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Home » Energy Efficient Products » Water Heaters » Water Heater, Whole Home Gas Tankless

Whole Home Tankless Gas Water Heaters

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By heating water only when it's needed, ENERGY STAR certified gas tankless water heaters cut water heating expenses, while also providing continuous hot water delivery. Gas tankless models are a great choice for new construction and major remodeling, but are also becoming popular as a replacement for gas storage water heaters. Read our Gas Water Heater Factsheet (PDF, 83 KB)  to learn more.

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Current Specification Effective Date: April 16, 2015

The specification covers high-efficiency gas storage, whole-home gas tankless, solar, and high efficiency electric storage water heaters. Products must meet minimum requirements for energy efficiency, hot water delivery, warranty period, and safety.

Water Heater Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What else should I look for when buying a whole-home gas tankless water heater?

ENERGY STAR qualified gas tankless water heaters are currently available from contractors and retailers. If you are building a new home, or in the market to replace your existing gas water heater, consider these purchasing tips:

  1. Plan ahead if you can. To make your life easier, plan ahead for your next water heater replacement and you will have time to research and select the best technology for your situation before it's an emergency. Your installer may need time to order the proper model, and it may take longer to install than a standard water heater.
  2. Check product availability. Find out what certified models are available on the market by viewing the ENERGY STAR Product List. You will then need to visit manufacturer Web sites, call local installers, or visit your local retailer to determine who carries these units in your area, or call your plumber or contractor to see what products are available.
  3. Estimate the capacity you'll need. While the capacity of gas storage water heaters is based on the number of gallons that will fit in the tank, tankless models are rated by how many gallons of hot water they produce per minute (GPM). The more likely you are to have the shower, dishwasher, and clothes washer going at once, the larger the GPM you will need.
  4. You will need to consult with an experienced plumber to estimate the hot water demands in your home, but here are some average figures:
    • Shower and Bathtub - 2.5 GPM
    • Clothes Washer - 3.3 GPM
    • Kitchen and Bathroom Sink - 2.2 GPM
    • Dishwasher - 1.3 GPM
  5. Schedule an in home estimate with an installer. You may want to check a manufacturer or retailer's Web site to get a general idea of cost, but you will eventually need an installer to come to your home and give you a customized price. The installer should confirm the optimal GPM size for you home, determine whether your existing natural gas line is sufficient, whether electricity is available near the water heater (for forced ventilation models), and identify how the combustion gases will be vented. When requesting a quote, remember to:
    • Request cost estimates in writing.
    • Ask for references.
    • Check the company with your local Better Business Bureau.
    • See if the company will obtain a local permit if necessary and understands local residential building codes.
  6. Search for rebates. You may be able to reduce your costs by taking advantage of rebates. Be sure to review the eligibility rules before you make your purchase.
    • Use the Special Deals Finder to determine whether there are rebates available for ENERGY STAR certified water heaters in your zip code.
  7. Consider other measures that may also save energy. If you are in the midst of new construction or home remolding project, you may have come across other proposed approaches to water heating. Under the right circumstances, these technologies can save significant amounts of energy.
    • Point-of-Use (POU) Electric
    • Hot Water Recirculating System
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Did you know?

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By heating water only when you need it, ENERGY STAR certified tankless water heaters save a family of four $95 per year, or $1,800 over the lifetime of the water heater, on gas bills compared to a standard storage model. Gas tankless models are a great choice for new construction and major remodeling, but are also becoming popular as a replacement for gas storage water heaters.

If you want to replace your current gas water heater don't wait until it fails, as this will leave little time to choose and install a certified ENERGY STAR tankless model. Because installation may require the upgrade of your existing natural gas line, as well as special venting for safety and to accommodate higher air flow rates, and running electricity over to the water heater to power the fan and freeze protection element, you will need to allow sufficient time to evaluate costs and complete the change out. To make your life easier, try to have a new one installed before it's an emergency.

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