Water heaters account for 20% of the energy used in your home. They are also a big part of what makes a modern home a convenient place to live in.
Not all types of water heaters are created equal. First, you have to choose between gas and electric-fueled water heaters. Then you must choose between a storage tank or a tankless water heater.
Recent innovations have made tankless water heaters more desirable. Read on to learn why the Trutankless water heater is the clear choice for your new water heater
Tankless vs Storage Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters keep a large tank of water hot available 24 hours a day. This requires heating the water in the tank for many hours each day. The time it takes to reheat water that has drawn down from the tank is called the recovery time.
Recovery times on storage tank heaters take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. Tankless water heaters never need recovery time.
The Trutankless water heater models are space savers. The largest unit measures 17″x24″ and is only 5.5″ thick.
A storage tank water heater could explode if the water in the tank overheats and the relief valve malfunctions. This is not possible in a Trutankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters in general cost more than storage tank water heaters. They also cost more to install. However, they cost less to run and will make up for the extra upfront cost in a few years.
How a Trutankless Water Heater Works
Cold water flows into the unit; a flow sensor detects the incoming water and turns on the heating elements. The water flows through heated metal coils that transfer heat energy into the water.
When the tap(s) turn off, the flow sensor detects this and shuts down the elements.
The size of the pipes and the unit itself determine the GPM the unit can produce. Trutankless water heaters are available in sizes to meet most home-size needs.
Trutankless Water Heater Sizes
To determine what size you need, consider the chart below. Count the maximum number of these devices that could operate simultaneously.
Add the gallons-per-minute (GPM) flow from each and the total equals the minimum-sized tankless heater that will meet your needs. If you undersize your water heater you could experience water temperate dips and reduced water pressure.
- Shower: 2-3 GPM
- Faucet: 1-2 GPM
- Dishwasher: 1.5 to 2 GPM
- Washing machine: 2-2.5 GPM
A family of 5-6 could conceivably have a shower, dishwasher, washing machine, and another tap all demanding hot water at the same time. Keep in mind this is an extreme example.
A calculation of the averages, in this case, would call for a 7 GPM water heater. If your family has these kinds of water demands, you would want to choose Trutankless’s 36kw unit, which generates 7.5 GPM.
Tankless Water Heater Cons/Solutions
Two main issues come up with tankless water heaters. Both of which have straightforward solutions:
Low Water Pressure & Fluctuating Temperature
If you have too many taps open at once, water temperatures can dip. You might also notice a dip in water pressure if you draw excessive amounts of hot water at one time.
Solution: This problem is best solved up front. Instead of installing the tankless size that you think you need, go one step higher. It is kind of like gathering firewood for a campfire, you want to gather more than you think you will need.
Long Wait for Hot Water
When a tankless water heater has idled for a while, you have to run a tap for longer than you would with a storage tank water heater before hot water arrives.
Solution: Install a recirculation pump. These pumps draw cold water from the outgoing pipes at the water heater and replace it with hot water from the water heater.
When you turn on the tap, you don’t have to wait for hot water. The other benefit of a recirculation pump is that it cuts down on wasted water.
A Trutankless Is Best for Your Home
Of all your water heater options, a trutankless water heater incorporates the most modern innovations.
- A Trutankless water temperature operates between 90-140. Most tankless water heaters top out at 120 degrees maximum.
- Their customizable smart controllers work over Bluetooth with your Android or Apple smartphone.
- At nearly 100% efficiency, a Trutankless water heater is 50% more efficient than storage tank water heaters. This translates into less money spent on energy to heat the water in your home.
- Trutankless has a reliable flow meter that produces hot water at a consistent temperature (within 1º of the set temperature).
- Traditional water heaters last 7-10 years. A Trutankless should provide you with excellent service for 20-25 years.
- The controller has peak and off-peak performance adjustments. These allow you to take advantage of times when electricity is cheaper from your public utility.
- The controller also has an AWAY model that tells the water heater when water will be not expected. If the water heater detects water flowing, it will send an alert to your phone that you have a tap open.
- Trutankless has a leak sensor and a freeze guard. The freeze guard directs heated water into the pipes to keep them from freezing in low temperatures.
Switching to Trutankless
Trutankless produces units in 14kw, 20dw, 24kw, 29kw, and 36kw sizes.
Electric water heaters require a significant amount of amp draw. Trutankless’s 36kw unit pulls 160 amps while running.
The 36kw unit requires 2 80-amp breakers. This will take up 4 spaces in your main or sub-panel. You would need a 300 amp main service to provide sufficient power to this unit.
The 14kw unit pulls 60 amps. It requires 1 60-amp breaker or 2 30-amp breakers in your main or sub-panel. A 100-amp main panel is adequate for this unit. Refer to this chart for the specifications of all of the Trutankless models.
If you do not have sufficient amperage you will need to hire an electrician to upgrade your main panel.
You Deserve the Best
A Trutankless water heater is superior to traditional storage tank water heaters. They provide endless on-demand hot water at a much lower energy cost and higher efficiency.
A Trutankless water heater has many smart features for the modern home. Upgrade now and enjoy the fruits of the latest innovations in water heater technology.
In St. Petersburg Florida, Home Team Plumbing will hit it out of the park when it comes to installing your new Trutankless water heater. You’ll be glad you stepped up to this innovative water heater. Get Home Team Plumbing on the field today to install your Trutankless replacement water heater!
