Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Me?
Written on: August 16, 2021
Why pay to heat water you’re not going to use – or to reheat already warmed water that’s been sitting in a tank?
That’s the thinking behind a tankless propane water heater, which instantly heats the water you need – and only the water you need – to use.
Operating this way gives a tankless system some advantages over a conventional water heater (one with a storage tank), including:
- Virtually unlimited hot water – A tankless water heater can warm your water about as fast as cold water can circulate through it, so you’ll never run out (as long as your water heater’s flow rate is matched to the peak hot water load in your house – contact us to learn more about right-sizing your tankless water heater).
- Lower bills – Since a tankless system only operates when you need hot water, you’ll use less energy to run it. In fact, you could save as much as 40 percent on your monthly water heater bills by replacing your storage-type electric water heater with a high efficiency tankless unit.
- More placement flexibility – Since they don’t have a tank, tankless systems are about the size of a suitcase – much smaller than conventional water heaters. That means a tankless system can used housed in crawl spaces, attics, and other spaces too small for a conventional water heater. If you’re space challenged, a tankless system is the way to go.
- More value for your home – A tankless water heater can improve your Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and LEED scores, which can add value to your home if you choose to sell it down the road (a high efficiency conventional water heater can do this, too).
Tankless vs. Conventional Water Heaters
Of course, a conventional water heater can be a great choice, too – as long it’s powered by propane gas and not electricity!
Most people choose conventional water heaters because they cost less up front (they’re often half the price of a tankless water heater to install). Just keep in mind that the money you save on installation will be lost in the long run, since conventional water heaters are less efficient and don’t last as long (10 to 12 years, compared to 18-20 for tankless).
If you’re on the fence choosing between a conventional and tankless water heater, consider these rules of thumb:
- For singles or couples – If you don’t use large amounts of water and are replacing a conventional water heater, a standard model could be a better choice.
- For new construction, or for larger families and efficiency-conscious/space-challenged homeowners, tankless heaters are the best choice. Just make sure to get a professional to help you size and install your tankless heater for years of trouble-free service.
Thinking about a water heater installation in Central Massachusetts or New Hampshire? Brideau Energy can help! Contact us today to learn more about finding the right propane water heater solution for your home.
