About Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tank or tankless hot water heaters - which to buy? Surely, as I retire and move to the country, I don't want to spend all my money supporting a house, including heating it. Heating water in the home is likely to be the largest energy consumer. It's time to consider a tankless hot water heating system.

Why pick tankless as opposed to the usual tank?

The tank type of hot water heater stores a certain amount of hot water which means it is constantly consuming energy. The tankless only heats water when needed. Although, newer tank heaters are more energy efficient. This is due to higher levels of insulation and one-way tank valves that connect directly to the tank and reduces standby heat loss.

What about space?

If space is limited, the tankless can be wall mounted (see photo) or stored in a closet unlike the big tank - and reduce energy consumption by 10 to 15 percent.

And cost?

If cost is a factor the tankless unit would be more expensive to install - but it will last longer - on average it will be replaced every 20-30 years while the tank type may have to be replaced every 5 years.

What's on the market?

One I'm familiar with is the Rinnai because a family member has one and is satisfied. In researching, I found that the Rinnai has six tankless water heater models that have been awarded Energy Star designation. Additionally:

- The Rinnai tankless water heater heats water only when and how much you need - hot water on demand. This of course eliminates having only as much hot water as a tank can hold.

- There is a 40% percent saving in energy costs - when the need for hot water stops, the tankless hot water heater shuts down and uses almost no energy. The tank style still requires energy to keep the water hot.

- Rinnai tankless hot water heaters usually lasts up to 20 years. There is no tank to break down or leak.

- The Rinnai tankless water heater is about the size of a carry-on suitcase while the tank style can take up about 16 square feet.

I like the tankless because we should be thinking about reducing our massive energy consumption and reliance. Saving money is also a plus.

To save energy while heating the home there are now outdoor wood burning furnaces - still a relatively new technology. See link below for more information: