Tankless Versus Tank Water Heater 2016

Tankless water heaters tend to cost more up front than storage tank models.

Tankless versus tank water heater 2016.

With regular maintenance and repairs a tankless system may last up to 30 years or up to 3 times longer than a traditional hot water heater. It uses high powered burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger and deliver it directly to your faucets or shower without storing it in a tank. Most notably a 40 gallon propane storage tank water heater can deliver the same amount of hot water as a 50 gallon electric model. One of the first things to consider is whether you should get a tank or tankless water heater.

Tank hot water heaters consumer reports found gas fired tankless heaters ranged from 800 1 150 compared to regular storage tank models in the 300 480 range. Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. Whereas traditional water heater installation costs around 500 tankless installation costs double or more. If you fill a large soaking tub each night with hot water and use more water for washing machines dishwashers and showers throughout the day a tank style heater comes out ahead.

New storage tank water heaters are required to operate more efficiently and tankless on demand water heaters are even more efficient than that. Tankless water heaters are more compact and can heat up water as you use it. According to energy gov for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily demand or tankless water heaters can be 24 to 34 more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters tankless water heaters if gas fired will save homeowners over 100 annually the longer they remain in service. Either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water.

But for homes that use less water tankless styles save more energy. The nine models in our tests range from 525 to 1 150. When testing tankless vs. If a customer is looking to eliminate the footprint of a storage tank entirely a tankless water heater may be their best option.

Plus the larger electric tank will experience greater standby losses due to its greater surface area. The operational life of a tankless water heater is usually 20 years if not more. Propane storage tanks efficiency and smaller size can free up valuable space.