• How do tankless systems work?
• Is tankless more expensive?
• Why go tankless?
• Gas or electric?
• How do I know what size to purchase?
• How are Eccotemp units different than Rinnai®?
• What can I expect to save using a tankless unit?
• Indoor or outdoor mount?
• Where can I purchase an Eccotemp unit?
• What size recirculation system do I need?
• What are some of the cost benefits of a recirculation system?

How do tankless systems work?

Hot water results from the application of energy into water. Storage systems accomplish this by continuously applying a limited amount of energy to a reservoir of water. When that reservoir is used up, the water is cold until it can reheat. With tankless, the amount of energy needed is applied instantly, and continuously, resulting in never ending hot water. The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a gallon is absolute no matter what system is used (you will hear this in the term 'delta T' or 'change in water temperature'). Tankless eliminates the energy used to maintain that hot water while sitting in the tank waiting for use. This is where the efficiency comes into play.

Is tankless more expensive?

It is true that there are many tankless systems on the market today that cost as much as several hundred dollars more to install than standard storage systems.  Eccotemp systems are designed to deliver the most state of the art technology at a price that ends up costing about the same as a standard storage water heater.  Current energy tax credits (found at www.eere.energy.gov) bring these upfront costs down by as much as $300.  Water heating is one of the largest consumers of energy in the home.  With tankless you only use energy when you need hot water.  This savings can be as much as 40% less than a typical storage type heater.  Depending on your home, a tankless system can pay for itself within as little as 18 months and continue to save for up to 20 years.

Why go tankless?

Tankless systems are the most reliable and efficient way to heat water.  There are many benefits to owning a tankless systems.  You get the energy efficiency savings each and every month which will lower your energy bill from 25-40%. You also get the spatial savings since the size of a tankless system is about the size of a briefcase.  You also help the environment by conserving our natural resources.

Gas or electric?

There is more useable power in a gas line than in standard 200 amp household electric service. A true whole house electric system will require a significant percentage of that.  Electric units are more efficient (96+%) in comparison to a gas system at about 80-86% efficient.  Gas units have the ability to be installed with either an outdoor or indoor installation and deliver more water flow with the energy used in comparison to an electric unit. Electric has the ability to be located close to the point of use, and utilizing multiple units around the home making delivery time shorter. This can be significant in areas with high water costs or homes with long distances between applications. Valuable sizing and installation information can be found at www.seisco.com, your electrical professional, or with a call to EccoTemp. Beware of low end electric units that advertise "whole house".

How do I know what size unit to purchase?

Some manufacturers emphasis "flow rate". This term is only meaningful when used in conjunction with temperature increase (Delta T) There are two important numbers used to determine size requirements. The first is where you live and the average temperature of the water coming into your home.  The second number is the amount of hot water needed. In general terms a southern home with two baths needs a maximum delivery of 4-5 gallons per minute with a 60 degree F temperature rise (120F) A point to consider is if demand is more than the 4-5 gallons, the water will not become cold, it will only be less than 120 degrees, requiring a bit less cold water to be mixed at the faucet.  Eccotemp tankless models 40H and 40HI are the best option for 70% of all homes.  Please contact Eccotemp for sizing questions.  You can click here for a quick reference chart.

How are Eccotemp units different from a company like Rinnai®?

Both manufacturers make great tankless units.  Rinnai® manufacturers many larger units than Eccotemp.  Eccotemp is the more affordable and practical option for the majority of homes.  However, if you are looking for a larger application (for example you have 5 individuals in your home that are consistently using 2-3 showers at once every day along with another appliance, you may want to look at a Rinnai® or other larger units.  You should research other models as well to ensure that you feel comfortable with the model chosen and the size of the unit.  You do not want to oversize your unit, which will cause inefficiencies and hot water issues, nor do you want to undersize your unit.  Please contact us with any questions for comparison to other models. 

What can I expect to save using a tankless heater?

Tankless systems save an average of 25-40% off of your utility bill.  In climates where the ambient water temperature is higher, you will save more in comparison to cooler and colder climates.  The reason being is the the amount of energy to bring the water up to your chosen set temperature is more than it is in warmer climates (for example, it takes less energy to bring the ambient water temperature from 65 degrees F to 110 degrees F than it does to bring water from 45 degrees F to 110 degrees F).

Inside or outside mount?

Determining whether you want an indoor mount versus and outdoor mount is both one of preference and economic sense.  An indoor unit is easy to install where your current storage tank is located.  However, your plumber will more than likely need to purchase stainless steel vent piping since the majority of storage tank systems use galvanized piping.  Outdoor units free up all of your internal floor space and, if your current water system is located on an outside wall, is less expensive to install.

Where can I purchase a unit?

You can find places to purchase your unit by visiting our purchase/install page, by calling Eccotemp at 866.356.1992 or by email at info@eccotemp.com

What size recirculation system do I need?

What are some of the cost saving benefits of a recirculation system?