Tankless VS Electric Water Heater: Which One Wins?!
The efficiency of water heating systems is a significant concern for homeowners looking to manage energy consumption. Energy Star provides certifications highlighting appliances that meet strict energy performance criteria, impacting consumer choices. Debates often arise when considering long-term operational costs, especially when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of electric tankless water heater vs electric water heater; this comparison requires a careful evaluation of upfront investment against potential savings over time. Therefore, selecting between an electric tankless water heater vs electric water heater involves carefully considering its energy efficiency and financial implications.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Lauren , from the video titled Rheem RTEX-24 Electric Tankless Water Heater Review - Is It Worth it? .
Tankless vs. Electric Water Heater: Choosing the Right Option
This article will compare electric tankless water heaters and traditional electric water heaters, helping you decide which best suits your needs. We will analyze their performance, cost, and efficiency, specifically addressing the electric tankless water heater vs electric water heater comparison.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the comparison, it's crucial to understand what each type of water heater is and how they function.
Traditional Electric Water Heaters
These are the more common type.
- How they work: They heat water continuously inside an insulated tank. When hot water is needed, it's drawn from the top of the tank. The tank refills, and the cold water is heated, maintaining a constant supply of hot water.
- Components: Typically include a tank, heating elements, thermostat, and insulation.
- Drawbacks: Can experience standby heat loss (heat escaping from the tank), which wastes energy.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
These units heat water on demand, only when you need it.
- How they work: When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through the unit. A high-powered heating element instantly heats the water as it passes through.
- Advantages: No standby heat loss, potentially saving energy.
- Disadvantages: Requires significant electrical power, potentially requiring electrical panel upgrades.
Performance & Hot Water Delivery
This section focuses on hot water availability and potential limitations.
Hot Water Capacity & Flow Rate
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Offer a limited supply of hot water based on the tank's capacity (e.g., 40, 50, or 80 gallons). If you use more hot water than the tank can hold, you'll experience a period of cold water.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Provide an unlimited supply of hot water, theoretically. However, the flow rate (gallons per minute or GPM) is a limiting factor. If you demand more hot water than the unit can produce, the water temperature will drop.
- Flow Rate Considerations: Determine your household's peak hot water demand (simultaneous showers, dishwashing, laundry) to select a tankless heater with an adequate flow rate.
Temperature Consistency
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Generally provide consistent water temperature as long as the tank isn't being depleted faster than it can reheat.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Water temperature can fluctuate slightly, especially if the incoming water temperature changes significantly. Some models have technology to minimize these fluctuations.
Cost Analysis: A Detailed Breakdown
This section provides a cost breakdown that is essential when evaluating an electric tankless water heater vs electric water heater.
Purchase Price
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Generally less expensive to purchase upfront.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Typically have a higher initial purchase price.
Installation Costs
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Usually straightforward and less expensive to install, especially if replacing an existing tank heater.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Can be significantly more expensive to install due to:
- Electrical Upgrades: Often require new wiring and a higher amperage circuit breaker, potentially necessitating a panel upgrade.
- Plumbing Modifications: May require larger gas lines (if replacing a gas tank heater with an electric tankless) or modifications to existing plumbing.
Operating Costs
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Incur higher operating costs due to standby heat loss.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Can have lower operating costs if used efficiently, as they only heat water when needed. However, actual savings depend on usage patterns. Households with frequent short uses of hot water may see more savings with tankless.
Lifespan & Maintenance
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Typically last 10-15 years. Maintenance involves periodic draining to remove sediment buildup.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Can last 20 years or more. Maintenance may involve descaling to remove mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water.
Table: Cost Comparison Summary
| Feature | Traditional Electric Water Heater | Electric Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | Lower | Higher |
| Installation Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Operating Costs | Higher | Potentially Lower |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 20+ years |
Energy Efficiency & Environmental Impact
This section analyzes the environmental implications.
Energy Factor (EF) Rating
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Have a lower EF rating due to standby heat loss.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Have a higher EF rating, indicating greater energy efficiency.
Standby Heat Loss
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Continuous standby heat loss contributes to wasted energy.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Eliminates standby heat loss as they only heat water on demand.
Environmental Impact
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Higher energy consumption translates to a larger carbon footprint.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Lower energy consumption can contribute to a smaller carbon footprint, especially if powered by renewable energy sources.
Installation Requirements & Space Considerations
This outlines practical requirements for each type.
Space Requirements
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Require significant floor space to accommodate the tank.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: More compact and can be mounted on a wall, saving floor space.
Electrical Requirements
- Traditional Electric Water Heaters: Typically require a 240V circuit.
- Electric Tankless Water Heaters: Demand significantly higher electrical power (multiple high-amperage circuits) and may require electrical panel upgrades, which can be a major factor when weighing an electric tankless water heater vs electric water heater.
Video: Tankless VS Electric Water Heater: Which One Wins?!
Tankless VS Electric Water Heater FAQ
Here are some common questions about tankless and traditional electric water heaters to help you make an informed decision.
What's the biggest difference between a tankless and electric water heater?
The key difference is how they heat water. Traditional electric water heaters store heated water in a tank. Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand heaters, heat water only when you need it, eliminating the need for a storage tank.
Are tankless water heaters really more energy-efficient?
Generally, yes. An electric tankless water heater avoids the standby heat loss associated with traditional electric water heaters that constantly reheat water in the tank, leading to potential energy savings over time. However, those savings depend on your usage habits.
Are tankless water heaters difficult to install?
Tankless water heaters, particularly electric models, can require significant electrical upgrades due to their high power demands. This can increase the installation cost compared to replacing a standard electric water heater with a similar model.
Which is better for a small household: electric tankless water heater vs electric water heater with a tank?
For smaller households with lower hot water demands, a tankless system might be a great choice for energy savings. However, a small-capacity electric water heater could be more cost-effective if the upfront cost of a tankless installation is a concern.