Are Electric Tankless Water Heaters Really Energy Efficient?

Tank less electric tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, as they use water run through small tubing that heats quickly. Unlike the storage water heaters, energy is consumed only when they are in use. The tankless water heater on the other hand, keeps water hot during non-use periods and produces heat throughout the day for use later. In addition, some of that heat escapes from the tank into the surrounding living space or furnace room or wherever your hot heater is located.

Another thing about storage water heater is that, suppose you take a 15-minute shower, with a low flow showerhead, you are using 45 gallons of water. If even half of that amount is hot water, you used 22-1/2 gallons from your 28-gallon tank. Then after the first couple of gallons, your tank becomes cooler due to the replacement of the water from the tank with cold water. Your water heater now needs to heat all of the water in the tank. This is the difference with a tank less water heaters.

However, the initial investment on a tankless electric water heater is higher compared to the storage water heater. Therefore, you have to be very choosy about the brand before buying one. This is because not many manufacturers have addressed fully the features that may be ideal for tankless water heating system, relatively a new concept.

Rinnai is one brand we hear many good things about the tankless water heating system. Despite this, you want to make sure the installer does the maintenance work regularly. For instance, many plumbers install the tankless electric water heaters, but seldom turn up to repair them.

The critics of tankless electric water heaters say that they will save you money only in the short term. In addition, that they are not as good for the environment, because, they tend to fuel electrical demand, and put pressure on optimizing electrical utilities to manage generation load.

It is also said that the tankless electric waters heater draws a huge amount of current while it’s in use and on this count the natural gas –fired tankless water heaters have edge, as gas is relatively cheaper, fast in heating the water. Experts say, if you are replacing an existing tankless water eater, make sure that the power and voltage match the existing one you are replacing. Further, if you are working on your primary residence, always choose a gas tankless water heater.

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