As tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular, consumers are starting to realize that it’s not a “one size fits all” approach as it is with traditional tank-based water heaters. You’ll save money over time BUT you have to really consider certain things when choosing a tankless water heater. A cost-effective option like the Ecosmart eco 27 might be great for a smaller home but probably isn’t the best bet for a 5 bed/4 bath house (in which case you’d probably want something like the Rinnai RUC98in)….or you may want a budget-friendly “in-between” option like the Steibel Eltron Tempra 29 Plus. The point is, it’s worth thinking through, ahead of time, how much hot water you’ll need and when you’ll need it (i.e. are 3 teenagers going to be taking showers at the same time?) before you buy.
Electric Tankless Water Heater
These are a popular option; electric tankless water heating systems are the preferred choice of many, primarily because they are far less expensive to install, run, and maintain when compared to other options. The initial purchase costs of an electric tankless water heater heating system are also cheaper.Electric tankless water heaters are a popular choice for many people because they
Tankless water heating systems that are powered by electricity are very energy efficient. They also tend to last longer after installation and generally require little to no maintenance. Owners can easily clean the screen filter every so often.
There is no need to hire technicians to maintain an electric tankless water heating system, as the cost of maintaining such a system is minimal. Gas tanker systems, on the other hand, require regular professional maintenance to ensure that their fuel combustion systems are operating safely.
Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Natural gas is usually less expensive per unit than electric rates, so some people choose to install a natural gas tankless water heating system. But if you want to buy a reputable brand, prices of these well-known gas tankless water heating systems can be much more expensive. Sometimes they can cost $1,000 or more, even an average quality brand between $500 and $700. This is why people often consider the cost of installation when making their decision.
Natural gas tankless water heating systems are more expensive to install than traditional water heaters because they require the presence of a trained professional. The cost is also affected by additional factors such as the size of the gas line and the installation of an air supply. These systems also require more maintenance to keep them running correctly, adding to the overall cost.
Many people, business owners, and cougars find that choosing an electric tankless water heater is often a better option. This is especially true if your consumption needs are not very large. The vast majority of gas water heating systems are designed to cater to high demand, and automatically expect a need for a high flow rate. This means that installing an electric tankless water system would be more energy-efficient and economical.
Propane Tankless Water Heaters
Another type of tankless water heating system that may be worth considering is one powered by liquid propane. While these systems do typically cost more to install than electric ones, they do have their share of advantages. For instance, they are usually cheaper to install because they use PVC venting systems. However, the downside of this type of venting is that it can sometimes be difficult to accurately detect a gas leak. The higher-end brands that offer propane tankless water heaters often provide additional protection against leaks.
Propane tankless water heaters work similarly to natural gas heaters. However, they are far more cost-effective to run, even compared to electric water heaters. If you do not have access to piped gas or are looking for a more affordable option, a propane tankless water heater may be the right choice for you.
Before making your final decision, you should consider whether you want to install a gas-powered tankless water heater or an electric one. The final decision is usually down to the individual household needs, which can vary significantly from home to home. It’s merely a matter of weighing up your options while taking into account the following factors that come into play when deciding which type of tankless water heater best suits your individual needs.
- Specific preferences
- Installation location
- Water usage
- Cost of installation
- Availability of power source, whether you have access to a gas supply
Before making a decision, homeowners should consider all of their respective options. When it comes to choosing the correct type of water heater, they need to decide which best suits their home. Each type of heater has its own advantages and disadvantages, and many have benefits that overlap. The decision boils down to picking the system that best meets your requirements. As we pointed out previously, if your decision is only going to be based on cost, then you should choose an electric tankless water heater as they are less expensive to purchase, install, and maintain.
Homeowners can save money in the long run by mostly maintaining these units themselves. Some people factor in their energy bills when choosing the best water heating system. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, you may want to explore the availability of somebody in your area so you can have a gas tankless water heater installed.
If you want to avoid an electrical heater, a gas natural gas heater is a viable option you could choose as a cheaper alternative of using liquid propane. Whatever your choice maybe we hope that’s you enjoyed our simple guide to the different types of water heating systems; more importantly, that it proves somewhat useful in helping you make a more educated choice.