Tankless water heaters can be powered by gas or electricity but even gas-powered tankless water heaters rely on an electric control panel to operate the system. So, regardless of the type of tankless water heater you have, you’ll be out of hot water in the event of a power outage.
Full Answer
What is the most reliable tankless water heater?
- Rheem Performance Platinum 9.5 GPM Natural Gas High-Efficiency Tankless Water Heater
- Rheem Performance Plus 8.4 GPM Natural Gas Indoor Tankless Water Heater
- Rinnai High-Efficiency Plus 11 GPM Natural Gas Interior Tankless Water Heater
Does a tankless water water heater actually save money?
Yes, tankless water heaters are worth the investment and can save you energy and money compared to using water heaters with tanks. In rare cases, like the example about using an electric tankless heater during the peak-tariff hours, the tankless water heaters might not be saving you money, but generally speaking, tankless water heaters do save you money whether they are gas or electric ones.
Are tankless water heaters a worthwhile investment?
Tankless water heaters are a great investment for some households. The detaining factor comes down to your needs. If you are looking to save space, make a long term household investment, or have hot water without the waste of heating, a tankless water heater is right for you. And if those needs don’t suit you, a traditional water heater will work just as well to keep your water hot. Learn More About Our Plumbing System Services Make An Appointment
Are gas water heaters better than electric?
Though gas water heaters burn hotter, they are less efficient than electric water heaters because much of the energy output is wasted through the vent at top. The vent is necessary for discharging toxic gases. Due to their cleaner operation, electric water heaters last slightly longer than gas water heaters.
Is a tankless water heater electric or gas?
Tankless: As their name implies, tankless, or on-demand water heaters, don't store water in a tank. Instead they heat water as it passes through the unit, using a heat exchanger to rapidly bring it up to temperature. (They run on electricity, natural gas, or propane.)
Do all tankless water heaters run on gas?
The 3 most common fuel sources for tankless water heaters are electricity, natural gas and propane. An electric tankless water heater is designed completely different than gas models. However, a gas unit is designed to burn either natural gas OR propane.
Can tankless water heaters be electric?
Electric tankless units install similarly to an electric tank-type product. All you need is electricity and water. When having an electric tankless water heater installed by a professional, be aware of the electrical service requirements, the additional wires needed for installation, and your home's climate.
Which is cheaper to operate gas or electric tankless water heater?
Conversely, most electric tankless water heaters are 98+% efficient. Even though natural gas is generally a cheaper input fuel than electricity per BTU of output power, this benefit is generally outweighed by the higher efficiency of the electric unit, longer service life, and cheaper installation.
Can you have a tankless water heater without gas?
Homes without a gas line or propane tank can also enjoy the advantages of on-demand hot water by installing tankless units powered by electricity. These units, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a third smaller than gas or propane tankless heaters.
Is it worth the money to get a electric tankless water heater?
For many people, the long-term benefits of tankless heaters more than compensate for their initial expense. A tankless heater can be up to 34% more efficient than a traditional water heater. This increase in efficiency can amount to annual savings of over $100, depending on the type and size of the heater.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.
What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?
Here are six of the most common problems and maintenance concerns for tankless water heaters:Mineral Buildup.System Overload.Cold Water Sandwich.Air Supply or Exhaust Blockage.Ignition Failure.Flame Failure.
How long do electric tankless water heaters last?
Longer Product Life A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!
What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?
What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6?Number Of Family Members:Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM)Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW)What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3?7-9 GPM15-23 kWWhat size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?8-10 GPM20-28 kW3 more rows
What is the average cost to install a tankless water heater?
The national average for tankless water heater installation cost is around $2,800. Depending on the model, the units themselves usually cost between $500 and $2,000, with installation adding another $500 to $1,500. However, for large or specialty units, you may pay as much as $6,600 in total costs.
Which lasts longer gas or electric tankless water heater?
You get a longer life from any type of tankless water heater than with a tank system either way. You typically get at least 10 to 13 years with an electric water heater. The lifespan of a gas tankless water heater on the other hand lasts at a minimum 12 with most lasting 15 to 20 years.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.
What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?
Here are six of the most common problems and maintenance concerns for tankless water heaters:Mineral Buildup.System Overload.Cold Water Sandwich.Air Supply or Exhaust Blockage.Ignition Failure.Flame Failure.
How does an electric tankless water heater work?
Tankless water heaters work by using an electric element or gas burner to warm the water as it travels through a pipe and into the unit. This delivers a near endless supply of hot water and provides instantaneous comfort and convenience. Unlike traditional water heaters, the hot water supply is not stored in the tank.
How much is an electric tankless water heater?
According to HomeAdvisor, tankless water heater costs range from $1,171 to $3,331, with the national average at $2,216. The overall cost of installing a tankless water heater varies depending on the type, brand, and flow rate.
What are the pros and cons to choosing a gas tankless water heater?
The pros of a gas tankless water heater are the endless supply of hot, fresh water, the energy efficiency, the cost savings due to efficiency and r...
Are gas tankless water heaters eco-friendly?
While gas tankless water heaters are more eco-friendly than tank-style water heaters, due to the energy efficiency savings as well as reduced water...
Can a gas tankless water heater work for a whole house?
Yes, a gas tankless water heater can work for a whole house. Making sure to choose the best size water heater in terms of output is vitally importa...
How do I choose the right size gas tankless water heater?
You can calculate your home’s exact hot water needs via formula: BTU per gallon to raise groundwater 120 degrees Fahrenheit x peak hot-water demand...
How do I choose a water heater capacity?
To evaluate the water heater capacity, you need to follow some steps. First, you need to determine the daily usage. If the daily usage is low, then...
What size gas tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?
It depends on your usage. If you need to run multiple showers at once, then it is advisable to purchase the water heater that serves hot water at t...
How much does it cost to have a tankless water heater installed?
The cost including, the unit, installation, labor, and other charges, falls between $1200 to somewhere $5000.
Do gas tankless water heaters need maintenance?
The Gas tankless water heater needs very little maintenance compared to the tank water heater. They require maintenance every 3-4 years, but it is...
Why are tankless water heaters so popular?
Recently, tankless water heaters are in great demand because of their capacity of providing hot water the same as traditional type water heaters despite the size of the suitcase. Not only this, they are more efficient and easy to maintain than the tank water heater.
What to look for when buying a gas tankless water heater?
The whole house water heater is not a luxury but a necessity. Choosing the best gas tankless water heater is a tedious and stressful task. To make your work easy, we have developed a buying guide.
How does a gas tankless water heater work?
When you turn the tap of hot water on, the cold water travels through the unit via the pipe. The water heater hits the water by a gas burner and it will adjust the flames to maintain the proper temperature throughout the process.
How to determine the capacity of a water heater?
First, you need to determine the daily usage. If the daily usage is low, then you can select the gas tankless water heater that delivers the hot water at the rate of 5-6 GPM. Your water requirement is low, but you need to run multiple showers and faucets simultaneously than you need the water heater that delivers the hot water at the rate of 8-10 GPM.
How long is the warranty on a tankless water heater?
Out of all other features, the best part of owning the gas tankless water heater is the warranty period. The warranty period starts from 10 years and goes up to massive 15 years on the heat exchanger. Rinnai gives 10 years warranty, whereas the Japanese manufacturer Takagi gives 15 years warranty.
Why do tankless water heaters take up less space?
Gas tankless water heaters take up less space because it does not need any storage. They directly heat the hot water when cold water travels through the pipe by burning the gas inside the chamber. This saves your space of storage and also supplies the constant hot water.
How is the flow rate of a gas tankless water heater determined?
The flow rate is determined based on the capacity of producing hot water by a gas tank less water heater. This value is measured in the GPM or Gallon per Minute. The flow rate of 5 to 6 GPM is enough for a family of 4 members. On average, a shower needs 3GPM, so with the flow rate of 6GPM, you can easily run 2 showers simultaneously or 1 shower and a washing machine.
How much hot water does a tankless water heater provide?
However, a tankless water heater's output limits the flow rate. Typically, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons (7.6–15.2 liters) per minute.
How long does a tankless water heater last?
Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years. Tankless water heaters can avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. However, although gas-fired tankless water ...
What is demand type water heater?
Tankless or Demand-Type Water Heaters. Diagram of a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save you money. Here you'll find basic information about ...
How much more energy efficient is a demand water heater?
Advantages and Disadvantages. 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. You can achieve even greater energy savings of ...
What are the factors that affect the installation of a demand water heater?
Proper installation depends on many factors. These factors include fuel type, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues, especially concerning the combustion of gas-fired water heaters.
Can a tankless water heater be used as a storage water heater?
Tankless water heaters can avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. However, although gas-fired tankless water heaters tend to have higher flow rates than electric ones, they can waste energy if they have a constantly burning pilot light. This can sometimes offset the elimination of standby energy losses ...
Can you turn off the pilot light on a tankless water heater?
Ask the manufacturer how much gas the pilot light uses for the model you're considering. If you purchase a model that uses a standing pilot light, you can always turn it off when it's not in use to save energy.
How much hot water does a tankless water heater use?
If you use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, a tankless heater is 24%-34% more efficient than a tank-style heater.
Why do you need a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters produce an endless supply of hot water, take up less space, have a lower risk of leaking, are safer, and have a significantly longer lifespan on average.
How long can you take a shower with a tankless water heater?
Since tankless water heaters work by heating water from the external source on-demand, you could take a shower for 10 hours (or longer), and the water would be as hot as it would be for a 10-minute shower.
How much more efficient is a tankless water heater?
If you use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, a tankless heater is 24%-34% more efficient than a tank-style heater.
Why do tank heaters break down?
Also, as I mentioned earlier, tank-style heaters break down over time due to hard water causing the inner lining of the tank to rust and corrode.
What are the risks of tank heaters?
One of the biggest risks with tank-style heaters is, over time, minerals from hard water build-up within the tank which leads to corrosion and eventually leaks.
How many gals does a tank water heater hold?
A tank-style water heater expends energy around the clock to maintain the temperature of a 40 to 50-gallon water supply so that hot water is ready when it’s needed.
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless, or on-demand, water heater heats water only when you need it. These heaters can be installed in a closet, on an exterior wall or another convenient place inside your home. They can heat your whole home or a single point of use such as a shower, sink or appliance.
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
You can turn any water source into hot water on demand. You aren't limited to the amount a storage tank heater can hold. Whether you're washing the dishes, washing your clothes or drawing a hot bath or even doing them all at once, tankless water heater technology will instantly supply the hot water your lifestyle demands.
Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater
Determining what size tankless water heater you’ll need is important. A heater that’s too small won’t adequately meet your home’s hot-water needs, while having a heater that’s too large is an unnecessary cost.
Point of Use Water Heaters
Sometimes an area of your home needs an extra boost of hot water. That's where a compact point of use (POU) water heater can help. For example, if you have a hot tub that uses electric heat, a POU heater can be installed nearby. These small, tankless heaters are installed near a room or appliance that needs additional hot water.
Hybrid Water Heaters
If you prefer a tank water heater but still want to cut your energy costs, a hybrid water heater might be the right choice for you. By combining the functions of a tank-style and tankless water heater, these appliances are typically more than twice as efficient and can be installed using your existing setup.
What is the difference between gas and electric water heaters?
Both natural gas and electricity can fuel conventional storage and tankless demand water heaters, but the fuel type influences water heater price and operating costs.
How to tell if a water heater is gas or electric?
Start by looking for an access panel on the side of the water heater. If you remove it and see a blue flame, that's a pilot light, which only gas models have. Connected pipes are also indicators of gas, while an electric water heater will simply have a cord going into the top or side of the unit.
What are the warning signs of a water heater?
Despite the fuel type, water heaters will usually show similar warning signs when something goes wrong, such as varying water temperature and pressure. Whether it's gas or electric, your water heater deserves some trustworthy protection.
Do gas water heaters need maintenance?
Both gas and electric water heaters require the love and care of regular maintenance , with the major difference being whether you turn off the gas pilot light or flip the electricity switch before beginning maintenance tasks. Despite the fuel type, water heaters will usually show similar warning signs when something goes wrong, such as varying water temperature and pressure.
Is a gas water heater cheaper than electric?
Electric models are generally cheaper than gas water heaters, due in part to the simple installation that doesn't require gas pipes or venting systems. Plus, there's no risk of dangerous gas leaks. However, House Logic notes that gas models are usually cheaper to operate, depending on your local utility costs.
Is water heating the second largest expense?
According to the Department of Energy, water heating is the second largest expense for most homeowners, which means our wallets can benefit from understanding the workings of water heaters. And, investing in the most efficient models and being mindful of our running taps can also help conserve water. So, let's talk gas vs. electric water heaters:
Is electric water heater more expensive than gas?
In most places, electricity is more expensive than natural gas. Meanwhile, high-efficiency electric water heaters are usually more expensive than gas models upfront, but you're likely to recoup the initial costs in long-term savings.
Why use a gas tankless water heater?
Gas is just more powerful and the ideal option if you live in a colder climate or have a larger house and want a single heating unit.
What are the negatives of electric tankless heaters?
The only major negative with choosing an electric tankless heater compared to a gas version is the hot water output capacity. Electric models simply can’t produce as much hot water as tankless gas units.
How much hot water does a gas water heater provide?
Gas water heaters can have a much higher capacity than electric heaters. Most gas heaters provide you with at least 8 gallons of hot water per minute — expressed as 8 GPM. Propane heaters can provide as much as 11 GPM and natural gas as much as 10.6 GPM.
What is the smallest water heater?
Tankless electric water heaters are the smallest type of all water heaters. They are about a third of the size of a gas heater , meaning that they are suitable even if you have limited space. Thanks to the simplicity of the unit and no need for ventilation, there are multiple options as to where you can install an electric heater. For example, one can fit easily in a closet or somewhere else out of the way.
How much does a gas water heater cost?
A gas water heater costs at least twice as much as an electric heater. For a high-quality unit, you can expect to spend a minimum of $1,000. For a model with electronic ignition (to remove the need for a pilot light), you’ll need to pay closer to $1,200.
Why is it so hard to diagnose a gas heater?
In contrast, issues with gas heaters can be difficult to diagnose and fix because of the complexity of the heat exchanger.
How long will a gas heater last?
No matter whether you choose an electric or gas heater, the unit will likely last 20 years or more . If you plan to continue living in the same house, you need to look at your investment from a long-term view. Although electric power is more expensive than gas at the moment, it is expected to stay more or less constant, as has been a trend in the past. Gas prices, however, will likely continue to fluctuate, possibly rising much higher. In other words, whereas gas prices are lower than electricity at the moment, they could become more costly in the future.
What is the best tankless water heater?
Rinnai is by and large the best-selling tankless water heater in the U.S. Their gas-fired water heaters feature a commercial heat exchanger and are backed up with a comprehensive warranty.
How many gallons per minute does a Smith tankless water heater use?
A. O. Smith tankless water heaters are sold in both outdoor and indoor designs, with a maximum flow rate of up to 14.5 gallons per minute – more than enough for all but the heaviest of users.
What brand is Bradford White water heater?
Bradford White tankless water heaters are made under the EVERHOT and KWICKSHOT brand names; they offer whole-home and point-of-use systems.
What is Noritz water heater?
Noritz provides water heaters that come with a low carbon footprint under the Eco Tough line, and commercial-level durability in the Pro Tough model. Their Value Solutions brand is specifically designed for smaller homes and warmer climates too.
How does a Takagi water heater work?
Their heaters work on an induced draft, which means a blower fan forces hot air through the heat exchanger. Takagi was one of the earliest Japanese entrants to the North American tankless water heating marketplace 15 years ago. They still today offer a full line of gas-fired tankless water heaters.
Is a Stiebel Eltron tankless heater safe?
Stiebel Eltron tankless heaters are designed to be user friendly, safe, and efficient. They also happen to be some of the best single-point, multi-point, and whole-home water heating systems.
Who sells the TITAN water heater?
Niagara Industries sells the TITAN Electronic Tankless Water Heater, which the company bills as the first whole-home electronic tankless water heater.