Electric tankless water heaters are extremely energy efficient, with more than 98% of energy supplied to the units actually be used to heat the water. On the other hand, gas tankless water heaters generally have an energy factor of less than 85%.
At present, a natural gas tankless water heater is about 10-15% cheaper to operate than an electric tankless heater. A tankless electric heater is generally cheaper than a propane tankless heater.
Tankless water heaters can be an efficient, economical option for many homeowners. Overall, natural gas tankless water heaters are the choice for greater water heating capacity and electric models are better for small households and bolstering existing systems.
Tankless water heaters have several advantages over traditional storage-tank water heaters, including being more energy-efficient and having a longer lifespan. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as being more expensive to install and having inconsistent water temperatures.
Tankless water heaters are usually powered with electricity or gas. These types of water heaters were found to be 22 percent more energy efficient on average than the gas-fired storage-tank models in tests conducted by Consumer Reports.
Tankless water heaters can save you money on your energy bill in the long run, but they also require a greater initial financial investment upfront. Installation costs more, especially if you're installing your first tankless heater and require new gas lines and venting or a dedicated electrical circuit.
For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be 8%–14% more energy efficient for homes that use a lot of hot water -- around 86 gallons per day.
Because the water is heated on demand, tankless units can't always supply enough hot water if you're simultaneously running several appliances, like a dishwasher and a washing machine. Some homeowners overcome this obstacle by installing two tankless water heaters or installing one for each appliance.
One of the main drawbacks that prevent people from making the switch to a tankless water heater system is that they cost about three times as much to purchase and install as a tank-style water heater. According to HomeGuide, the average cost to install a tankless water heater ranges from about $800 to $3,500.
Tankless Water Heaters May Lower Your Energy Bills, But That Doesn't Always Mean They'll Save You Money. According to the Department of Energy, the average American household spends $2,060 annually on energy bills. And 13% of that cost is for heating water.
Lifespan. The average lifespan of a tank gas water heater is about 8 to 12 years. Tankless electric water heaters have a longer lifespan and can last an average of 15 to 20 years or more.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
These systems use gas to operate, but their hardware does require electricity to power it. Unfortunately, these systems won't function during a power outage and don't have a reservoir to pull from.
An electric tankless water heater needs about 3 kWh of electricity to heat a 10-minute shower. Electric tankless water heaters draw large amounts of electricity (up to 36 kW) over short periods of time.
Electric vs Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Electric tankless water heaters are typically around 98 percent or more efficient while gas tankless water heaters are around 80-85 percent efficient. A gas tankless water heater can be cheaper to run and will typically last longer.
And today's recommendation is all about hot water usage and how a tankless water heater (both gas- powered and electric) can save you money. In fact, the average savings with a tankless water heater can be anywhere from $44-$108 per year according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
If you prefer installing the heater outdoors, constant power will be required to operate its freeze prevention system. You should not install your tankless system in an area that is prone to moisture or excess humidity, or where liquids may splash on it.
While tankless water heaters are designed for efficiency and on-demand hot water, they can sometimes take a bit longer to deliver the hot water we desire. The reasons can range from the size and capacity of the heater, the distance between the heater and tap, to mineral buildup and low gas pressure.
Generally, tankless water heaters should be serviced once a year; however, they may require more frequent maintenance if you have hard water or if you keep your water temperature high. To ensure that your tankless water heater is properly maintained, there are many steps you can take.
One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.
One of the major downsides of instantaneous hot water systems is their inability to store hot water. In the event of a sudden power cut or routine maintenance, you won't have any hot water as backup.
What Size Tankless Water Heater for Your Household? Proper sizing is important prior to select and installing a tankless, but in general the average rules for sizing the correct water heater for a household are roughly: 3.5 GPM for 1-2 fixtures simultaneously. 5 GPM for 2-3 fixtures simultaneously.
Tankless water heater replacement is a complex process that involves the skills of a highly trained technician. Unless you are experienced and comfortable enough to solder pipe, make gas connections and following local codes, hire a licensed professional.