Tankless water heaters have become a popular substitute for conventional tank water heaters in the water heating industry because they are more space- and energy-efficient. However, you may be wondering if you need to rewire your house if you’re thinking about switching to a tankless water heater. We’ll look at what goes into installing a tankless water heater in this blog post, including whether rewiring is required.
Tankless Water Heater Fundamentals
As the name implies, tankless water heaters heat water as needed—they don’t require a storage tank. Compared to conventional tank water heaters, they have a smaller physical footprint, an infinite hot water supply, and are renowned for their energy efficiency.
Electricity Requirements for Water Heaters Without Tanks
There are two types of tankless water heaters: gas-powered and electric. Knowing the electrical requirements for electric tankless water heaters is crucial when deciding whether to rewire your property.
Because they heat water only when needed, electric tankless water heaters often require a more significant electrical load than tank-type water heaters.
The following elements need to be taken into account:
Voltage: Standard home outlets typically operate at 120 volts, while most electric tankless water heaters operate at 240 volts. Upgrade the wiring to handle the higher voltage if switching from a tank-type water heater to an electric tankless water heater.
Amperage: Unlike traditional water heaters, electric tankless water heaters frequently require a more significant amperage (amps). It may be necessary to upgrade your wiring and electrical panel to accommodate this additional load.
Circuit Size: Specialised circuits may be needed for tankless water heaters. You might have to reconfigure your current electrical system or install new courses if it doesn’t have the required ones.
Things to Think About Before Rewiring
Take into account the following before rewiring your house for a tankless water heater:
Current Electrical Capacity: To assess the current electrical capacity of your home, speak with a licenced electrician. The new water heater might be installed in your house without requiring rewiring.
Installation Location: The cost and difficulty of rewiring can be affected by how close your water heater is to your electrical panel. Less significant rewiring might be necessary for more immediate installations.
Gas vs. Electric: If natural gas is used in your home, you can choose a gas-powered tankless water heater, which does not require any significant electrical improvements.
In summary
Rewiring your house to accommodate a tankless water heater is only sometimes necessary, but it is possible. Rewiring may be required depending on several variables, such as the current electrical capability of your house, where the installation will be done, and the kind of tankless water heater you select.
An essential first step is to inspect your home’s electrical system thoroughly and consult with a trained electrician. This expert can advise you on the most economical and practical approach to installing your new tankless water heater and assess whether rewiring is required. Tankless water heaters are an appealing option due to their potential benefits of energy efficiency, unlimited hot water, and space savings. With careful design, these benefits can be obtained without requiring a significant rewiring effort.
