Install Tankless Water Heater
If it’s time to upgrade your water heater, consider a highly efficient electric heat pump water heater. This is the best option for both low cost energy and lowering your impact. However, if that’s not an option, another option is an efficient tankless water heater.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
If it’s time to replace your water heater, the best option for impact is to switch to an electric heat pump water heater. Check out the Heat Pump Water Heater action to learn more. However, if that isn’t an option, another option is to consider a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are small units that provide hot water only when it’s needed, as opposed to keeping a whole tank heated all the time. They do this by using a high heat source to heat water as it comes through the water heater. They can save up to 30% energy over conventional tank heaters. That’s significant savings! Read on to learn more.
1Choose a new water heater, install, and save!
Pros: A tankless heater can be less expensive to operate than conventional tank water heaters. In fact, a tankless heater can save up to $250/year over an electric unit and up to $100/year over a gas unit. Tankless heaters are smaller than a conventional tank and last longer—typically 20 years, as opposed to 10-15 years for tank heaters.
Cons: The upfront purchase cost for a tankless unit is more than conventional tank water heaters. Typically, it will cost around $1,500 - $3,000 for a tankless water heater and installation compared to around $800 - $1,200 for a conventional tank water heater and installation. The exact cost of the install will depend on any specific upgrades your home will require.
Also, since it is likely gas powered, which is a fossil fuel, it will always produce climate emissions even though it is efficient. Other downsides include: hot water can be inconsistent and tankless heaters can’t handle high demand (running multiple hot water uses at once); they take longer to install than conventional tank units (8-10 hours vs. 2-3 hours); they may require more maintenance; and in some areas, there are fewer professionals who work on tankless systems.
Hire a contractor. Choose an experienced contractor to do the work and check references and quotes before you choose.
Choose Energy Star & the right capacity. If you are ready to shop for your tankless water heater, be sure to look for an Energy Star Rated model. You will also want to make sure the unit has sufficient capacity to meet your household needs.
Be ready to upgrade. If you are switching from another type of water heater, be sure to do any upgrades ahead of time before your water heater goes out.
Learn more. Before you buy a new tankless water heater, learn a bit more about water heaters, how they work and the important factors in choosing a system with the Energy.gov and Consumer Reports guides.
Once you have installed your new tankless water heater system, maintain it for maximum efficiency, energy savings, and comfort!