What is an Exterior Tankless Water Heater?
Hey readers! Welcome to our definitive guide on exterior tankless water heaters. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to have a reliable and efficient water heating system. That’s where exterior tankless water heaters come into play. These innovative devices are designed to provide instant, endless hot water while saving you space and energy.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of exterior tankless water heaters. We’ll cover their benefits, drawbacks, various types, installation tips, maintenance requirements, and much more. So, sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
Benefits of Exterior Tankless Water Heaters
1. Endless Hot Water: Unlike conventional water heaters that store limited hot water in a tank, exterior tankless water heaters generate hot water on demand. This means you’ll never run out of hot water again, no matter how long your showers or how many laundry loads you do.
2. Energy Efficiency: Exterior tankless water heaters are incredibly energy-efficient. They only operate when you need hot water, eliminating the energy waste associated with constantly heating and reheating water in a storage tank.
Drawbacks of Exterior Tankless Water Heaters
1. Higher Upfront Cost: Exterior tankless water heaters typically have a higher upfront cost than conventional water heaters. However, their energy efficiency and longevity can lead to significant savings over time.
2. Limited Flow Rates: Tankless water heaters have a maximum flow rate, which means you may experience a drop in water pressure if you use multiple high-flow fixtures simultaneously.
Types of Exterior Tankless Water Heaters
1. Gas-Powered: Gas-powered exterior tankless water heaters are highly efficient and offer a fast recovery rate. They require a natural gas or propane connection.
2. Electric-Powered: Electric-powered exterior tankless water heaters are more environmentally friendly than gas-powered models. They require a dedicated electrical circuit and wiring.
Installation of Exterior Tankless Water Heaters
1. Choose the Right Location: The ideal location for an exterior tankless water heater is on an exterior wall near your main water supply and gas or electrical connections.
2. Hire a Professional Installer: It’s highly recommended to hire a licensed plumber to install your exterior tankless water heater to ensure proper installation and safety.
Maintenance of Exterior Tankless Water Heaters
1. Annual Flushing: Exterior tankless water heaters should be flushed annually to remove sediment and mineral buildup.
2. Professional Inspection: It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your exterior tankless water heater every 2-3 years to check for any issues or potential problems.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Endless Hot Water | Never run out of hot water again |
| Energy Efficiency | Saves you money on your energy bills |
| Compact Size | Frees up space in your home |
| Longer Lifespan | Typically lasts 15-20 years |
Conclusion
Exterior tankless water heaters offer a host of benefits, including endless hot water, energy efficiency, and a compact design. While they may have a higher upfront cost, their long-term savings and convenience make them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
If you’re considering upgrading your water heating system, be sure to check out our other articles on different types of water heaters, installation tips, and maintenance advice. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found this information helpful!
FAQ about Exterior Tankless Water Heaters
1. What is an exterior tankless water heater?
An exterior tankless water heater is a water heating system that is installed outside of the home. It does not store hot water like a traditional water heater but instead heats water on demand as it flows through the unit.
2. How does an exterior tankless water heater work?
Exterior tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to heat water as it flows through the unit. The heat exchanger is usually made of copper or stainless steel and is heated by either gas or electricity.
3. What are the benefits of an exterior tankless water heater?
Exterior tankless water heaters have several benefits, including:
- Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are much more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters. They only heat water when it is needed, so there is no standby heat loss.
- Space savings: Exterior tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters, so they can be installed in tight spaces.
- Unlimited hot water: Tankless water heaters can provide an unlimited supply of hot water, so you’ll never run out.
- Durability: Exterior tankless water heaters are built to last, with some models lasting up to 20 years.
4. What are the different types of exterior tankless water heaters?
There are two main types of exterior tankless water heaters: gas and electric.
- Gas tankless water heaters: Gas tankless water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat water. They are typically more efficient than electric tankless water heaters, but they also require a gas hookup.
- Electric tankless water heaters: Electric tankless water heaters use electricity to heat water. They are less efficient than gas tankless water heaters, but they do not require a gas hookup.
5. How do I choose the right size exterior tankless water heater?
The size of the tankless water heater you need will depend on the number of people in your household and your hot water usage. A general rule of thumb is to choose a unit that can deliver the following amount of hot water:
- 1-2 people: 3-4 gallons per minute (GPM)
- 3-4 people: 5-6 GPM
- 5-6 people: 7-8 GPM
6. How do I install an exterior tankless water heater?
Installing an exterior tankless water heater is a job that should be done by a qualified plumber. The plumber will need to connect the unit to your water supply and gas or electric line.
7. How do I maintain an exterior tankless water heater?
Exterior tankless water heaters require very little maintenance. You should periodically check the unit for any leaks or damage and clean the heat exchanger according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. How long will an exterior tankless water heater last?
Exterior tankless water heaters typically last for 10-20 years. The lifespan of the unit will depend on the quality of the unit and how well it is maintained.
9. What are the common problems with exterior tankless water heaters?
The most common problems with exterior tankless water heaters include:
- Leaking: Leaks can occur in the heat exchanger, piping, or fittings.
- No hot water: This can be caused by a number of factors, including a faulty heating element, a clogged heat exchanger, or a problem with the gas or electric supply.
- Fluctuating water temperature: This can be caused by a faulty thermostat or a problem with the gas or electric supply.
10. How do I troubleshoot an exterior tankless water heater?
If you are experiencing problems with your tankless water heater, you should first check the following:
- The power supply: Make sure that the unit is plugged in and that the circuit breaker is not tripped.
- The gas supply: Make sure that the gas valve is open and that there is gas flowing to the unit.
- The water supply: Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that there is water flowing to the unit.
If you have checked all of these things and the unit is still not working, you should contact a qualified plumber.
