Tankless water heaters are becoming more common in recreational vehicles because they save space and energy compared to conventional models with holding tanks. They also provide hot water instantly, without having to wait for the water to boil.
There are several things to consider before installing an electric tankless water heater. First, decide whether or not you want to go with a gas or electric model. Next, determine the size of the unit you want to purchase. Finally, choose between a standard or travel trailer installation.
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Tankless hot water heaters are efficient because they only heat water on demand. They use gas or electricity to heat water only when someone opens the hot water tap or starts an appliance that uses the water hot.
When you first turn on the hot water faucet, cold water flows through a pipe and into a tankless water heater. This is called preheat. Preheat allows the tankless water heater to quickly heat the incoming water.
As soon as the water reaches its desired temperature, the tankless heaters stops preheating the water and begins delivering hot water to your taps.
This type of water heater saves energy and reduces waste. It’s also environmentally friendly because it doesn’t store hot water.
Tankless Water Heater Benefits
Tankless water heaters are far more efficient than traditional tank-style units. In fact, they can be up to 80% more energy-efficient.
They’re also environmentally friendly. Because they operate continuously, they produce less noise and pollution than conventional models.
And finally, they’re easier to install. Traditional tank-style units require plumbing connections, while tankless units simply plug into an electrical outlet.
So, if you’re considering installing a tankless water heating system in your RV, you may want to give it a try. It’s likely to save you money over the long run and improve your overall comfort level.
How To Properly Install Tankless Water Heater In RV?
1. Estimating cost of new tankless water heater installation
Tankless water heater installation is not a very costly process. But an estimate of cost is calculated, to make sure it doesn’t become a very costly process.
2. Choosing quality of product
As low-quality material of tankless water heater might cause damage to an electrical supply, gas supply or any unexpected damage. So, choosing a high-quality water heater is necessary to get properly heated water and prevent any uncertain damage crisis in the future. A product having a warranty claim is beneficial for water heater installation.
3. Availability of convenience and energy saving
Choosing a tankless water heater with availability, convenience, and energy-saving is a plus point to make a tankless water installation. Choosing an energy-saving water heater might be suitable for proper water supply at any time.
4. Getting help from experienced professionals
Get help from tankless water heater installation experts. These technicians use all necessary tools and equipment’s to install the water heater efficiently and in a specified time.
5. Turning of all current, gas supplies
Before you move towards installing a tankless water heater, the initial step is a precautionary step which involves switching off all power sources of electricity, gas and turning off the propane tank. To ensure proper installation, all necessary tools are required.
6. Removing an old pre-installed water heater
While working on installing a new tankless water heater, the removal of the old water heater of RV is important. The new tankless water heater will easily fit in the place of an old water heater.
7. Cleaning area for making a new installation
The frame of the old water heater is removed carefully by removing screws with the help of a screwdriver then the old unit is removed. After removing the old unit the area is cleaned carefully so the new tankless water heater must get fit properly.
8. Removal of old adhesive
The residue of the old adhesive is removed with the help of a heat gun. An expert technician carefully checks for any adhesive that might cause a problem in the new fitting.
9. Placing new tankless water heater
When all cleaning is done, a new tankless water heater is smoothly slid into the place of an old water heater. If space is not enough, a drill is used to get enough space to make it a perfect fit. When space is made then a tankless water heater is placed into that space.
10. Filling the inside gaps
When an installation is done, the frame of the water heater is installed with the help of screws and a screwdriver. After which a glue gun is used to fill the remaining gap or to seal the sidings of the fitting. The gaps are closed with adhesive to make it a proper fit.
11. Placing the door of the tank
The closing door is attached to the outer side of the tank and is fixed with glue or adhesive. The closing door protects the body of the hot water tank to minimize any outer damage to it.
12. Sealing the outer frame gaps
If your water heater is small enough to fit in the place of the old water heater, then to hold it still in the place a protective layer of glue is used to completely seal the outer frame gaps.
13. Connecting electrical and gas supply back
After completing the installation of a tankless water heater, the electrical supply and gas supply wires are connected back to get an unlimited supply of hot water at any time.
14. Connecting hot and cold water wires
Hot and cold water which were disconnected during installation is connected back to get an adequate supply from the tankless water heater.
15. Installing temperature panel
A temperature or control panel is installed inside the RV to control the temperature for the supply of cold and hot water. This control panel also allows the user to get desired heated and cold water at any time.
16. Check the tap for hot water supply
By switching on the control panel, you can turn on the tap of water to check that the connection is working properly and you are getting an adequate supply of water without any problem.
17. Set the temperature of the control panel
While checking for the water supply, make sure you set the control panel temperature at a low level to make it work efficiently and provide you with an excellent supply of hot water.
How To Convert Your RV Water Heater to Tankless
First, you’ll need to determine whether you’d like to install a tankless water heater yourself or hire a contractor to help you.
You can do the job yourself, but it’s recommended that you hire a professional to help you with the project.
Next, you’ll need to plan ahead for the conversion. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Determine where the existing water heater is located.
2. Remove the existing water heater and disconnect its electrical and gas lines.
3. Disconnect the water lines from the existing water heater.
4. Drain the existing water tank.
5. Turn off the water pump inside the RV.
6. Drain the water lines leading to the water heater.
7. Cut through any weatherproofing and caulk around the water heater.
8. Remove the water heater from the cabinet.
9. Carefully slide the new water heater into place.
10. Frame the new water heater into position.
11. Seal the cabinet with butyl tape and caulk.
12. Connect the water lines to the new water heater.
13. Reconnect the electrical and propane lines.
14. Reconnect the water pump.
15. Turn on the DC power supply to your rig.
16. Turn on the water pump.
17. Turn on the propane tank.
18. Turn on the water heater.
19. Test the system.
20. Enjoy your new tankless water heater!