas water heater costs about 40% less to operate than an electric water heater, and about 30% less than a natural gas water heater.

24) How much more do they cost to purchase?

Generally, a tankless water heater will cost about 2 to 2-1/2 times as much as a standard water heater to purchase and install. Keep in mind that in addition to lower operating costs, useable square footage is gained by choosing tankless!

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