What To Know About Rheem Tankless Water Heaters | Carrollton, TX
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Rheem manufactures and sells water heaters throughout the United States. The line of Rheem tankless water heaters is especially popular. They make electric and gas-powered units with a wide range of features. Tankless gas water heaters have numerous advantages over traditional heaters with tanks. A tankless unit takes up less space and may fit in small rooms or cubbies where a storage tank wouldn’t fit. Tankless heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water at precise temperatures. Some households may even see lower utility bills after making the switch. However, homeowners should know as much as possible before deciding on a new tankless water heater.
Standard Characteristics
All Rheem tankless water heaters are classified in the Professional Line or Performance Line. The difference between the two categories is the method of sale rather than the characteristics of the water heaters. Some models are available in both categories. Professional line models are sold exclusively through Reem dealers while Performance Line models can be sold through other home improvement businesses and retailers.
The price of Rheem tankless water heaters in Carrollton, TX, may or may not be higher than tank-style models. Price depends on the specific model and a range of features, such as condensing or non-condensing. For example, Prestige and Performance Series condensing units and a Performance Mid-efficiency model are tankless heaters with built-in recirculation pumps.
A recirculation pump moves water continuously between fixtures and the heater. This means you don’t have to wait for hot water when you turn on the tap or showerhead. Gas-powered Rheem tankless water heaters must meet strict low emissions standards. Some water heater models have built-in WiFi and a wireless Rheem EcoNet program that sends out alerts for routine maintenance. Homeowners in Carrollton, TX, can use an app on any smart device or computer to monitor and control their heaters. Some EcoNet® WiFi Kits can even help protect your home by detecting leaks and shutting off the water and gas immediately.
Rheem Features
An overheat limiting film wrap is a safety feature unique to Rheem tankless water heaters. The film is wrapped around a heat exchanger to monitor temperature and turn the unit off if the heat goes beyond safe limits. The sensing burner is another exclusive device. It monitors water heater operation and detects incidents of incomplete combustion. Automatic corrections maintain efficient operation to produce hot, clean water for the entire household.
There is no pilot. A direct ignition sparks the main burner when hot water circulates. This contributes to the increased efficiency of tankless heaters over storage tank units. A heater with a tank has to keep large amounts of stored water hot at all times, while tankless heaters use energy when hot water is needed.
The largest natural gas fueled Rheem tankless water heaters are compatible with standard ½” gas lines instead of requiring a ¾’ gas pipe. This makes installation less complicated. Most gas-powered Rheem tankless water heaters can also link with other gas water heaters if appropriate connection equipment is available.
Potential Installation Concerns
Replacing a traditional tank-style water heater with another tank model is fairly simple. Switching from a tank-style unit to a new tankless water heater can be a bit more complex. The water connections are very different, so a plumber may need to adjust water pipes around the heater. Vents for tank heaters aren’t appropriate for tankless models, so the vents may need to be completely replaced.
Gas lines in your home are also a concern. Some homes don’t have gas lines large enough to accommodate a tankless water heater, so the cost of hiring a professional to upgrade gas lines must be accounted for as well. Tankless heaters also need a reliable outlet fairly close to the unit. If no suitable outlets exist, you may need to consult an electrician.
Condensing vs Non-Condensing
Burning natural gas or propane fuel sources also produce acidic exhaust gases. A condensing water heater lets the acidic water condense inside the unit and exhaust vents. Non-condensing units are too hot for condensation to form. The difference between condensing and non-condensing is important because acidic gases are corrosive.
Non-condensing tankless heaters generally run at 80-90% efficiency, which means that 80-90% of the heat produced by combustion goes into the water. The remaining percentage is lost through the exhaust. Although 10-20% sounds fairly efficient, it’s enough heat to prevent exhaust condensation. Non-condensing units are cheaper, on average than condensing units, but they also use more fuel and installation may be more expensive because the unit has to vent through the roof.
Condensing tankless water heaters reach up to 98% efficiency because they have secondary heat exchangers that pull heat from exhaust gases back into the water. This process cools the exhaust and allows condensation to form, especially during humid conditions. Rheem builds condensing heater units with durable stainless steel heat exchangers to resist the corrosive effects of acidic condensation. High-efficiency Rheem tankless water heaters include PVC venting and built-in condensate neutralizers.
Most condensing units have a higher price tag, but they use less fuel than non-condensing units. Installation is simpler because the heater can vent through a wall instead of the roof. Carrollton, TX, experiences hot, humid weather during spring and summer. Homeowners need to consider the effects of high humidity before choosing a water heater. Corrosion of stainless steel may progress slowly, but the exchangers will succumb eventually.
Schedule an appointment with bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas to discuss Rheem tankless water heaters. Our team can help you choose a new water heater that meets your household’s needs. Bluefrog’s professional plumbers are happy to install your new heater and handle routine maintenance or repairs.
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