Cost isn’t the only consideration when it comes to getting the right propane tankless water heater for you. Too powerful, and your water usage could easily triple; not powerful enough, and your water heater will underperform.
On average, larger families consume more water and energy than single professionals. Households with young school aged children, in particular use more water for baths, showers, dishwashing and laundry.
Many households also commute, leaving their homes vacant for much of the day. Usage peaks during the evenings and on weekends, which can result in higher utility rates for your propane or gas, as well as water.
Note: If you happen to live in a remote area, say on a ranch or rural community, installing a reliable gas/propane line could be challenging. Gas line installation will incur an additional cost, but proximity to a reliable gas service is key. Should a problem occur with your propane/gas supply, you don’t want to have to wait for hours for repairs!
Devices that rely on water are also a factor. Frequent use of your dishwasher, washer, specifically, will require a tankless water heater with a high flow rate, or GPM (gallons per minute), to provide continuous hot water simultaneously to each device.
You should consider how frequently you use hot water in your household each week, as well as the activities in your routine.
Does your household have line-ups for the bathroom in the morning? Is your bath routine usually at night? A busy household needs a tankless propane water heater with high GPM. Activities that tend to frequently use large amounts of water include:
- Baths
- Dishwashing
- Laundry
- Lawn care