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Tank vs Tankless

Every homeowner will eventually find themselves facing the inevitable expense of replacing a water heater. For many years the choices were limited, with the main decision concerning the size, brand comparison, and cost. Homeowners today have much more to choose from, with even solar powered models becoming more and more affordable. In today's market, easily the most hotly debated topic when discussing water heaters comes down to tankless, or the traditional tanked models. Which is best? Which will best meet your individual needs?

There is a lot to take into consideration when making this decision. To determine which is best for you, you’ll need to examine a host of factors including your household usage, the climate you live in, and installation concerns.

A tankless heater does have some advantages over the freestanding units. The primary difference is that with a "tank" model, the water is constantly heated and kept at a temperature you select. The tankless units, on the other hand, use gas burners that instantly heat the water only as you need it. This does result in lower costs to heat the water. If that was all the information a consumer had to go with, the choice would be obvious- tankless is better. But wait, there is a lot more to consider.

According to Consumer Reports, based on a study conducted in 2008, the average savings you'll get with a tankless model is only 80 dollars per year. When you pit that savings against the higher cost of the unit itself, coupled together with higher installation costs, and much more maintenance, those savings quickly disappear.

If you are purchasing your water heater with the idea of "going green", and you can't afford the transition to solar, the tankless model will be the way to go. If you are willing to spend a bit more to be sure you use less of the earth's resources the higher cost in installation and maintenance may seem a small price to pay.

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There's a reason that the government is willing to give you up to $1,500 in tax credits for upgrading your traditional tank water heater to a tankless hot water heater: these compact, efficient water heaters can be up to 30% more efficient than a traditional hot water heater. Considering that as much as 25% of a home's energy usage comes from its hot water heater, a 30% more efficient unit can make a big difference – both in terms of environmental impact and your power bill.

"Yes to the tankless system -- we all need to get rid of those wasteful 80 gallon dinosaurs." ~ ConsumerReports.org Reader Bob Anderson

Types of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Most tankless hot water heaters are run by either natural gas or propane. The propane models produced by most companies tend to be a little bit more energy efficient than those units powered by natural gas, but in many cases, they are equally efficient.

You can choose a tankless hot water heater that you install indoors or outdoors, depending upon your preference and the area in which you live. Homeowners living in colder regions, for example, may not want a hot water heater installed outside, because cold air temperatures will reduce the efficiency of the unit. If you live in a warmer climate, air temperature will not be a factor, but you may want to consider the amount of wind and rain you get. Although tankless hot water heaters are generally well-protected against the elements, over time natural wear-and-tear may lead to degradation of the water heater.

Sizing a Tankless Hot Water Heater

To determine which tankless hot water heater is right for your home, you'll want to consider how you currently use hot water, what type of climate you live in, and what future hot water needs in your home may look like.

Although various manufacturers of tankless hot water heaters advocate certain models as their “whole house solution”, you'll want to double check to see if that model is actually the right size for your own circumstances. For example, if you and your family don't tend to take showers at the same time anyway because of varying work or school schedules, do you really need a unit that will provide three to five simultaneous showers? Do you really need a unit that will allow you to run the dishwasher and take a shower at the same time, or can you just wait to start the dishwasher when you get out of the shower?

In colder climates, you should also be a little wary of the manufacturer's promise of how much hot water will be delivered. The colder your climate, the more robust tankless hot water heater you will need, because the cold outside air makes the unit work harder to provide continuous hot water.

Overall, however, tankless hot water heaters offer many advantages over traditional tank water heaters. Without doubt, they are the future of both residential and commercial hot water. Thanks to the Recovery Act tax credits for efficient and renewable energy, now is an excellent time to purchase a tankless hot water heater.

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Takagi USA

"I have had a Takagi Tankless Water Heater in my house for 15 years and have not had a bit of problems. We all take long showers.   And its great ... knowing I wont run out of hot water all the way thr0ugh the shower." ~ConsumerReports.org Reader Kent Milbergerf

Takagi calls themselves the “pioneers” in the tankless water heater industry, and that's a title they might just deserve. Like Noritz, Takagi is a Japanese company that's been creating tankless water heaters for half a century. They moved into the North American market only recently, in 1995.

Unlike most gas-powered tankless water heaters, which have energy efficiency ratings that generally fluctuate between 82% and 85%, Takagi's tankless water heaters have an energy efficiency rating of 92% for natural gas and 95% for propane. This incredible energy efficiency rating means that Takagi's tankless water heaters nearly out-perform even electric tankless water heaters (which have the highest energy efficiency rating in the tankless water heater world).

You'll Pay More, But You'll Get More

The downside of Takagi's tankless water heaters is that they are some of the most expensive tankless water heaters on the market. Together with the cost of the unit itself and installation, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. If you choose to purchase a Takagi, be sure to apply for a Recovery Act tax credit, which will pay for 30% of the upgrade up to $1,500.

Despite the higher cost, Takagi makes some of the best tankless water heaters available. Besides the aforementioned high energy efficiency rating, Takagi's tankless water heats have a number of other impressive features. For example, Takagi tankless water heaters are typically more durable than those of its competitors; most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of about 20 years, whereas Takagi tankless water heaters last closer to 25 or even 30 years.

Committed to Safety and Green Energy

Takagi tankless water heaters include several safety features not offered by other brands:

* Water temperature is factory-set to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent accidental scalding.

* Built-in exhaust fan automatically expels potentially harmful gases.

* Computerized safety system self-monitors for any type of over-heating or gas build-up.

* The absence of a pilot light makes Takagis especially safe in earthquake-prone areas, such as northern California.

* Takagi has certifications on its models from the National Sanitation Foundation, the Canadian Standards Association, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Furthermore, Takagi works hard to make sure that its models are as green as possible. Besides being an Energy Star partner, Takagi is also a member organization of the US Green Building Council, the licensing organization for LEED-constructed buildings and homes.

In short, although Takagi tankless water heaters cost more than most other models, there's a good reason for the higher cost – Takagi makes a higher-quality product. If you're willing to pay a little extra for a Takagi, you'll be glad that you did.

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Bosch tankless water heaters are some of the best tankless water heater units currently on the market. Unlike other top brands, such as Noritz, Rinnai, and Paloma, Bosch tankless water heaters have been designed specifically with the US market in mind. As a result, they tend to be easier to install than some other brands.

Gas and Electric Models

Unlike Noritz and Paloma, which only have gas tankless water heaters, Bosch offers both gas-powered and electric-powered tankless water heater models. Like other brands, Bosch's gas-powered tankless water heaters are able to provide an endless supply of hot water for multiple showers and appliances in a home. These models are ideal for larger families.

Although not as well known as gas-powered tankless water heaters, electric tankless water heaters are actually far more energy efficient (98% efficient, compared to the 80 – 84% efficiency of a comparable gas-powered model). However, the Bosch PowerStar AE125, the larger of the two electric tankless water heaters, provides only 3.7 gallons of hot water per minute. At 105 degrees Fahrenheit, that means consumers can use the water heater to provide heat for just one shower at a time. The Bosch electric tankless water heaters are ideal for someone living alone or with just one other person who doesn't need to shower at the same time.

Bosch AquaStar 2400ES Gas Tankless Water Heater

The Bosch AquaStar 2400ES is Bosch's flagship model. With an efficiency rating of 82%, it is not as efficient as some of its competitors, but it still qualifies for a Recovery Act tax credit, making it a smart purchase for most families. As Bosch brags on its website, the AquaStar 2400ES can save your family up to 50% on your monthly energy bills. If you get the federal tax credit, plan on staying in your home for more than a few more years, and use a lot of hot water, the Bosch AquaStar will quickly pay for itself.

Point-of-Use Bosch Products

Bosch's Ariston Mini-Tank Point-of-Use tankless water heater installs directly at a sink to provide instant hot water. Electric powered, the Ariston Mini-Tank can be installed in a small, enclosed space with zero need for any type of ventilation (unlike the large, gas-powered AquaStar). Point-of-use tankless devices eliminate any need for wasting cold water while you wait for the water to warm up. Another way to use Bosch's point-of-use models is to place it in-line with your main water heater. By the time you exhaust the supply in the smaller, point-of-use water heater, the larger water heater is ready to start providing hot water for other applications. You can think of this method of using a point-of-use tankless water heater as the “hybrid car” of the water heater world.

If you're interested in purchasing a Bosch tankless water heater, choose the model that's appropriate for your situation by visiting the “Product Selector” section on their website. By asking a few simple questions, the website automatically eliminates the products that aren't right for you, thus making your research into Bosch's products easier and quicker.

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Navien offers two main lines of tankless water heaters: the condensing 98% NR/NP and the CR/CC. They also produce combination gas water heaters and heating boxes for more efficient control. The installation and venting of the Navien heaters is incredibly simple, posing no problems for the experienced plumber or building contractor. Benefits include:

• Low operating cost – a condensing tankless system saves an average of $160 annually compared to standard hot water tanks.
• Long lifecyle – since Navien uses stainless steel heat exchangers instead of the copper used by other brands of tankless heater, they are more resistant to corrosion. Navien heaters last from 3.8 to 4.5 times longer than the copper based heaters. Stainless steel also allows for operating at lower temperatures, also reducing wear and tear.
• Endless supply of hot water – there is no limit to the hot water available from the Navien tankless water heaters.
• PVC venting – 3-inch PVC venting can extend 100 feet with up to 6 elbows.
• Eco-friendly – less gas use equals reduced CO2 emissions.
• Optional circulation pump – with a circulation pump there is no minimum flow rate requirements and hot/cold stacking is minimized.
• Saves space – Navien tankless hot water heaters take up 90% less space than 50 gallon water tanks.
• Dual microprocessors – two microprocessors control operation more efficiently by cross monitoring each other’s performance.
• Remote operation – wall-mounted remote control adjusts temperatures from 98 – 120 degrees F.

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"I love my Rinnai. You can set the temperature to 125 or higher, but it isn't necessary. I never run out in the shower and it doesn't go from hot to cold. It stays consistent. It works with my HE washer and my new Kenmore dishwasher. No problems here."  ~ConsumerReports.org Reader Carol Byrnes

Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters offer many benefits to their users. They are up to 40% more energy-efficient than the tank variety of water heaters, and they are a lot more convenient.

If you’ve ever had the displeasure of having the hot water run out in the middle of a shower, you can easily appreciate the fact that a tankless water heater can provide an endless supply of perfectly-heated water. There is no “running out” because there is no tank. The water is heated on-demand for as long as you need it.

You can do a lot more than just take showers with the water from Rinnai tankless water heaters. They can easily handle the demand from multiple simultaneous uses. Rinnai says it’s possible to wash dishes, do laundry, and take showers all at once and not run out of hot water.

Rinnai tankless water heaters come in a variety of types for single-family, multi-family, and commercial uses. Here is an overview of their main categories.

* Single-Family Residential: These Rinnai tankless water heaters are sized to meet the demands of the average family. They have the additional benefit of qualifying for a tax credit due to their energy efficiency. Tankless water heaters from Rinnai are up to over 50% more efficient than an electric heater that uses a tank.

* Multiple-Family Residential: Landlords gain many benefits by switching their buildings over to Rinnai tankless hot water heaters. They can be installed individually in each unit, or can be put in a centralized location that sends water to a holding tank. With individual installations, empty units don’t waste any energy. Rinnai also offers extensive service and support to help with code compliance, maintenance training, and other issues faced by landlords.

* Commercial: Rinnai tankless water heaters offer extreme flexibility in installation and they can even be installed on outside walls. Even inside, they can save up to 16 square feet of floor space. On top of this, they are more energy efficient than the tank type of water heater. Rinnai’s in-house engineering team can help determine the best sizes and installation configurations for your location, and the 24/7/365 availability of technical support ensures that any issues will be solved quickly.

No matter where you need hot water, there are Rinnai tankless water heaters to do the job. Install one of these to end both cold showers and high water-heating bills.

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Paloma Tankless Water Heaters come in six different series, all built for different sized homes and with different features. Like other brands of tankless hot water heaters, Paloma's water heaters are far more energy efficient than the traditional tank water heaters. Not only do tankless hot water heaters save you money on your energy bill, they will also provide a more consistent supply of hot water. This is especially true when it comes to performing multiple hot water activities at once, such as multiple simultaneous showers, showering while running the dishwasher, or showering while running the washing machine.

Paloma Models at a Glance

• 5.3 Series: Perfect for smaller homes, condominiums or apartments, or people who live alone or with only one other person. The 5.3 Series can provide up to two simultaneous showers in the winter for warmer climates, or one shower at a time in the winter for colder climates.
• 6.6 Series: This series provides a little more power than the smaller 5.3. In warmer climates, it can provide three simultaneous showers in the winter, and in colder climates it can provide two simultaneous showers. The 6.6 Series is the right choice for average-sized homes and average-sized families.
• 7.4 Series: The 7.4 Series provides the same number of showers as the 6.6 Series. Unlike the 6.6 Series, the 7.4 is intended strictly for residential use, whereas the 6.6 Series can also be used in commercial settings.
• 28-C Series: This commercial-only series provides about the same amount of hot water as the 7.4 Series, but can reach a higher maximum temperature (180 degrees Fahrenheit). The 28-C, therefore, is a good choice for laundromats, salons, and restaurants.
• 28-C System: The 28-C can be used for commercial or residential settings. Perfect for large homes or families, or commercial settings with high hot water needs, the 28-C System can provide up to six simultaneous showers (or greater) in the winter in warm climates, and four simultaneous showers (or greater) in cold climates.

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"I have one of the base Noritz tankless model, 631S series for about a year and a half now and I'm very satisfied with the unit. I have seen my gas bill drop close to 50% and have not had any problems. Just to be safe my son and I flushed the unit after a year since we have hard water in our area. I think its a great way to go as an investment, especially to help protect myself from future energy price increases. I'm expecting many years of hot water service and money savings from my tankless." ~ConsumerReports.org reader Shiro Nakagawa

Noritz tankless water heaters is one of the most trusted brands in the tankless water heater industry. Like Takagi, Noritz is a Japanese company that has been manufacturing tankless water heaters for more than fifty years. Starting in 2002, Noritz established the Noritz American Corporation in California. Noritz also has holdings in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzen, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Melbourne, and Dusseldorf, making them a truly worldwide producer of tankless water heaters. The first tankless water heater producer to receive certification for its products by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Noritz has good reason to lay claim to the title of “best in the industry”. Of course, whether or not Noritz really is the best or not may be a matter of opinion, but its likely that most experts on tankless water heaters would at least agree that Noritz is one of the best.

Why Noritz Claims to be No. 1

* Dual flame burner technology: The majority of gas-powered tankless water heaters utilize a single flame burner technology. In its most recent models, however, Noritz has introduced a second row of burners, designed to burn any gases escaped from the first row. This dual flame technology increases the level of the water heater's efficiency, reduces temperature fluctuations, and boosts the flow rate performance.

* Impressive heat exchanger: When a tankless water heater dies, the first component to go is usually the heat exchanger. Absorbing most of the stress of the unit, cracks and leaks develop over time due to the extremely high temperatures. Most of Noritz's recent models utilize copper piping that's 25% thicker than the piping used in older models and in units manufactured by other brands. According to Noritz, the thicker piping leads to a much longer life span for the heat exchanger.

* Higher energy efficiency rating: The newest Noritz tankless heaters use a dual heat exchanger with both copper and stainless steel. The stainless steel is designed to capture residual heat from the exhaust, thus preheating incoming water before it even enters the main copper heat exchanger. This new technology gives the Noritz NRC111 and NCC199 series an energy efficiency level of more than 93% -- one of the highest energy efficiency ratings available from gas-powered tankless water heaters.

* No outsourcing: Much like Takagi, Noritz does not outsource any of its manufacturing. Instead, the Noritz company itself manufactures nearly everything that goes into its tankless water heaters, allowing a higher level of quality control. In fact, Noritz even makes the heat exchanger's copper tubing from raw copper. Using Toyota's innovative Just-In-Time production system, Noritz is capable of shipping tankless heaters in the afternoon that were manufactured earlier that morning.

In summary, Noritz is a solid, quality brand. If you are considering purchasing a tankless water heater, Noritz should be on your short-list of brands to consider.

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