Tankless vs. Conventional Hot Water Heaters

The cost of the equipment is the first thing to consider - A conventional 50 gallon tank (natural gas fired - high efficiency) will run you $400 to $500 at the "big box" stores. A comparable tankless system costs about $900 to a $1000. We'll assume that the installation labor cost is about the same; however, the larger gas service line and exhaust venting pipe material for the tankless system can raise the cost by an additional $250 - $300. There goes the tax credit that is associated with the tankless system!



Is one system more energy efficient than the other? - opinions on this are a "mixed bag" - some "experts" say that since you'll be using, and therefore heating, the same amount of water and the efficiency of heating the water is about the same for both systems there is no real savings. Others say the loss of heat from the tank system adds up to you paying 10% to 20% more for hot water - this seems like a "stretch" to me considering the efficient insulation systems they have for the tanks.



Your best bet to find out which is best and most energy efficient is to research on the web for "pros cons tankless hot water systems". You'll be surprised at some of the information you'll find.

Waiting for hot water at the shower or sink?

How long do you wait in the morning for hot water to come out of the shower head? If it is just 2 to 3 minutes you could be wasting over 18,000 gallons of water per year! The cost here in Portland, Oregon for that wasted water would be approximately $60.00!

There is a simple and cost effective modification that you or your plumber can make to your hot water plumbing that will let you enjoy hot water instantly and at the same time reduce your water usage. It takes a pump attached to your hot water outlet at the heater tank and a bypass valve installed at the faucet that is farthest away from your hot water tank. Google "whole house hot water" for an example product.