Tankless and Tank Water Heater in Series: The Best Combination Guide
Struggling with running out of hot water? Combining a tankless and tank water heater in series solves this problem. It marries the efficiency of a tankless unit with the capacity of a tank system. Learn about the benefits, how to install it, and find out if it’s the right solution for your home.
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Key Takeaways
Combining tankless and traditional tank water heaters provides an endless supply of hot water while enhancing energy efficiency and longevity, making it ideal for larger households with high demand.
Tankless water heaters, while requiring a higher initial investment, offer significant energy savings and a longer lifespan compared to traditional models, resulting in greater long-term cost-effectiveness.
Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial for maximizing the efficiency and performance of combined water heater systems, helping to prevent common issues like inconsistent water temperature and low water pressure.
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Tankless and Tank Water Heater in Series: The Best Combination Guide
Integrating a tankless water heater with a traditional tank heater effectively addresses high hot water demands. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating the standby energy loss associated with traditional tank heaters. You get endless hot water without the high energy costs. This combination is especially beneficial in larger households with peak hot water demands at various times throughout the day.
Gas-powered tankless water heaters typically supply higher flow rates compared to their electric counterparts, making them ideal for homes with high simultaneous demand. Additionally, the lifespan of tankless water heaters often exceeds 20 years, significantly outlasting traditional storage models. This combination not only ensures a constant supply of hot water but also enhances the energy efficiency and longevity of your water heating system.
Introduction
Imagine hosting a summer barbecue, and the tank hot water runs out just as your guests need to wash up. This common concern often arises during high-demand periods, where traditional tank water heaters struggle, leading to cold showers and frustrated guests. If only the water hot was available, the situation could have been avoided.
Combining tankless and tank water heaters offers a solution for households with high hot water demands without requiring extra floor space, optimizing your home layout.
Understanding Tankless and Tank Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, provide hot water only when needed, eliminating the standby energy losses typical in storage water heaters. Compact units can be wall-mounted, saving valuable space. Their longevity is another significant advantage, often exceeding 20 years, far outstripping the 10 to 15 years lifespan of traditional tank models.
Gas-fired tankless heaters usually generate higher flow rates than their electric counterparts, making them more suitable for larger households with high hot water demands. Installing multiple tankless units can resolve hot water supply issues in homes with high simultaneous demand, ensuring everyone gets a hot shower during peak times.
On the other hand, traditional tank water heaters store a large volume of water, keeping it heated and ready for use. Although generally cheaper to purchase, they incur higher long-term energy costs due to standby heat loss. Combining these two systems allows you to enjoy the benefits of both: the energy efficiency and longevity of tankless heaters and the immediate availability of hot water from tank heaters.
Benefits of Installing Water Heaters in Series
Integrating a tankless water heater with a traditional tank heater can significantly enhance the duration of hot water availability in your home. This combination allows the tankless unit to heat water on demand, supplementing the stored hot water from the tank during periods of high usage. This setup ensures a steady hot water supply and improves energy efficiency by heating water only when necessary, reducing waste.
For homes using 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, tankless systems can be 24%-34% more energy efficient compared to traditional storage models. You can maintain the same number of hot water outlets without upgrading the existing tank, making it a cost-effective solution. The tankless unit can also boost the water temperature from the tank before distribution, ensuring a constant hot water supply.
How to Install a Tankless Water Heater in Series with a Tank Water Heater
Installing a tankless water heater in series with a tank water heater involves gathering essential tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and plumbing supplies. Turn off the water supply and electricity (or gas) to the existing tank water heater before beginning the installation.
Disconnect the cold water pipe of the tank water heater, then connect the tankless water heater in series according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After installing the tankless water heater, reconnect the cold water line to the combined system, ensuring all connections are secure to prevent leaks.
Always wear protective gear, like gloves and goggles, to safeguard against any injuries during the installation process. Finally, check for any gas leaks or water leaks after installation to ensure safety and proper functioning of the system.
Preparation and Tools Needed
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful installation of a tankless and tank water heater in series. Ensure you have adjustable wrenches, pipe fittings, and Teflon tape before starting the installation. Adjustable wrenches are used to tighten and loosen fittings, while pipe wrenches help grip and turn pipes during installation. Teflon tape is essential for sealing threaded connections to prevent leaks.
A drill/driver is necessary for making holes and securing components, while screwdrivers help fasten various screws during the process.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Before starting any installation work, turn off the electricity to the water heater and use a voltage tester to confirm all electrical power sources are disconnected, avoiding electrical hazards.
Disconnect the cold water pipe of the tank water heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the tankless water heater in series, then reconnect the cold water line to the combined system. Use plumber’s tape on threads for a secure seal and ensure all connections are tight.
Check for gas leaks using soapy water on connections; bubbles indicate leaks.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be a top priority during installation. Ensure all utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, are safely turned off before starting. Mount the tankless water heater on a sturdy interior wall that allows access to water and gas lines, ensuring it is level and secure.
Proper ventilation is essential for gas tankless water heaters to prevent carbon monoxide leaks. If you are unsure about any step, consider seeking professional assistance to avoid potential hazards.
Choosing the Right Tankless and Tank Water Heaters for Your Home
Selecting the appropriate tankless water heater requires understanding peak hot water demand based on simultaneous usage of household fixtures, calculating your household’s needs, and choosing a unit to meet that demand. Investing in tankless water heaters involves higher upfront costs, which can range from $1,000 to $3,000, but their longevity can lead to overall savings over time.
Tank water heaters are typically cheaper to purchase, costing between $300 to $1,200, but they often incur higher long-term energy costs due to standby heat loss. Tankless water heaters achieve energy efficiencies of up to 98%, leading to significant reductions in utility bills compared to traditional tank models, which generally operate at around 60-70% efficiency.
The compact design of tankless heaters saves valuable space in homes compared to traditional bulky tank models.
Factors to Consider
Flow rate is crucial when selecting a water heater, as it measures how much water flows from fixtures each minute, directly affecting your choice. The energy source available, such as natural gas or electricity, plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of both types of heaters. Tankless water heaters vary in fuel type, including electric, propane, and natural gas, allowing customization based on existing energy sources and water flow.
Homes that consume less than 41 gallons of hot water daily can experience energy efficiency gains of 24% to 34% with tankless systems. Household size and the frequency of hot water use significantly influence the choice of water heater.
Groundwater temperature varies regionally, impacting the temperature rise calculation essential for choosing a suitable water heater.
Recommended Models
When selecting models, it’s advisable to consider units that are Energy Star certified for better energy efficiency. Rheem, Takagi, Bosch, and Rinnai are popular brands noted for their reliability and efficiency in tankless and tank water heaters.
Tankless water heaters are typically longer-lasting than traditional tank heaters, offering greater durability. A tankless heater provides an efficient alternative for those seeking longevity.
Maintenance Tips for Combined Water Heater Systems
Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of tankless water heaters, potentially lasting up to 20 years compared to the 10 to 12 years of traditional tank heaters. Flushing the tankless water heater at least once a year helps remove mineral build-up from hard water, preventing clogs and maintaining optimal performance. Using a descaling solution like white vinegar can effectively clean the tankless water heater by dissolving mineral deposits.
Many issues with tankless water heaters stem from mineral buildup, power supply interruptions, or blocked filters. Regular maintenance, including descaling, avoids efficiency loss due to mineral buildup.
Maintaining water pressure within the manufacturer’s recommended range prevents low water pressure issues in tankless systems.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Troubleshooting common issues in tankless water heaters maintains their efficiency and performance. Common issues can be diagnosed by checking the unit’s monitor or controller for error codes. Monitoring error codes allows homeowners to quickly identify and potentially resolve issues without professional help.
Inconsistent Water Temperature
Fluctuating water temperature is a common problem faced by users of tankless and traditional tank water heaters. Temperature fluctuations in tankless heaters may arise from a clogged filter or malfunctioning thermostat. Regular maintenance of both tankless and tank water heaters mitigates issues related to inconsistent water temperatures.
Regularly check and clean filters, and examine thermostats and heating elements to ensure consistent water temperature. Fluctuating water temperature can stem from incorrect settings or malfunctioning heating elements.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can result from a clogged aerator or an obstructed water filter. Resolve low water pressure issues by cleaning or replacing clogged aerators and checking for sediment buildup in pipes. Low water pressure in tankless systems may arise from sediment buildup or blockages in pipes.
Combined systems can experience low water pressure due to multiple factors. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the system can help prevent these issues. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance to ensure all components are functioning correctly.
Error Codes and What They Mean
Common error codes in tankless water heaters indicate issues such as gas supply failures or igniter malfunctions. Different tankless water heater brands display specific error codes indicating unique issues, such as ignition failures or temperature warnings.
For instance, a Rheem fault code 11 signifies no ignition, prompting checks on gas supply and ignitor functionality. Understanding these codes enables you to perform necessary checks or seek professional help when needed.
Cost Considerations and Energy Savings
Tankless water heaters may require higher upfront costs but yield savings over time due to lower energy consumption. A homeowner benefited from a federal tax credit and a local utility rebate, making the upgrade to a tankless system financially advantageous. Energy efficiency ratings, such as the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), determine the operational cost of a water heater.
After comparing utility bills over four years, the homeowner found their electric tankless model heated water faster and at a lower cost than natural gas units. The tankless system installation resulted in a 15 to 20 percent reduction in annual gas bills due to its higher efficiency.
Some tankless water heaters feature energy-saving modes, reducing energy consumption when not in use.
Real-Life Examples and User Experiences
A homeowner in Huntington Beach found the transition from a traditional tank water heater to a tankless model significantly improved their hot water supply, especially for a growing family. Initial skepticism about tankless technology from family members was overcome after experiencing the new unit’s consistent hot water supply. The installation of a Noritz NRC661 tankless water heater was completed in under three hours, alleviating concerns about a prolonged lack of hot water during the switch.
The homeowner’s choice of a stainless steel water tank model, which came with a lifetime warranty, highlighted a significant advantage over traditional carbon steel units. Additionally, the new stainless steel unit was reported to be much lighter than the previous tank, which contributed to delivery issues due to its top-heavy design.
These real-life examples highlight the practical benefits and user satisfaction associated with tankless water heaters.
Summary
Combining tankless and tank water heaters offers a reliable and efficient solution for meeting high hot water demands. This combination provides endless hot water, improves energy efficiency, and enhances the longevity of your water heating system. By understanding the installation process, maintenance tips, and cost considerations, homeowners can make informed decisions that lead to both immediate and long-term benefits. Embrace this innovative approach to heating water and enjoy a continuous, efficient hot water supply in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider combining tankless and tank water heaters?
Combining tankless and tank water heaters can effectively meet high hot water demands while enhancing energy efficiency and ensuring a continuous supply of hot water. This dual approach allows for the best of both systems, ensuring comfort and convenience in your home.
What are the main benefits of a tankless water heater?
The main benefits of a tankless water heater include providing hot water on demand, reducing standby energy losses, and offering a longer lifespan than traditional tank heaters. This makes them a more efficient and economical choice for your hot water needs.
What tools do I need to install a tankless water heater in series with a tank water heater?
To install a tankless water heater in series with a tank water heater, you'll need adjustable wrenches, pipe fittings, Teflon tape, a drill/driver, pipe wrenches, and various screwdrivers. Having these tools on hand will ensure a smooth installation process.
How can I maintain a combined water heater system?
To maintain a combined water heater system, regularly flush the tankless water heater annually and check for mineral buildup to ensure optimal performance. This proactive approach helps extend the life of your system.
What factors should I consider when choosing a tankless water heater?
When choosing a tankless water heater, prioritize the flow rate, energy source, household size, and peak hot water demand to ensure it meets your needs effectively. These factors will help you make a well-informed decision.
