Choosing the right size for a tankless water heater, especially when replacing a 50-gallon traditional unit, is crucial for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Making the wrong choice can lead to insufficient hot water supply and increased costs.
This article will discuss the determining process, explore the various types of tankless heaters, and shed light on the installation procedure.
What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need To Replace A 50 Gallon?
To replace a 50-gallon water heater, for a medium-sized household, a tankless heater with a flow rate of 8-10 GPM should suffice. consider the number of devices you want to run simultaneously and your location’s groundwater temperature and consult with a professional before making a final decision.
Here is a list of the sizes of tankless water heaters to replace a 50-gallon.
| Space | Family Members | Size of Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bathroom | 2-3 | 4.5 GPM |
| 2 bathrooms | 3-4 | 6.5 GPM |
| 3 bathrooms | More than 4 | 8.5 GPM |
| Additional Things | – | 10-11 GPM |
Types of Tankless Water Heaters Suitable as a Replacement
Electric Tankless Heaters
Electric tankless water heaters are powered by electricity and cater to small households with modest hot water demands. These are more energy-efficient than traditional units since they heat water on demand.
They come in both whole-house and point-of-use configurations. Whole-house versions cater to the entire home, while point-of-use ones serve a singular fixture.
Gas-fired Tankless Heaters
Gas-fired tankless water heaters utilize natural gas or propane. These are apt for larger households with substantial hot water needs. Like electric models, they’re more energy-efficient than traditional tanks.
You can find them in both whole-house and point-of-use configurations. The former supplies the whole house, while the latter is for a single fixture.
H2: Propane Tankless Heaters
Propane tankless water heaters employ propane as their fuel source. These are perfect for homes without access to natural gas.
Renowned for being more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts, these heaters are also available in both whole-house and point-of-use configurations.
Hybrid Models
Hybrid models are unique as they utilize both electricity and gas. The system preheats incoming cold water using electricity before it reaches the gas-fired heat exchanger, making it more energy-efficient.
Like the others, these are also available in whole-house and point-of-use configurations.
How To Select The Best Size Tankless Water Heater To Replace A 50-Gallon?
Unlike conventional tank-style water heaters, which are large and bulky, tankless water heaters can be mounted on a small piece of the wall.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind if you’re trying to install tankless models and aren’t sure which size to buy.
House Size
Tankless water heaters can completely steam your home’s water supply. Choosing smaller models can be ineffective.
You must ensure that the size you choose won’t produce less warm water than is necessary to fill all of your bathrooms with today’s fixtures and fittings.
Flow Rate Of The Water In Your Home
Unlike traditional tank heaters, tankless water heaters steam the water as it enters your home. This implies that the flow rate produced by your heater controls the rate at which water emerges from your taps.
Summing up two showers’ flow rates, one may determine the necessary tankless water heater flow rate.
Rise Of Temperature
Calculating how hard your heater will have to work depends on your state’s groundwater temperature.
According to estimates, certain states can experience highs of up to 75 degrees and lows of up to 35 degrees.
Size Of Households
A tankless water heater should be able to handle sporadic hot water use coming from different faucets.
A decent starting point for selecting a tank is an estimate of around 13.6 gallons per minute, which may be higher than the typical usage.
Identify The Highest Hot Water Demand
The maximum amount of hot water that your house might need is called the peak hot water demand.
It’s not meant to be a practical estimate; rather, it’s there to make sure your water heater can handle a maximum-demand scenario.
Factors Influencing the Selection of a Tankless Water Heater
Energy Source
When selecting a tankless water heater, the energy source is vital. Gas-fired tankless water heaters are powered by natural gas or propane, while electric tankless water heaters use electricity.
Propane tankless water heaters suit households without access to natural gas. When choosing, think about fuel type availability and installation cost.
Flow Rate and Temperature Rise
Flow rate and temperature rise significantly affect a tankless water heater’s performance.
Flow rate denotes the hot water quantity produced per minute, while temperature rise indicates the difference between incoming cold and desired hot water temperatures.
Think about your household’s hot water requirements and the number of fixtures running at once.
Installation and Venting Requirements
Installation and venting requirements are pivotal when selecting a tankless water heater. Gas-fired models need venting for exhaust gas removal, but electric ones don’t.
Contemplate the installation requirements and check if you have sufficient installation space.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Energy efficiency ratings play a crucial role in the selection process. A higher rating means the unit is more energy-efficient. Opt for models with high ratings to save on energy costs.
Climate and Groundwater Temperature
The climate and groundwater temperature impact the tankless water heater’s efficiency. Colder climates have colder groundwater, necessitating more energy to heat water. Think about your local climate and groundwater temperature.
Cost
Cost is a primary consideration. The price depends on size, features, and energy efficiency. Match your budget with models that give the best value.
Do I Need A Gas Tankless Water Heater Or A Electric Tankless Water Heater To Replace A 50 Gallon?
Gas tankless water heaters have a one-minute heat-up time of up to 5 gallons of water at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The power of tankless gas water heaters exceeds that of their electric counterparts. Before making a purchase, always check the product specs for GPM and temperature increase ratings.
What is the best tankless water heater size to replace 40 gallon?
How To Install The Right Size Tankless Water Heater To Replace A 50-Gallon?
The procedures for replacing a tankless water heater to replace a 50-gallon is identical.
Tools And Materials
The equipment and supplies you’ll need include a 4-in-1 screwdriver, a flexible wrench, electronic tape, a pipe wrench, Tape for plumbers, security lenses, a soldering iron, Measurement tape, and a Voltage tester for a tube cutter.
you’ll also require a wire cutter/stripper, a Release pipe, Fitting’s compound for pipe thread, a valve for pressure relief, a Solder, connections and venting pipe, Gas and water piping.
Installation
You need to replace your water heater as soon as it starts to leak. In less than a day, we’ll demonstrate how to install a tankless water heater on your own.
In general, water heaters endure seven to fifteen years. If you know how to use some simple equipment and have some soldering experience, replacing a water heater is not difficult.
For installation, you need to swap out a water heater powered by natural gas. The procedure for replacing a propane water heater is the same as for replacing an electric water heater.
Which Size Tankless Water Heater Lasts Longer To Replace A 50 Gallon?
Tankless water heater durability is more influenced by type than by size. Compared to electric water heaters, gas tankless heaters often have longer lifespans.
The lifespan depends on the model and the manufacturer of the product, but generally speaking, gas-fired tankless heaters have a lifespan of over twenty years whereas electric water heaters have a lifespan of seven to ten years.
Can I Install A Tankless Water Heater To Replace A 50 Gallon Of A Certain Size By Myself?
No, as you require the skills of a certified installer, this is not a do-it-yourself project. The installation procedure is rather challenging.
It involves propane tanks, electrical circuits, gas hookups, and other things. Sometimes the store will always suggest an IT expert.
Which Tankless Water Heater Size Is Simpler To Care For Than Replacing 50 Gallons?
It stands to reason that smaller model sizes would be simpler to maintain than larger models.
Nevertheless, you will want a professional to do some checks on your tankless water heater at regular intervals. This entails leak detection, air vent inspection, burner cleaning, etc.
Consider using vinegar to flush your tankless water heater every year if you reside in a hard water location.
FAQs
Can I replace a 50-gallon water heater with a tankless one of any size?
No, proper sizing based on flow rate and temperature rise is crucial.
Is it more energy-efficient to use a tankless water heater?
Yes, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, making them more energy-efficient than traditional units.
Are electric tankless water heaters suitable for larger households?
Typically, gas-fired tankless heaters are more suitable for larger households due to their higher flow rates.
Do propane tankless water heaters need access to natural gas?
No, propane tankless heaters use propane as their fuel source, making them suitable for homes without natural gas access.
Are smaller tankless water heater models easier to maintain?
Generally, smaller models might be simpler to maintain, but all models benefit from regular professional checks.
Final Thoughts
The highest temperature rise that may be achieved at a specific flow rate is used to rate tankless water heaters.
So, in order to size a tankless water heater when replacing it for your home, you must identify the flow rate and temperature rise you want.
It’s crucial to remember that under-sizing your tankless water heater is never a good way to save money.
So know what size tankless water heater to replace a 50-gallon and make your home hassle-free.
