Saving Water In Southern Homes - Tank or Tankless Hot Water Heater

Saving Water in Southern Homes – Tank or Tankless?

I’ve been exploring ways to save water in homes.  The type of water heater you choose is more about saving energy instead of water, but it’s a related topic. When I design a southern home, what type of Water Heater to use - Tank or Tankless is always a consideration.

Traditional water heaters heat water – either with a controlled gas fire or electric coil – and store it for use in a tank.  As the water sits in the tank it cools, requiring more heat to keep it at the right temperature for use.  A tankless water heater only heats the water when you need it, so heat loss is minimal.

The question of whether or not a tankless water heater is right for your home really depends on how you use hot water.  If you do several things that use hot water at the same time, a traditional heater may be a better choice.  A common tank heater produces 7.5 to 10 gallons per minute, where 2.5 to 5 gallons per minute is more typical of a tankless heater.  Where traditional heaters allow you to run the washer and dishwasher while taking a shower, a tankless hot water heater gives enough to do 1 or 2 things at once.  Also consider overuse.  When you run out of water in a tanked water heater the water gradually gets colder, where a tankless heater gives you the ‘cold water sandwich’ – a sudden spurt of cold water in the middle of your warm shower.

There is also a cost difference.  A traditional gas water heater’s average cost is about $750 installed, or $900 for a high efficiency model.  A gas-fired tankless system averages around $1500.  Electric tankless systems cost about $400, but they are less efficient and better suited for point-of-use applications than as a whole house system.  The US Department of Energy estimates that a gas tankless water heater will save $25-107 per year, but the savings is greater if your water use is low.

If you’re building a new home or need to replace your old water heater, definitely consider tankless – especially if you use less than 40 gallons per day.  If you’re like me and have a tanked heater that’s working fine, I wouldn’t throw it away - two of the best ways to reduce our impact on the planet are to use things longer and throw less away.  Also, there’s a way to REALLY SAVE ENERGY using your tanked heater - solar water heaters require an insulated tank, and reusing your traditional heater gives you auxiliary heat.

Whichever way you go, there are subtle and specific differences that must be addressed properly for the system to work at peak efficiency in your home.  I’d be happy to help you design the right system for YOUR home - just contact me today and we'll get started..