Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heater Installation in Troy, MI
A constant supply of hot water is a luxury every homeowner should have. The skilled technicians at Hoover Electric provide same-day tankless water heater installation services in Clinton Township, Troy, MI, and surrounding areas. Familiar with the latest systems, they can consider the hot water needs of your household and your budget. If it’s time for a water heater replacement or upgrade, our plumbing professionals can remove your old system and install a tankless model.
For more than four decades, we have provided exceptional plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical services. No matter what issue you’re dealing with, our technicians are fully equipped to get the job done quickly, effectively, and affordably. Give us a call today for more information about tankless water heater installation and repair!
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Tankless water heaters heat water instantaneously as it runs through the system. Therefore, a water storage tank is not needed. Homeowners have made the switch to tankless water heaters for a variety of reasons, including the fact they don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which results in saving money.
When a hot water faucet is turned on, cold water flows through a heat exchanger in the tankless water heater, which either heats the water with a natural gas burner or an electric element. This allows a tankless water heater to deliver a constant supply of hot water. This saves time because there’s no need to wait for your storage tank to refill with hot water.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Converting from a traditional water heater to a tankless model is a great way to increase the value of your home, as well as save time and money. These units are more durable, use less energy, supply endless amounts of hot water, and can reduce your utility bills. Here are some of the reasons homeowners love their tankless water heaters:
- Efficiency – Tankless water heaters provide heating performance similar to a traditional gas water heater. They provide hot water instantaneously while using 30% to 50% less energy than units with storage tanks, which can save a family around $100 or more per year, depending on their water usage.
- Durability – The average working life of a tankless water heater is roughly 20 to 25 years, making it a good investment for your home. Not only will it keep your energy bills low, but if it’s maintained properly, you won’t need to worry about replacement for a couple of decades.
- Less Maintenance – A tankless water heater requires far fewer maintenance needs. As long as you clean or replace the filter and there’s no sediment build-up in your incoming water supply, you shouldn’t have to worry about much. Routine tank flushes and anode rod replacements (for most tankless models) are a thing of the past.
- Hassle-Free Installation – When you have a tankless water heater installed, there are no space constraints or other complexities to worry about. We simply mount the unit on a wall next to an electrical outlet and make sure it’s properly grounded.
- Space-Saving Design – Rather than installing a bulky water storage tank in a closet or garage, tankless models can be placed anywhere there’s electricity. They can even be installed in your home without having to worry about excessive heat levels. Additionally, they’re easy to move; you can relocate a unit to a different part of the house later.
- Eco-Friendly – Since tankless units produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, they can reduce your carbon footprint. Depending on the model, it may have an energy-saving mode or smart technology that helps optimize performance.
Tankless Water Heater Installation Process
Our customers in Troy, MI, and surrounding areas count on us for high-quality installation. When installing a tankless water heater, it’s important to follow the advice of a professional who can evaluate your home and answer all your questions. To ensure your new system meets your home’s hot water needs, our trained technicians help:
- Choose the Right Size Water Heater – To find the right sized model for your home, we’ll help estimate your hot water demand. A tankless water heater’s flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). By adding up the flow rate of each plumbing fixture in your home, and considering which ones are often used simultaneously, we can determine the capacity you need.
- Determine the Type of Unit – Gas-powered tankless water heaters are costlier to install but less expensive to run than electric systems. Tankless models can be installed outdoors if the weather is mild enough. However, these require more maintenance than indoor units.
- Identify Venting and Gas Line Requirements – Gas-powered systems require vents, especially when installed indoors. A non-condensing water heater also vents exhaust outdoors via stainless steel flue pipes, while condensing models require less venting equipment because they extract heat to warm the water further. Condensing models are more expensive to purchase but more efficient than non-condensing units.
- Install Your Tankless Water Heater – We install copper hot and cold water lines, solder all pipe fittings, and install an expansion tank. The pressure relief valve is installed. Next, our technicians install the exhaust vent and then turn the system on to purge air from the pipes. The hot water pipe is also insulated to reduce heat loss. Your new water heater is then tested to ensure it works properly.
What To Consider Before Switching to Tankless
Aside from the initial cost and potential long-term savings, other considerations to weigh if you want to install a tankless water heater include:
- Compatibility with Existing Plumbing – Your existing gas line will likely need to be upgraded because of differences in gas pressure. The amount of gas your tankless water heater needs depends on its heating power. Our team will also examine the unit’s compatibility with your water lines.
- Potential Wait Time for Hot Water – It usually takes about 15 seconds for the system to bring water to the desired temperature. It may be an additional few seconds before hot water reaches a faucet or showerhead. If it takes much longer than that, contact your installer or local plumber to adjust or inspect the system.
- Safety Features – Many tankless water heaters have safety features such as a cutoff fuse, which protects a unit from overheating. Electric models often have built-in heaters that protect them from freezing. If you have an indoor condensing water heater, it should monitor exhaust temperatures; if these reach unsafe levels, a thermistor or high-limit switch can adjust the combustion process or shut the system off.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tankless water heater is suited for just about any household. The type of model depends on the amount of water (in GPM) you need, the temperature of the water coming into the heater, and the system’s energy efficiency.
According to Energy.gov, a tankless water heater can use up to 34% less energy if you use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day and are up to 14% more efficient if you use about 86 gallons per day. Depending on usage, greater energy savings can be achieved.
While traditional water heaters may last 10 years or less, a tankless model can be expected to last from 15 to 20 years if it’s maintained properly.
This generally depends on how much hot water your household uses at once. In general, the following capacities vs. simultaneous demand rules apply:
- A 3.5 GPM unit supports one or two fixtures
- A 5 GPM unit supports two or three fixtures
- A 7 GPM unit can supply three or four fixtures
Tankless water heaters are compatible with renewable energy sources. They can be linked up with solar panels to reduce energy demand and further reduce your dependence on utility grid power.
Tankless water heaters are more at risk of freezing in cold climates, which is something to consider if you want to install one outside. Insulating the heater and the water pipes can help protect it. Gas water heaters are more resistant because they produce higher flow rates.
Call Hoover Today for a High-Efficiency Water Heater!
For nearly four decades, the experienced technicians at Hoover have provided quality installation, repair, and maintenance services to our neighbors in Clinton Township and Troy, MI. We have all your home service needs covered under one roof. Whether you need help choosing a new water heater, an expert to lead a renovation, or project consulting assistance, our team will help every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about tankless water heater installation, warranty coverage, or customer support options!
