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Take a Closer Look at ...
Water Heaters
By far the number one question we are asked is in regard to the installation of on-demand water heaters. Performance, efficiency, cost and convenience are the selling points - but we're still not sold. So let's break down the pros and cons.
Performance
Tankless water heaters offer an 'endless' supply of hot water to the home. Storage tank heaters, on the other hand, can supply only the amount of hot water the tank can hold. The hot water with tankless units, however, is not instantaneous, and it tends to be inconsistent.
Whether on-demand or conventional, depending on usage, a 3,000 square foot home may require more than one unit to satisfy the needs of its occupants.
Efficiency
Tankless gas water heaters are approximately 20 percent more energy efficient than storage-tank models.
Efficiency can also be measured by the amount of space the unit occupies. Conventional units require an enclosed closet, while an on-demand unit can be mounted on an outside wall - saving valuable floor space.
Cost
According to OldHouseweb.com ...
Conventional tank heaters costs about $380, use $179 in fuel a year and should last about 13 years. That's a total (life-cycle cost) of $2,707. A standard electric water heater costs more than twice as much to run and has a life-cycle cost of $5,680. Ouch!
Yes, you can turn down a conventional heater when you're not around. You can even shut it off completely as long as you know temperatures won't dip below freezing. But it takes time and energy to heat all that water back up next time you need it. It's not exactly a convenient solution.
Tankless savings use less energy because they're not trying to keep a tank of water hot all the time. A high efficiency gas heater without a pilot light costs only $90 a year to operate, and it should last 20 years. That adds up to a life-cycle cost of $2,370 - more than $300 cheaper than a standard gas heater.
Electric tankless heaters, by the way, aren't nearly as attractive. Their life-cycle cost over 20 years is an estimated $5,982 - about the same as a conventional electric water heater.
Ehow.com says ...
Tankless water heaters range in price from approximately $800 to $1,200 compared to approximately $300 to $480 for storage tank units. There are also added installation costs for tankless heaters, especially in existing properties. According to Consumer Reports, installation costs for tankless water heaters, including ventilation, electrical outlets and upgraded pipes, increases the cost by up to $1,200 on average, compared with $300 for storage tank heaters.
Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com estimates water heating savings of around $9 per month for his home, which totals $108 per year. Using these figures he estimates that it could take more than 12 years for a tankless water heater to pay for itself. Consumer Reports figures estimate a possible 22 years.
Convenience
Tankless heaters require a certain amount of water to flow through the pipe before they kick in. Some dishwashers and washing machines do not require enough water to work with some tankless water heaters. Before selecting these appliances make sure they are designed to work with tankless units.
Another factor to consider that affects all of the above categories ... maintenance.
Many tankless water heater manufacturers recommend yearly maintenance for their units to prevent water flow restriction due to calcium build up. Some also require the installation of a water softener for a full warranty.
As with any purchase, do your homework ...
1) Factor in location.
Unlike a regular water heater, a tankless model's water output is immediately affected by groundwater temperatures. The same model that produces 7.2 gallons per minute (GPM) when installed in a warm Florida garage will output only 4.2 GPM in a cold New England basement because the colder water requires the temperature to be raised 77 degrees rather than 44. Use your coldest groundwater temperature to calculate the gallons per minute you'll need. Groundwater temperatures in central Texas are approximately 72°F to 75°F.
2) Know your flow.
Undersizing a tankless water heater is a common mistake. Use an online calculator, like at How to size a water heater, to help you calculate your hot-water use for both tanked and tankless water heaters.
3) Get the details right.
Look for an oxygen-depletion sensor that shuts off the water heater if carbon monoxide is detected and a film wrap around the heat exchanger that will shut off the device if it gets too hot. Since tankless models are still relatively uncommon, consider using manufacturer-trained installers. Some companies extend the warranty if you do.
4) Look for rebates or incentives.
Many tankless models qualify for utility rebates and state tax credits.
There is a tax credit for electric heat pump water heaters for 2009 and 2010 for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500. ENERGY STAR qualified electric heat pump water heaters are expected to reach the market in late-2009.
There is also a tax credit for gas, oil and propane water heaters (30% up to $1,500 in 2009 & 2010); and solar water heaters (30% of the cost, with no upper limit, through 2016). Read this FAQ about water heaters that qualify for the tax credit.
Electric storage tank and tankless water heaters can not earn the ENERGY STAR. Why not?
Other alternatives exist, including Solar, Hybrid and Heat-Pump water heaters.
The heat pump water heater segment is likely to grow. Of approximately 50 million water heaters in the U.S., it is estimated that fewer than 10,000 are heat pump water heaters. These units work with existing storage water heaters by harvesting heat from the air to directly heat water. Manufacturers say that heat pump water heaters can reduce the hot water portion of utility bills by 50% to 80%.
The "green"-est of the "green" water heater systems out there are solar.
Hybrid water heaters are a blend of tanked and tankless water heating technology that's aimed at erasing the alleged shortcomings of both types.
No matter what system you choose, be mindful of some basic practices ...
With a little thought, some key research and a sense of responsibility, it can be easy to be green. |
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It's all in The Details
good tidings from past newsletters
New Year Resolutions
January 2002
January is usually the time of the year when we make resolutions and think about improving our lives. Often these resolutions are centered around our health and physical appearance. Perhaps this year we ought to include the health and physical appearance of our home. I'm not talking about buying all new furniture or trying to 'keep up with the Jones'. Here are just a few suggestions that will benefit the health of your home and your health also.
·Maintaining and repairing the heating and air conditioning system through yearly checkups. Clean and well maintained systems are more energy efficient. Detection of gas leaks could even save your lift!
·Cleaning out closets and storage areas. Consider giving to charities the clothing or household goods that you no longer use. Your home will be cleaner, more organized, spacious and you may actually find things more quickly and with less frustration. If you don't use it, don't keep it!
·Switching to Potassium Chloride. Most home water softening systems use Sodium Chloride which can be a problem for house plants, hair and the the eco system in general. Potassium Chloride is great for plants, kind to your hair and is earth friendly.
·Avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides and harmful cleaning agents. Natural or the least invasive of chemicals should be used as much as possible.
· Cleaning our homes. Keeping our houses clean will increase the life of carpets, wooden floors, draperies, etc. Dust and mold are harmful to our homes and our health. A clean uncluttered home is a healthier environment for everyone!
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