subject: Electric Hot Water Heater? The More Efficient Solution! [print this page] Electric Hot Water Heater? The More Efficient Solution!
Electric water heater units can save a household a lot of money, especially when combined with the efficiency of tankless. Most people's daily tasks need to be conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible. In fact, saving time and aggravation is often as big of a factor as saving money. So, if you're considering electric, be sure to take a look at tankless models as well.
Why?
You can have endless hot water for running both the dishwasher and the shower, simultaneously. Water for that second, third or fourth shower has immediate hot water. You never have to let the water run to get the hot water. Never run out of hot water!
What's the difference?
A traditional storage tank system when emptied requires time to heat more cold water. A tankless system generates a constant supply, available whenever requested. If you're the type of person who enjoys a hot tub or whirlpool soak at the end of your day, then you'll genuinely understand how much hot water it requires to fill up soaking or jetted tub. A tankless water heater will have no problem furnishing all the hot water you want.
You save money!
Did you know the average family spends 30% of its energy budget on heating water alone? Therefore, any new utility that cuts costs is a huge benefit. A traditional tank water heater expends energy to keep 40 50 gallons of water hot at all times. Because the tankless electric hot water heater heats only on demand it represents a savings of $200-$300a year or more to the average family. The overall savings can be thousands of dollars over the extended life of this unit.
Less stuff to put in the landfills...
Everyone is concerned about the excessive use of natural resources. The tankless water heater's "on demand" function means it only runs when needed. What's the bottom line? It requires less fuel. This applies to whichever method you choose for energy: natural gas, propane, or electric. It also has a 20-year life expectancy vs. the 9 - 12 year lifetime of a conventional storage. Some models are also approximately 95% recyclable which means, less of these units will end up in the landfills.
So what are the pros and cons?
The pros outweigh the cons.
One pro is that it requires a lot less space than the traditional footprint of the bulky old-fashioned tank heater. If you're building a new home or remodeling, even the high quality models with low watt-density elements and stainless steel heating chambers will add only about $8.00 to the monthly house payment. But, it will reduce your water heating portion of the monthly electric bill by about $20-$30. Some models also have USB ports for uploading new operating software and downloading usage data for diagnostic purposes. The USB port also serves to link these high-end models to home automation and/or the new smart metering systems.
How cool is that?
The electric tankless hot water model is a little more expensive initially, both to purchase and install. But, you get what you pay for! In the long run it will save you money, conserve energy and use of natural resources, and make life a lot less hectic.
