Tankless Water Heater in Evansville, IN

Tankless Water Heater in Evansville, IN

Loads of homeowners and businesses right here in Evansville are making the switch to a tankless (on-demand) water heater, and honestly, it just makes sense! Folks are looking for lower energy bills, hot water they can always count on, and equipment that doesn't take up a ton of space. Here at Perfect Climate Heating and Air, we're ready to guide you through every step: from understanding the real differences between tankless and traditional tank systems, to helping you size and pick the ideal unit for your Evansville property. We'll cover everything from gas versus electric options, what to consider for installation or retrofits, how much you can expect to save on energy, routine maintenance tips, handling common repairs, and even navigating available rebates and financing. When you trust Perfect Climate Heating and Air, you're getting genuine reliability and expertise for all your water heater needs.

Why choose a tankless water heater in Evansville, IN

• Hot water on demand: Tankless units heat water only when you need it, eliminating standby heat loss associated with storage tanks.
• Space savings: Wall-mounted units free up basement or closet space in older Evansville homes.
• Longer service life: Properly maintained tankless systems often last 15 to 25 years, longer than typical storage tanks.
• Better for focused demand: They are ideal for households or businesses that prefer continuous flow for showers, dishwashing, and laundry without running out of hot water.

Evansville’s humid summers and cold winters affect incoming groundwater temperature and scaling rates. Lower inlet temperatures in winter increase the required heating power, and local water hardness can lead to scale buildup if not managed.

Common tankless water heater issues in Evansville

• Scale buildup on heat exchangers (especially with hard water)
• Reduced flow rate or fluctuating hot water temperature
• Ignition or burner failures on gas units
• Condensate line freezing in winter for condensing gas models
• Electrical faults, tripped breakers, or inadequate circuit sizing on electric units
• Error codes from sensors or control boards

Types of services offered (installation, retrofit, repair, maintenance)

• New installation: Sizing, selecting fuel type, mounting, venting, gas or electrical hookup, and commissioning.
• Retrofit: Replacing a conventional tank with a tankless system, including changes to piping, venting, electrical upgrades, or gas-line upsizing.
• Repair: Troubleshooting ignition, flow sensors, leak repairs, pump or recirculation system repairs, and replacing failed components.
• Preventive maintenance: Annual descaling/flush, inlet screen cleaning, burner inspection, vent and condensate line check, and software/controls inspection.

Flow-rate and sizing calculations (how to pick the right unit)

Sizing a tankless unit requires two key numbers:

1. Peak flow rate (GPM): Add the flow rates of fixtures used simultaneously. Typical fixture estimates:
   • Shower: 1.5 to 2.5 GPM (low-flow to older models)
   • Bathtub: 4 GPM
   • Kitchen faucet: 1.5 GPM
   • Dishwasher: 1 to 2 GPM
   • Washing machine: 1 to 2 GPM
   • Example: Two showers (2.0 GPM each) + kitchen faucet (1.5) + dishwasher (1.5) = 7.0 GPM peak demand.
2. Required temperature rise: Desired delivery temp minus incoming water temp. In Evansville, incoming groundwater averages about 45 to 55 F depending on season. For a 120 F delivery in winter with 50 F inlet, temperature rise = 70 F.

Select a unit that can deliver your calculated GPM at the required temperature rise. Gas-fired tankless models typically offer higher GPM at larger temperature rises than electric units.

Gas versus electric tankless units

• Gas tankless
  
  • Pros: Higher output and better suited for large households and commercial applications; can support multiple high-demand fixtures.
  • Cons: Requires proper venting (direct vent, power vent, or stainless steel/condensing venting for high-efficiency units), gas-line sizing, and combustion air considerations. Condensing models increase efficiency but need a condensate drain and corrosion-resistant venting.
• Electric tankless
  
  • Pros: Simpler installation where natural gas is not available; smaller units for point-of-use applications; no venting required.
  • Cons: Require significant electrical capacity (240V multiple-phase circuits) and typically lower flow rates for whole-house use unless multiple units or very large electrical service is available.

Installation and retrofit requirements

• Assess gas supply and meter capacity for gas units; larger models may need a service upgrade.
• Ensure electrical panel and circuit capacity for electric units; some whole-house electric models require multiple dedicated high-amperage circuits.
• Venting clearance and routing must meet code; condensing units need PVC or stainless steel venting and a condensate drain.
• Water piping - consider larger supply lines and pressure balancing when replacing a tank.
• For historic or tight-space Evansville homes, wall-mounted exterior units or indoor compact units can simplify retrofits.
• Multiple smaller units or a combination of point-of-use and whole-house units may be best for large homes or commercial properties.

Expected energy savings and lifecycle

• Tankless systems can reduce water heating energy use by roughly 20 to 40 percent compared with conventional tanks, depending on household usage patterns and fuel costs. Savings come from eliminating standby loss and improving efficiency during usage.
• Lifespan typically 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. Replacing a tankless unit less often than a storage tank helps offset higher upfront costs over time.

Maintenance recommendations for Evansville homes and businesses

• Annual flush/descale: Strongly recommended in Evansville where water hardness can cause scale. Frequency may increase (every 6 months) if water is very hard.
• Install a sediment or scale prevention system: Consider a whole-house water softener or scale reducer to extend heat exchanger life.
• Inspect vents and condensate drains annually, especially before winter to prevent freezing issues.
• Check filters and inlet screens periodically and clean as needed.
• Service gas burners and ignition systems on gas models to maintain efficiency and reliability.

Common repairs and troubleshooting

• Low or no hot water: check error codes, burner operation (gas), power supply (electric), and scale blockage.
• Intermittent temperature swings: likely scale on heat exchanger or inadequate GPM detection from flow sensor.
• Ignition failure: can be caused by gas supply issues, blocked venting, or failed igniter/transformer.
• Leaks: usually at water connections, pressure relief devices, or internal heat exchanger issues.
• Condensate freezing: insulate condensate lines and ensure proper routing and trap installation for winter.

Rebates, incentives, and financing (what to expect)

• ENERGY STAR qualified tankless heaters and high-efficiency condensing gas units may qualify for manufacturer rebates, utility incentives, or federal/state energy programs. Eligibility depends on model efficiency and program rules.
• Financing options are commonly available through HVAC and plumbing contractors to spread upfront costs over time.
• Documentation typically required for rebates: model numbers, installation date, proof of purchase, and contractor documentation. Verify current local utility and state programs for Evansville and Vanderburgh County to confirm available incentives.

Is a tankless water heater right for your Evansville property?

• Good fit: medium to large households with high hot water demand, businesses with continuous or variable hot water needs, homeowners wanting long-term energy savings and space saving.
• Considerations: homes with very hard water need softening or more frequent maintenance; older homes with small gas lines or limited electrical service may require infrastructure upgrades; multiple-bathroom homes may need a high-capacity unit or multiple units.
• For point-of-use needs like a single bathroom or remote sink, small electric point-of-use tankless models can be an economical choice.

Regular sizing, thoughtful selection of gas versus electric, and a proactive maintenance plan tailored to Evansville water conditions will maximize reliability and savings from a tankless water heater. Properly specified and maintained, a tankless system delivers continuous hot water, reduced operating costs, and long-term performance suited to local homes and businesses.