Tankless water heaters are a great way to save money on heating water for your home. However, like with any other home comfort equipment, there are ways to optimize energy efficiency and get the best possible performance from your tankless heater.

Although most people take heated running water for granted, heating that water contributes significantly to most homeowners’ monthly utility costs. Many people have switched from conventional storage tanks to tankless water heaters to achieve substantial energy savings.

If you are considering switching, keep these tips in mind to get the best possible performance from your equipment:

Ensure proper sizing. Work with a professional to determine what size your water heater should be. Factor in the flow rate and desired temperature of every water source in your home. This includes all faucets, clothes-washing machines, showers and dishwashers. You also need to consider your peak hot water usage and make sure your new system has the appropriate capacity.
Account for minimum flow rate. A tankless water heater requires a minimum amount of water to constantly flow through the system to prevent overheating. Make sure your water outlets exceed the minimum flow rate of your water heater to ensure effective operation and optimal performance.
Location is important. The farther the water heater is from the point of use, the less efficient it will be. Fortunately, tankless water heaters have the advantage of flexible installation because they are relatively small. That means you can install dedicated units near appliances, sinks and tubs.
Hire a professional. For installation, it is important to work with a contractor who has experience with tankless water heaters. Improper installation can allow carbon monoxide to enter your living spaces or cause your system to be less efficient due to improper configuration.

If you are interested in exploring tankless water heaters as an option for your Long Island home, contact the professionals at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We provide expert installation and would be happy to provide helpful tips for keeping your water heating costs low all year long.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about tankless water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.