For many people tankless water heaters provide a suitable alternative to the traditional storage tank type water heater. Tankless water heaters only use energy to heat water when you open a hot water tap thus saving money on your energy bill. This depends, of course, on how you utilize your tankless water heater. Misuse of the unit, e.g. taking extra long showers, can cost you as much in energy as your old tank type unit. Installing a tankless water heater is usually a job for a professional but the competent do-it-yourselfer can accomplish the installation with a minimum of problems.

Preparation

Used properly, a tankless water heater can save you incredible amounts on your utility bill

1. Determine your hot water consumption. The more hot water you use, the more you stand to save on your energy bill with a tankless water heater. Calculate how many hot water loads of laundry you do daily as well as how many hot showers everyone in your household takes. Include the number of automatic dishwasher loads you do every day as well. The manufacturer of your appliances can tell you how much hot water they use per load.
2. Determine whether you will purchase and install an electric tankless model or a gas unit. If you opt to install a gas unit, make certain that you purchase the tankless unit equipped for the gas your utility provides you. Natural gas and propane are not interchangeable.
3. Check out the proposed location for your water heater. Tankless units are designed for either inside locations or outside locations. Make sure you purchase a unit designed for an outside installation and that it is freeze protected according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Installation of the tankless water heater

1. Route a hot and cold water line to the water heater location.
2. For a gas installation, install the proper gas line sized for your water heater to the water heater location. Make sure to test the new gas pipe installation for leaks before hooking it up to the gas valve on the unit. Verify that the new gas line is properly sized for the water heater as well as all the other gas appliances in your home.
3. For an electric tankless water heater, install the proper size electrical cable to the unit location according to the NEC. Make certain that you have installed the proper size circuit breakers in your electrical panel to accommodate the water heater. In some cases, you may have to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate the new breakers.
4. Once you have the water, gas, or electrical installed, hang the tankless water heater on the wall and vent it for gas. Usually tankless water heaters will require a minimum of a 5″ B vent extended above the roof at least 5 feet above the highest point.
5. If you are going to use a remote thermostat route the thermostat wire now to the thermostat location.
6. Install the temperature and pressure relief valve in the unit and pipe it to an exterior location without using valves, caps, or plugs.
7. With the gas or electricity off, flush water through the unit until it flows clear.
8. Turn on the electricity and/or gas and open up a hot water faucet in the home. Hot water should appear at the faucet within a couple of seconds depending on how far the water heater is located from the faucet and how much water pressure you have.
9. Adjust your thermostat for the temperature you want and you are ready to go.

Tips

There is limited space in the bottom of some tankless water heater models so make sure you plan your installation to use a minimum number of fittings.

Verify that your installation complies with all applicable codes and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Spring means many things to the homeowner. It’s time to tackle that long awaited spring cleaning list. Time to service the lawnmower and weedeater and start the annual spring lawncare routine. It’s a good time to start planning your garden if you have not already done so. It’s a great time to build ponds, to tackle a remodel or other do-it-yourself home repair chores, and even a great time to catch up on your honey-do list. Most importantly, spring is the perfect opportunity to review your home and its utility systems for ways you can save on energy. Here are some energy saving tips that are easy to perform and that can save you substantially on your home energy bill.

Turn down the thermostat on your water heater

1. Have you had work done on your water heater over the winter? Perhaps you had it replaced. If so, now is a good time to remove the water heater element covers and double check the thermostat settings.
2. Most new electric water heaters come from the factory with the thermostats preset to 120 degrees. But it is important to make sure of those settings.
3. The upper thermostat and lower thermostat should be set to the same degree or setting. Some thermostats are labeled A, B, C, instead of degree numbers. Still, make certain that both thermostats are set to the same point.
4. If you have a gas water heater, make sure that the thermostat is set to low. That approximates 120 degrees in most cases.

Service your furnace

1. If you have not yet done so, now is a great time to have your furnace serviced.
2. Change the air filter. Electrostatic air filters are more efficient than the old fashioned pleated ones.
3. Be sure to clean the air plenum where the air filter is located.
4. Vacuum out the burner chamber being careful to avoid the igniter which is very delicate on newer energy efficient models.
5. If you hire an HVAC company to service your furnace, ask if they will check your ducts too.
6. Make sure that your ducts are all intact and that the joints are sealed. This is a major source of heat loss. Ideally, the ducts should be insulated, as well.
7. Ask the furnace repairman if they will inspect and test the heat exchanger. A cracked exchanger can cost you money and is dangerous in that it can emit carbon monoxide fumes.
8. Do not neglect to inspect the furnace chimney and vent duct work. Make sure they are clean, well supported, and properly sealed.

Replace all the showerheads

1. Replace the showerheads in each bath.
2. Simply grasp the showerarm with one smooth jaw wrench like a Crescent or adjustable wrench and place a second one on the showerhead. Turn it counterclockwise as you look at it to unscrew it.
3. Make sure the new showerhead states that it is low flow.
4. Inspect the new showerhead port for a rubber gasket. If there is one, there is no need to use pipe joint compound on the threads. Do not use teflon tape either.
5. Simply make sure the gasket is in place and screw the showerhead on. Tighten it snuglyand orient it downward.
6. If the new showerhead does not come with a rubber gasket, place some pipe joint compound on the threads and install the head. You may also use teflon tape for this.

Replace faucet aerators

1. Each kitchen and bathroom faucet with the exception of the tub spout comes with an aerator. This is a small threaded filter-like fitting that screws directly into the end of the faucet spout.
2. Aerators wear out just like other parts of your water system.
3. Simply unscrew the aerator and replace it with a new one.
4. Make sure the aerator gasket is in place.
5. Do not overtighten the aerator. Just snug it up with your fingers.
6. Aerators come in a bewildering array of styles, finishes, and thread combinations. Take your old one down to the plumbing company, your local hardware, or home center to match it up with a new one.
7. Even if you cannot find the right one, there are adapters available to change from one thread style and size to another. Simply purchase the proper aerator adapter and screw it into the end of the aerator, then screw that assembly into the faucet.

Tips

Before removing the element and thermostat panels on your electric water heater, turn off the circuit breaker to that appliance and lock it out or place tape over it stating, “DO NOT REMOVE”. Double check that the electricity is indeed off with an electrical tester before making any adjustments to the appliance. Water heaters run with 240 volts of electricity and that is enough to inflict severe injury or even kill.

Practice good safety measures when working around gas or electric furnaces, water heaters, or other appliances.

Take the time to go over your whole house and examine it for any places where you can add or replace weatherstripping, caulking, insulation, or trim.

All of these items wear out over a period of time. Replacing them ensures that you have done everything possible to make sure that your home is energy efficient, safe, and secure.