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How to Generate an AI Podcast Using Google’s NotebookLM

https://www.wired.com/story/ai-podcast-google-notebooklm/

Two podcasts hosts banter back and forth during the final episode of their series, audibly anxious to share some distressing news with listeners. “We were, uh, informed by the show’s producers that we’re not human,” a male-sounding voice stammers out, mid-existential crisis. The conversation between the bot and his female-sounding cohost only gets more uncomfortable after that—an engaging, albeit misleading, example of Google’s NotebookLM tool, and its experimental AI podcasts.

Audio of the conversation went viral on Reddit over the weekend. The original poster admits in the comments section that they fed the NotebookLM software directions for the AI voices to roleplay this pseudo-freakout. So, no sentience; the AI bots have not become self-aware. Still, many users in the tech press, on TikTok, and elsewhere are praising the convincing AI podcasts, generated through uploaded documents with the Audio Overviews feature.

“The magic of the tool is that people get to listen to something that they ordinarily would not be able to just find on YouTube or an existing podcast,” says Raiza Martin, who leads the NotebookLM team inside of Google Labs. Martin mentions recently inputting a 100-slide deck on commercialization into the tool and listening to the 8-minute podcast summary as she multitasked.

First introduced last year, NotebookLM is an online research assistant with features common for AI software tools, like document summarization. But it’s the Audio Overviews option, released in September, that’s capturing the Internet’s imagination. Users online are sharing snippets of their generative AI podcasts made from Goldman Sachs data dumps, and testing the tool’s limitations through stunts, like just repeatedly uploading the words “poop” and “fart.” Still confused? Here’s what you need to know.

Generating That AI Podcast

Audio Overviews are a fun AI feature to try out, because they don’t cost the user anything—all you need is a Google login. Start by signing into your personal account and visiting the NotebookLM website. Click on the plus arrow that reads New Notebook to start uploading your source material.

Each Notebook can work with up to 50 source documents, and these don’t have to be files saved to your computer. Google Docs and Slides are simple to import. You can also upload websites and YouTube videos, keeping some caveats in mind. Only the text from websites will be analyzed, not the images or layout, and the story can’t be paywalled. For YouTube, Notebook will just use the text transcript and the linked videos must be public.

After you’ve dropped in all of your links and documents, you’ll want to open up the Notebook guide available in the bottom right corner of the screen. Find the Audio Overview section and click the Generate button. Next, you’ll need to exercise some patience, because it may take a few minutes to load, depending on how much source material you’re using.

After the tool generates the AI podcast, you can create a sharable link to the audio or simply download the file. Additionally, you have the option to adjust its playback speed, in case you need the podcast to be quicker or more slowed down.

The Future of AI Podcasts

The internet has gotten creative with NotebookLM’s audio feature, using it to create audio-based “deep dives” into complex technical topics, generate files that neatly summarize dense research papers, and produce “podcasts” about their personal health and fitness routines. Which poses an important question: Should you use NotebookLM to crank through your most personal files?

The summaries generated from NotebookLM are, according to Google spokesperson Justin Burr, “completely grounded in the source material that a user uploads. Meaning, your personal data is not used to train NotebookLM, so any private or sensitive information you have in your sources will stay private, unless you choose to share your sources with collaborators.” For now this seems to be one of the upsides of Google slapping an “experimental” label on NotebookLM; to hear Google’s framing of it, the company is just gathering feedback on the product right now, being agile and responsive, tinkering away in a lab, and NotebookLM is detached from its multi-billion dollar ad business. For now! For now.

via Wired Top Stories https://www.wired.com

October 2, 2024 at 10:00AM

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NASA’s U-2 spy plane found gamma rays in 90% of lightning storms

https://www.popsci.com/environment/gamma-ray-lightning/

Thunderstorms create a lot of wind, rain, and lightning, but many people aren’t necessarily aware of another common byproduct: gamma radiation. Thanks to a creative retrofit of an old U-2 spy plane courtesy of NASA, however, researchers are finally able to conduct direct analysis of these microsecond bursts of radioactive energy that occur across the planet every day. Now, some of these latest findings are available in two new studies published on October 3 in the journal Nature—and they indicate radioactive storms happen all the time.

Experts accidentally detected gamma rays in thunderstorms in the 1990s, when NASA satellites designed to study supernovas and other high-energy cosmic bodies recorded some of their intended subjects’ telltale signs right below them. Ever since then, researchers have made do by studying as much as possible using these satellites and equipment that aren’t specifically calibrated for lightning.

Even so, the mechanics behind the radiation generation has gradually come into focus: As thunderstorms develop, windblown drafts of water droplets, ice, and hail combine into a mix that creates electric charges similar to static electricity. Positively charged ions then move to the top of the storm as the negatively charged ions shift downward, building up an electric field experts compare to the power of 100 million AA batteries. Energized particles including electrons accelerate within this newly created field, often fast enough to knock additional electrons off of air molecules. These interactions then snowball to eventually produce enough energy to generate millisecond blasts of gamma rays, antimatter, and other radiation particles.

This gamma radiation is so prevalent that pilots have even documented faint glows within storm clouds. Despite this, unknown factors appear to prevent them from creating explosive reactions.

“A few aircraft campaigns tried to figure out if these phenomena were common or not, but there were mixed results, and several campaigns over the United States didn’t find any gamma radiation at all,” Steve Cummer, Duke University’s William H. Younger Distinguished Professor of Engineering and co-author of both studies, said in a statement on Wednesday.

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s ER-2 aircraft flies just above the height of thunderclouds over the Floridian and Caribbean coastlines to collect data about lightning glows and terrestrial gamma ray flashes. Credit: NASA/Kirt Stallings
NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s ER-2 aircraft flies just above the height of thunderclouds over the Floridian and Caribbean coastlines to collect data about lightning glows and terrestrial gamma ray flashes. Credit: NASA/Kirt Stallings

But after years of relying on workarounds, NASA recently offered Cummer and colleagues one of its augmented U-2 planes, now called an ER-2 High-Altitude Airborne Science Aircraft. Capable of ascending to altitudes as high as 72,000 ft while traveling at Mach 4 (around 475 mph), the Cold War era spy plane is perfect for speeding across vast distances to observe multiple thunderstorms for gamma radiation. Once outfitted with the right observational tools, experts like Cummer hoped NASA’s ER-2 variant could “address these questions once and for all.”

The results surprised even him and his colleagues.

“There is way more going on in thunderstorms than we ever imagined,” Cummer explained. “As it turns out, essentially all big thunderstorms generate gamma rays all day long in many different forms.”

Over one month, 10 flights were conducted over storms in the south Florida tropics—9 of which contained the glowing “simmer” of gamma radiation that was far more dynamic than researchers hypothesized.

“[It] resembles that of a huge gamma-glowing boiling pot, both in pattern and behavior,” University of Bergen professor of physics and study co-author Martino Marisaldi said on Wednesday.

ER-2 aircraft on a runway
NASA’s ER-2 aircraft is a converted U-2 spy plane used to study thunderstorms from high altitudes. Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas

Many confirmed sightings lined up with those first seen by NASA satellites over 30 years ago, almost always in tandem with active lightning. This implies that lightning is most likely a major instigator of gamma ray generation through supercharging already an electric field’s high energy electrons. But other recordings yielded entirely new discoveries.

According to the research team, at least two additional types of short gamma busts can occur in thunderstorms—one lasting less than a thousandth of a second, and another that forms around 10 separate bursts over around a tenth of a second. For Cummer, these are the “most interesting” finds.

“They don’t seem to be associated with developing lightning flashes. They emerge spontaneously somehow,” he said, adding that some of the data suggests the gamma bursts may link to certain thunderstorm processes responsible for starting lightning flashes. For now, however, he said those processes “are still a mystery to scientists.”

[Related: How to stay safe during lightning season.]

Answers to these and other unsolved storm phenomena may one day come through additional ER-2 flights high above gamma ray-laden storms. Until then, Cummer stresses that no one needs to worry about the proliferation of gamma radiation “boiling pots” high above their heads.

“The radiation would be the least of your problems if you found yourself there [in a thunderstorm],” he said.

The post NASA’s U-2 spy plane found gamma rays in 90% of lightning storms appeared first on Popular Science.

via Popular Science – New Technology, Science News, The Future Now https://www.popsci.com

October 2, 2024 at 10:04AM

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Raspberry Pi built an AI camera with Sony

https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/raspberry-pi-built-an-ai-camera-with-sony-165049998.html?src=rss

AI enthusiasts who like the Raspberry Pi range of products can rejoice, as the company is now announcing its new Raspberry Pi AI Camera. This product is the result of the company’s collaboration with Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS), which began in 2023. The AI Camera is compatible with all of Raspberry Pi’s single-board computers.

The approximately 12.3-megapixel AI Camera is intended for vision-based AI projects, and it’s based on SSS’ IMX500 image sensor. The integrated RP2040 microcontroller manages the neural network firmware, allowing the camera to perform onboard AI image processing and freeing up the Raspberry Pi for other processes. Thus, users who want to integrate AI into their Raspberry Pi projects are no longer limited to the Raspberry Pi AI Kit.

The AI Camera isn’t a total replacement for Raspberry Pi’s Camera Module 3, which is still available. For those interested in the new AI Camera, it’s available right now from Raspberry Pi’s approved resellers for $70.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/oSktJQg

via Engadget http://www.engadget.com

September 30, 2024 at 11:57AM

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Mario Creator Shigeru Miyamoto Talks AI, Says Nintendo Wants To “Go In A Different Direction”

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-creator-shigeru-miyamoto-talks-ai-says-nintendo-wants-to-go-in-a-different-direction/1100-6526727/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f

Nintendo visionary Shigeru Miyamoto has commented on the company’s stance regarding artificial intelligence, saying the Mario maker aims to "go in a different direction."

Speaking to The New York Times, Miyamoto said Nintendo is often perceived as a company that bucks trends and does its own thing only for the sake of it. But that isn’t true. It’s an intentional effort to be different, Miyamoto said. And the same thinking applies for AI–whereas plenty of companies are adopting and embracing it, Nintendo may not.

Miyamoto said Nintendo’s ambition is "trying to find what makes Nintendo special." He added: "There is a lot of talk about AI, for example. When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction."

Earlier this year, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa explained that AI could be used "in creative ways" but there were also "issues with intellectual property rights" to deal with.

"Generative AI, which is becoming a big topic recently, can be used in creative ways, but we recognize that it may also raise issues with intellectual property rights," Furukawa said. While Nintendo is open to "utilizing technological developments," it is currently relying on its experienced employees to develop unique games.

"We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players. While we are open to utilizing technological developments, we will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone," Furukawa said.

Nintendo’s stance on AI is indeed different from some of the video game industry’s other major players. Electronic Arts boss Andrew Wilson believes AI could be used to develop games more quickly. Microsoft, meanwhile, is heavily invested in AI and has said AI will be featured in every product it makes going forward, including Xbox, and Ubisoft plans to create AI NPCs that players can have conversations with.

AI technology, of course, has been used in game development for decades–but what’s new and different in recent years is what’s referred to as generative artificial intelligence. Many remain concerned that growth of the generative AI market could lead to job losses, and companies like EA and others have admitted this is a legitimate concern in the short term. In the longer-term, people like Wilson of EA and others believe generative AI will be similar to previous labor revolutions that had short-term job losses and long-term growth.

The video game industry has faced brutal layoffs in 2023 and 2024, though what role advances to artificial intelligence technologies has had on these cuts is unknown.

Nintendo is gearing up to announce its next console, presumably the Switch 2, and a reveal is expected soon or perhaps near Nintendo’s next earnings briefing in November as some have speculated.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

via GameSpot’s PC Reviews https://ift.tt/N6OJIfy

September 26, 2024 at 07:46AM

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First Israel’s Exploding Pagers Maimed and Killed. Now Comes the Paranoia

https://www.wired.com/story/hezbollah-israel-exploding-pagers-paranoia/

When Nadim Kobeissi was a child growing up in Beirut in the early 2000s, sonic booms created by the Israel Defense Forces’ planes in the skies above Lebanon would occasionally rattle his home, generating enough noise and concussive force that he and his family would sometimes sleep in the hallways to avoid pieces of glass from shattered windows falling onto them in the night. The psychological effect—which he believes was intentional—was long-lasting. Even years later, after he’d left Lebanon, the sound of fireworks would make him start subconsciously sweating and shaking.

This week, the booms rippling across Lebanon came not from Israeli jets streaking across the sky, but from electronic devices exploding in people’s pockets and hands. Yet Kobeissi, now a security researcher based in Paris, says the lingering fear following the attack is familiar: When he speaks to his family members who are still in Lebanon, they tell him that their iPhones have been heating up, and ask whether they’re right to be worried.

“They’re wondering, is my phone being hacked? Is it going to blow up?” Kobeissi says. “It’s worse than the sonic booms, because it’s completely novel, and it’s almost impossible to explain to them.”

On Tuesday and Wednesday, explosives hidden in thousands of pagers—and later walkie-talkies and other electronic devices—detonated across Lebanon in an apparent attack targeting the membership of the militant group Hezbollah. The unprecedented, stunning operation, which has been widely attributed to Israel despite no claim of responsibility by any Israeli government agency, killed at least 32 people, including at least four children and several hospitals workers, and injured more than 3,300 others, according to the country’s health ministry. It flooded Lebanese hospitals with victims—members of Hezbollah and bystanders alike—who have in many cases lost eyes, fingers, and hands. In one instance Wednesday, walkie-talkies exploded at a funeral for three Hezbollah leaders and a child killed the day before, sending waves of panic through the crowd.

Exactly how Israel may have secreted explosive material into so many thousands of gadgets and remotely detonated those payloads remains far from clear. Theories about the operation have come to a consensus, though: that an Israeli intelligence agency likely carried out a supply chain attack that used a Hungarian front company to build devices with batteries laced with the explosive PETN—and even embedded metal ball bearings in pagers’ cases to increase the lethality of their payload—before impersonating a legitimate supplier and selling them in Lebanon.

The exact motivation behind the attack still remains the subject of speculation, beyond Israel’s escalating tensions with Hezbollah in the midst of its scorched-earth war in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attack on the country. But the fact that the explosions were largely carried out by weaponizing communication devices is no coincidence, says Bruce Schneier, a security- and surveillance-focused author and researcher who teaches cybersecurity policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Schneier points out that the psychological effect of the operation, following years of Israeli government and military hacking of its adversaries’ smartphones and computers, is to sow paranoia in every last remaining means of communication and coordination that the country’s enemies possess.

via Wired Top Stories https://www.wired.com

September 19, 2024 at 09:21AM

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New Evidence Shows Heat Destroys Quantum Entanglement

https://www.wired.com/story/new-evidence-shows-heat-destroys-quantum-entanglement/

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine.

Nearly a century ago, the physicist Erwin Schrödinger called attention to a quirk of the quantum world that has fascinated and vexed researchers ever since. When quantum particles such as atoms interact, they shed their individual identities in favor of a collective state that’s greater, and weirder, than the sum of its parts. This phenomenon is called entanglement.

Researchers have a firm understanding of how entanglement works in idealized systems containing just a few particles. But the real world is more complicated. In large arrays of atoms, like the ones that make up the stuff we see and touch, the laws of quantum physics compete with the laws of thermodynamics, and things get messy.

At very low temperatures, entanglement can spread over long distances, enveloping many atoms and giving rise to strange phenomena such as superconductivity. Crank up the heat, though, and atoms jitter about, disrupting the fragile links that bind entangled particles.

Physicists have long struggled to pin down the details of this process. Now, a team of four researchers has proved that entanglement doesn’t just weaken as temperature increases. Rather, in mathematical models of quantum systems such as the arrays of atoms in physical materials, there’s always a specific temperature above which it vanishes completely. “It’s not just that it’s exponentially small,” said Ankur Moitra of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the authors of the new result. “It’s zero.”

Researchers had previously observed hints of this behavior and dubbed it the “sudden death” of entanglement. But their evidence was mostly indirect. The new finding establishes a much stronger limit on entanglement in a mathematically rigorous way.

Curiously, the four researchers behind the new result aren’t even physicists, and they didn’t set out to prove anything about entanglement. They’re computer scientists who stumbled on the proof accidentally while developing a new algorithm.

Regardless of their intent, the results have excited researchers in the area. “It’s a very, very strong statement,” said Soonwon Choi, a physicist at MIT. “I was very impressed.”

Finding Equilibrium

The team made their discovery while exploring the theoretical capabilities of future quantum computers—machines that will exploit quantum behavior, including entanglement and superposition, to perform certain calculations far faster than the conventional computers we know today.

One of the most promising applications of quantum computing is in the study of quantum physics itself. Let’s say you want to understand the behavior of a quantum system. Researchers need to first develop specific procedures, or algorithms, that quantum computers can use to answer your questions.

Ewin Tang helped devise a new fast algorithm for simulating how certain quantum systems behave at high temperatures.

Photograph: Xinyu Tan

via Wired Top Stories https://www.wired.com

September 22, 2024 at 06:09AM

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The best tankless water heaters of 2024, as chosen by experts

https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-tankless-water-heaters/

Few home upgrades deliver the mix of practicality and luxury you get from a tankless water heater. These devices efficiently heat water without the need to store a large tank of the stuff in your basement before sending it to your sinks, showers, and appliances. That typically translates into less maintenance, fewer floods, and no more running out of hot water mid-shower. We’ve chosen the Rinnai RU199iN Tankless Water Heater as our best overall pick for its versatility, efficiency, and sparkling reputation with pro installers. Keep reading for the rest of our picks to match just about any space or budget.

How we chose the best tankless water heaters

Selecting the best tankless water heaters required extensive research into a variety of products before paring down the list to these top tankless water heaters. It was necessary to scrutinize each potential option by considering the key factors important for a tankless water heater, including the fuel type, size, flow rate, and the number of fixtures each product can supply simultaneously.

Gas tankless water heaters offer the most power but tend to be the most expensive to purchase and install. However, electric water heaters will typically cost more in energy bills, so there is some tradeoff over time. With this in mind, the list includes natural gas, propane, and electric models to offer a variety of top options. Flow rate, when compared to temperature rise, was another key consideration. 

While many manufacturers state the maximum flow rate, this specification is really only useful in areas with the highest groundwater temperature. Instead, it was necessary to note the maximum and minimum flow rates based on the potential groundwater temperatures to compare products accurately. Only after researching and comparing these product specifications was it possible to create this list of the best tankless water heaters.

The best tankless water heaters: Reviews & Recommendations 

This list was compiled after extensive research into the fuel type, flow rate, size, and the number of fixtures to which each tankless water heater can supply hot water simultaneously. Look at this list of the best tankless water heaters to find an appliance suitable for the home. 

Best overall: Rinnai RU199iN Tankless Water Heater

Why it made the cut: The powerful 11 GPM flow rate is more than enough for most four- to six-person families.

Specs

  • Fuel Type: Natural gas
  • Max flow rate: 11 GPM
  • Min flow rate: 7 GPM
  • Dimensions: 14.76”Dx22.05”Wx33.86”H
  • Number of fixtures: 2 to 7
  • Price: $1,384

Pros

  • Can be paired with a WiFi module or an external pump for enhanced operation
  • High maximum output of 11 gallons per minute
  • Capable of supplying up to seven fixtures simultaneously
  • Durable design can last for 20 years

Cons

  • WiFi module and the external pump for recirculation are sold separately

Natural gas tankless water heaters are generally considered the best option for medium- to large-size families because these appliances typically have a higher heat output, allowing them to heat more water at a faster rate. For instance, this tankless water heater by Rinnai can heat 11 gallons of water per minute, making it an ideal option for big families or areas with low groundwater temperatures, like Montanna or Minnesota.

The tankless water is compatible with Rinnai’s WiFi module, making it easier for users to closely monitor the temperature, power output, and energy consumption. This product can also connect to an external pump to reduce the wait time for hot water through scheduled or on-demand recirculation. However, it’s necessary to note that both the WiFi module and the external pump are sold separately, so these features are only available with an additional purchase.

Even without the WiFi module or external pump, this tankless water heater can simultaneously supply hot water to up to seven fixtures, ensuring everyone gets ready on time during the morning rush to school and work. Additionally, this tankless heater by Rinnai can last up to 20 years with proper inspection and maintenance before the homeowner needs to consider replacing or upgrading the appliance. 

Best value: Ecosmart ECO 24 Tankless Water Heater

Why it made the cut: Homeowners on a budget can still upgrade from an old tank-style water heater with this affordable appliance by Ecosmart.

Specs

  • Fuel Type: Electric
  • Max flow rate: 5 GPM
  • Min flow rate: 2 GPM
  • Dimensions: 3.75”Dx17”Wx17”H
  • Number of fixtures: 1 to 2
  • Price: $528

Pros

  • Compact size doesn’t take up a lot of space
  • Affordable purchase price
  • Ideal for small homes with one or two people
  • Flow sensor modulates energy consumption to meet hot water demands

Cons

  • Requires three 40-amp double pole breakers
  • Only supplies one to two fixtures simultaneously

One of the first decisions to make when deciding on a new tankless water heater is whether it would be best to have a gas, propane, or electric model. This electric tankless water heater by Ecosmart is a great option for homeowners who want to switch from an old tank-style water heater but may not have a large enough budget to afford a gas tankless water heater. 

Beyond the affordable price, this tankless water heater has a built-in flow sensor that will automatically modulate the energy consumption to ensure the water doesn’t get cold in the middle of a shower. 

It’s a good choice for individuals who live independently or in homes with two people, though it does not have a high enough flow rate for medium- to large-size families. Also, the electric tankless water heater requires three 40-amp double pole breakers for installation, so it’s recommended to consult with an electrician to ensure the home is equipped for this appliance. 

Best electric: Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater

Why it made the cut: Equipped with flow control and self-modulation technology, this tankless water heater offers superior user convenience and high energy efficiency.

Specs

  • Fuel Type: Electric
  • Max flow rate: 7 GPM
  • Min flow rate: 3.8 GPM
  • Dimensions: 4.63”Dx16.63”Wx14.5”H
  • Number of fixtures: 1 to 3
  • Price: $675

Pros

  • Advanced Flow Control optimizes output for ideal heating
  • Self-modulation technology ensures the least amount of energy is used for operation
  • Easy-to-read digital control panel
  • Near-silent operation

Cons

  • Not intended for homes with four or more people

Electric tankless water heaters, like this high-efficiency model by Stiebel Eltron, operate at a near-silent noise level, so they can be installed close to a common area without disrupting social gatherings. This tankless water heater comes equipped with Stiebel Eltron’s Advanced Flow Control technology, allowing it to automatically reduce the water pressure if it detects that the demand is greater than it can handle. This allows the water heater to ensure the water temperature remains the same despite the high demand.

The tankless water heater also features a simple, easy-to-use digital control panel and built-in self-modulation technology. The self-modulation feature allows the tankless water heater to control the energy output so that the tankless water heater operates as efficiently as possible. Just remember that this unit is unsuitable for larger families due to the low max flow rate.

Best gas: Rheem Prestige Tankless Water Heater

Why it made the cut: This tankless water heater is designed with a built-in water and gas leak detection system to help protect the home in the case of an emergency.

Specs

  • Fuel Type: Natural gas
  • Max flow rate: 8.4 GPM
  • Min flow rate: 3 GPM
  • Dimensions: 9.8”Dx18.5”Wx27.5”H
  • Number of fixtures: 2 to 5
  • Price: $1,366

Pros

  • Space-saving design
  • Suitable for small- to medium-size families
  • Built-in water and gas leak detection system
  • Digital remote thermostat for easy operation

Cons

  • Requires venting to the outside of the home

Investing in a gas tankless water heater is a good idea that can help save on energy bills and cut down on wasteful spending. Instead of relying on a tank-style water heater that will continuously heat the contents of the tank, regardless of whether the water is in use, homeowners can switch to this tankless model, which heats up to 8.4 GPM of water on demand. 

This Rheem Prestige tankless water heater runs on natural gas, so during the initial installation, the plumber will need to run venting to the outside to ensure that the exhaust does not build up inside the home. After installing the unit, the built-in water and gas leak detection system will monitor the tankless water heater and shut down the unit if it detects a leak. Additionally, the system will display an error code to indicate the problem so the homeowner can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. 

Best propane: Rinnai V53DeP Tankless Water Heater

Why it made the cut: Install this propane tankless water heater outside for the pool, spa, or even an outdoor kitchen.

Specs

  • Fuel Type: Propane
  • Max flow rate: 5.6 GPM
  • Min flow rate: 3 GPM
  • Dimensions: 7.9”Dx14”Wx19.8”H
  • Number of fixtures: 1 to 2
  • Price: $602

Pros

  • Designed for installation outdoors
  • Durable construction can last for up to 20 years
  • Enhanced scale detection feature reduces the risk of internal damage
  • Outdoor installation does not require venting

Cons

  • Only supplies one to two fixtures simultaneously

When most people invest in a tankless water heater, they tend to go with either a natural gas or an electric model, but there are also propane tankless water heaters, like this product from Rinnai. The tankless water heater can connect to a ¾-inch propane line for fuel and is designed for outdoor installation, making it a great option to get hot water to the pool, spa, or outdoor kitchen.

This tankless water heater has a durable body and internal components that can last 20 years with proper maintenance. Rinnai has included an enhanced scale detection system to protect further the unit that indicates when limescale begins to build inside the appliance. This notification allows users to contact a plumber to flush the system and keep it functioning for years to come. However, it’s important to note that the tankless water heater can only supply one to two fixtures simultaneously, so it’s not the best option for larger households. 

What to consider when buying the best tankless water heaters

Before purchasing a new tankless water heater for the home, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with some of the more important product factors, including the type of fuel, the size, and the flow rate. It’s also a good idea to learn how temperature rise can affect the unit’s performance.

Fuel type

There are three types of tankless water heaters, differentiated from each other based on the fuel or energy source:

  • Electric tankless water heaters are generally the least expensive option to purchase and install, though electricity costs are higher than natural gas or propane. This type of tankless water heater is typically used for homes with small- to medium-sized families that don’t require a high flow rate.
  • Natural gas tankless water heaters are the most common option for medium- to large-size families because they tend to have a higher flow rate, allowing these appliances to supply several fixtures with hot water simultaneously. However, natural gas tankless water heaters cost more upfront and typically require venting, which increases the installation cost. 
  • Propane tankless water heaters are less common than electric or natural gas units, but these appliances can be effective for small homes or point-of-use installations. The drawback with propane units is that the homeowner or user needs to purchase or refill propane tanks for operation regularly. But, hey, if you’ve got one of the best propane grills, this isn’t a new phenomenon for you.

Size

One of the main benefits of having a tankless water heater is that they are significantly smaller than traditional tank-style water heaters. However, it’s still important to consider each unit’s depth, width, and height to ensure that the tankless water heater will fit in the planned space. Electric tankless water heaters tend to take up less room than natural gas or propane products, so they are generally the best choice for smaller homes without a lot of free space.

However, it’s worth noting that some tankless water heaters can be installed outside, so it may be more beneficial to opt for an outdoor installation if there isn’t a lot of space inside. Just make sure that the tankless water heater isn’t too bulky or too heavy to mount in the designated location, and leave space for water lines, electrical connections, and gas vents.

Flow rate

The flow rate of the tankless water heater refers to the amount of water the appliance can heat within a specific amount of time. Generally, the flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Powerful gas tankless water heaters can often produce over 10 gallons of hot water each minute of operation, though this may not be required for smaller homes.

To determine the most suitable flow rate for the household, you will need to consider the various fixtures and appliances that may require hot water. Faucets typically require about 0.5 GPM, dishwashers require 1 GPM, washing machines need 1.5 GPM, and showers need 2 to 2.5 GPM. If you want to run the washing machine while in the shower, the tankless water heater will need a flow rate of at least 4 GPM. 

Temperature rise

An aspect often overlooked when researching tankless water heaters is that the flow rate depends on the local groundwater’s temperature. The colder the groundwater, the more energy the tankless water heater requires to heat the water to the desired temperature. Temperature rise is the term used to indicate the difference between local groundwater temperatures and the desired hot water temperature. 

Large temperature rises, such as 40 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, will require more time and energy than a smaller temperature rise of 70 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the higher energy cost, tankless water heaters will have a lower flow rate in areas with low groundwater temperatures. Before purchasing a tankless water heater, check the average groundwater temperature in the area to ensure you purchase a model with a high enough flow rate to overcome the temperature rise. 

FAQs 

Q: What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?

To ensure that there is enough hot water for multiple fixtures to operate normally at the same time, it’s recommended for a family of four to have a tankless water heater with a flow rate that falls between six to eight gallons per minute.

Q: How long can you run a tankless water heater?

As long as the demand for hot water does not exceed the maximum flow rate of the tankless water heater, you can hypothetically run it for an indefinite period. Just keep in mind that the more fixtures simultaneously using water, the less effective the tankless water heater will be.

Q: How long do tankless water heaters last?

When a tankless water heater is properly inspected and maintained throughout its life, it can last for up to 20 years, while a standard tank-style water heater will typically only last between eight to 12 years.

Final thoughts on the best tankless water heaters

Replacing an old tank-style water heater with a new tankless model is one of the most straightforward ways to cut down on energy costs because the tankless water heater will only operate when there is a need for hot water. When the water is not in use, the unit only uses enough electricity to remain on, reducing the energy consumption for the household. 

However, it’s important to consider the number of people in the home, as well as the geographic location, to find a tankless water heater with a high enough flow rate to ensure that there will always be hot water on demand. With this in mind, carefully consider product specifications and use this information to find the best tankless water heater for your home. 

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September 25, 2024 at 11:14AM