TANKLESS WATER HEATERS: ENDLESS HOT WATER, ENDLESS SAVINGS

Who Should Consider a Tankless Water Heater?

Anyone who wants an endless supply of hot water, and anyone who wants to reduce their impact on the environment would benefit from learning more about propane tankless water heaters.

Whether replacing an old tank-style electric or propane water heater in an existing home or designing and building a new home, more and more homeowners and builders are warming up to the benefits of going tankless with propane.

Why Propane Tankless vs. Electric?

ere’s how a propane tankless water heater can save you money compared to tank-style storage water heaters or electric tankless heaters.

• Installing a propane tankless water heater may qualify you for tax credits.
• Propane tankless water heaters are so efficient, they’re Energy Star qualified (electric tankless water heaters are not).
• Propane tankless water heaters reduce carbon emissions by 63 percent compared to electric tankless water heaters.
• Propane tankless water heaters prevent the emission of 35,000 lbs. of greenhouse gases over 10 years compared with a standard electric-powered water heater.
• Switching from an electric water heater to a propane tankless system has nearly the same greenhouse-gas emission impact as does switching from a typical mid-sized sedan to a Toyota Prius (in the U.S.).
• Tankless water heaters reduce standby energy loss by up to 20 percent compared to storage water heaters, and they cost approximately 60 percent less to operate.
• Most tankless water heaters can provide eight gallons per minute of hot water.
• Because tankless models are less subject to corrosion, the expected life span of a tankless water heater is 20 years, twice as long as most storage water heaters.
• Their small size saves space and provides limitless installation options, either inside or outside the home.

How Tankless Works

Tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed. When a water tap is opened, the tankless model senses the demand for hot water and starts the heating process. The water flows through a heat exchanger and is heated to the designated temperature set by the user. When the water tap is closed, the heater automatically shuts off until hot water is demanded again.

Tankless heaters range in price from $200 to $1,000, depending on size and speed. Installation costs can add $300 to $1,500 to the price.

* Taken from Propane Education and Research Council www.usepropane.com