Consumer Reports recently tested several electric and gas whole-house tankless water heaters from brands such as Bosch, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Rinnai, Tempra, and Trutankless. We compared the results with those of conventional tanked heaters from Rheem, one gas and one electric, as well as with a Rheem electric heat pump water heater, which is a variation on a tanked water heater.
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Following a "heavy use" industry standard test, we compared the performance of gas and electric tankless water heaters with the performance of their conventional tank counterparts. The test used a high draw pattern equal to using 84 gallons of water per day. That’s the daily equivalent of taking several showers, running the dishwasher, washing one load of laundry, and turning the faucet on and off multiple times. The test used an inlet temperature of 58° F for gas models and 74° F for electrics (plus or minus 2° F) and a target outlet temperature of 120° F.
Because the tankless water heaters performed so similarly to each other, we averaged the results of each batch, gas and electric, and compared that score with the performance of the conventional gas and electric storage tanks and the electric heat pump model. As a result, we have no model-level ratings like we do with other major appliances.
Using the purchase price, annual energy cost, and an estimated cost of installation, we calculated the payback time for both new and replacement installations. Payback time was longer for a tankless unit that replaced an existing storage tank but more reasonable with new construction.
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Tank water heaters typically hold 40, 50, or 55 gallons or more. The size you buy depends on the number of people living in your home and your peak water usage. A family of four, for instance, might take several showers, run the dishwasher, and wash a load or two of laundry in an average day, totaling 100 gallons of hot water or more. But that doesn’t mean that household needs a 100-gallon storage tank.
For storage tank water heaters, it’s important to consider the first-hour rating, which is the number of gallons a water heater can deliver in an hour starting with a full tank. You’ll find the FHR on the EnergyGuide label. To calculate what FHR will work for your home, use the calculator on the Energy Saver website.
As the result of recently updated efficiency standards, water heaters less than 55 gallons now have a 4 percent boost in efficiency and water heaters 55 gallons or more have efficiency gains of 25 to 50 percent, depending on the technology used—heat pump or condensing. (See water heater types, below.)
And don’t assume that a new water heater will fit where your old one was. Because of increased insulation and other efficiency improvements, some newer models may be wider and/or taller than your old water heater.
Tankless water heaters, of course, don’t hold much water, so the number to look for is the gallons-per-minute rating (GPM). That’s the number that tells you how much hot water the heater can deliver over a set period of time. The higher the GPM, the more hot water the unit can deliver. If you have a big family and multiple bathrooms, you’ll need a tankless water heater with a higher GPM. A typical shower, for example, uses up to 2.5 GPM. Newer washers use from 7 gallons (front-loader) to 19 gallons (agitator top-loader) per wash, but older models can use up to 32 gallons per load, as indicated below. Calculate your needs accordingly.
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Warranty: Coverage for water heaters typically runs three to 12 years. Though you’ll usually pay a bit more for longer-warranty models, we’ve found that they tend to have larger elements or burners that can speed up water heating and have thicker insulation for less heat loss. Choose a water heater with the longest warranty available.
Anti-scale devices: Some brands advertise features that are supposed to reduce buildup of mineral scale at the bottom of the tank by swirling the water. Though scale can shorten the life of the heating element, you don’t need to invest in fancy features to get a water heater that lasts. Just look for one with a 12-year warranty, which typically includes a longer or thicker element.
Brass vs. plastic drain valves: These are situated near the base of the water heater for a garden hose that drains the heater. Look for brass drain valves, which are more durable than plastic.
Glass-lined tanks: They’re designed to reduce corrosion.
Digital displays: These help you monitor levels and customize operation. Some electric/heat pump hybrid water heaters let you set a vacation mode that uses just the heat pump for added efficiency when you’re away. Displays on solar water heaters often show tank and collector temperatures, along with pressure readings and other info.
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Water heaters are a crucial appliance in many homes, providing a reliable source of hot water for showers, washing dishes, and other everyday tasks. There are a variety of hot water heater options available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article will compare power vent hot water heaters with conventional hot water heaters, looking at factors such as initial cost, energy efficiency, hot water capacity, and lifespan.
Power vent hot water heaters are a type of hot water heater that uses a fan to exhaust flue gases to the outside of the home. This allows them to be vented through an outside wall or roof rather than a chimney, as is required with traditional hot water heaters.
One of the main benefits of power vent hot water heaters is their energy efficiency. Because the fan is able to exhaust flue gases more efficiently than a chimney, power vent hot water heaters can operate with higher thermal efficiency, resulting in lower energy costs. In addition, the ability to vent through an outside wall or roof allows for a continuous supply of hot water, as the venting system is not subject to the same drafting issues that can occur with a chimney.
Power vent hot water heaters are available in both gas-fired and oil-fired models. Gas-fired models are typically more efficient and have a lower initial cost, but they may not be an option for homes without a natural gas line. On the other hand, oil-fired models can be a good choice for homes without access to natural gas, but they tend to be less efficient and have a higher initial cost.
Conventional hot water heaters are the most common type of hot water heater and are typically less expensive than power vent models. They work by heating water in a tank and storing it until it is needed.
One of the main benefits of conventional hot water heaters is their relatively low cost. They are also relatively simple, with fewer moving parts than power vent hot water heaters, which can make them easier to maintain.
Conventional hot water heaters are available in several types, including gas-fired, electric, and tankless models. Gas-fired models are typically more efficient and have a lower initial cost, but they may not be an option for homes without a natural gas line. Electric hot water heaters are a good choice for homes without natural gas, but they tend to be less efficient and have a higher initial cost.
On the other hand, tankless hot water heaters do not have a storage tank and instead heat water on demand, which can result in lower energy costs and a higher initial cost.
When comparing power vents and conventional hot water heaters, there are several factors to consider. The initial cost is often a major consideration for homeowners, and in general, conventional hot water heaters tend to be less expensive than power vent models. However, power vent hot water heaters may have a lower overall cost of ownership due to their higher energy efficiency.
Hot water capacity is another important factor to consider. Power vent hot water heaters typically have a higher hot water capacity than conventional hot water heaters, which can be a major advantage for larger households with high hot water demand. However, this may not be an issue for smaller households or those with lower hot water demand.
The lifespan of a hot water heater is also an important factor to consider. Power vent hot water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan than conventional hot water heaters due in part to their higher energy efficiency and the fact that they have fewer moving parts. This can result in lower maintenance costs over the lifetime of the appliance.
There are also certain situations in which a power vent hot water heater may be the better choice. For example, if you live in a region with very cold winters, a power vent hot water heater may be more efficient at maintaining a constant water temperature. In addition, if you have a large household with high hot water demand, a power vent hot water heater may be more suitable due to its higher hot water capacity.
On the other hand, if you live in a region with mild winters and have a smaller household with lower hot water demand, a conventional hot water heater may be more suitable due to its lower initial cost and simpler design.
In conclusion, power vent hot water heaters and conventional hot water heaters are both viable options for homeowners, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Power vent hot water heaters tend to be more energy efficient and have a higher hot water capacity. Still, they also tend to have a higher initial cost and a longer lifespan. Conventional hot water heaters are generally less expensive and simpler, but they may be less energy efficient and have a shorter lifespan.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It is important to do your research and consult a professional before making a decision. By weighing the pros and cons of each type of hot water heater, you can make an informed decision that will best meet the needs of your household.
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