Fri 21 May, 2021 02:57 am
Hi folks,
New here and first post.
Our house is being remodeled in the Bay Area of N. California, and we wish to replace our existing water heater with a tankless heater. My family is adding solar to the house so I’d like to go with electric tankless heating if it can meet our energy needs because it will cost essentially nothing to run. There are five of us in our family, and we have three bathrooms. The chances of 3 simultaneous showers are extremely low, but I am very interested in hearing what folks have to say about whether we can make it work.
What is the best option for a gas or electric tankless water heater? And what should be the GPM?
It’s also hard to make sure I’m finding the correct data about average water temperature.
@izabella40,
I would rather go for tankless water heaters. Although gas is more energy-efficient than tankless, tankless is easier to maintain and has a 5-6 GPM, which saves me a lot of money compared to my old water heater.
@izabella40,
In Ukraine where I live gas taxes are so high atm so in such a case I really recommend the electric one
@izabella40,
For your situation, an electric tankless water heater would likely be the best option since you're adding solar panels to your house. This aligns well with your goal of minimizing operating costs. In terms of determining the right size, or gallons per minute (GPM), you'll want to calculate the peak demand in your household, especially considering the possibility of three simultaneous showers. While the chances of this occurrence might be low, it's wise to plan for peak usage to ensure sufficient hot water supply. Consider factors such as incoming water temperature, desired outlet temperature, and flow rates of your fixtures to determine the appropriate GPM rating for your tankless heater. Consulting with a professional plumber or an expert in water heating systems can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.