Electric tankless water heaters are rising in popularity thanks to their low-cost and ease of installation.
However, you might be wondering if they are any good. Are they really better than a storage tank water heater? The answer might surprise you. Here’s everything you need to know about electric tankless water heaters.
How Much Do They Cost?
You can buy an electric tankless water heater for around $600, which is comparable to the cost of a storage tank heater. Gas-powered tankless water heaters, however, cost upwards of $1,000 or more. The installation of the unit varies based on your local plumber, but you can expect it to cost around $1,200, making your out-the-door total about $1,800. Keep in mind, however, that this number can vary significantly depending on the size of unit you choose and installation costs. The initial cost might seem like more than you want to spend, but there are a lot of benefits to having an electric tankless heater.
How Long Do They Last?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric tankless water heaters can be expected to last as long as 20 years. That’s significant, considering that storage water tanks have a maximum life expectancy of 10-15 years.
The initial cost of purchasing and installing an electric tankless heater is slightly more than you might spend on a storage tank heater, but the longer life paired with the lower operating costs make it a great option for heating the water in your home.
Are Gas or Electric Tankless Water Heaters Better?
There is much debate surrounding gas and electric tankless water heaters and which one is better. There’s no easy answer, since it depends largely on your home’s needs and the cost and availability of resources. Here are some comparisons between the two:
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Efficiency
It’s a well-known fact that all tankless water heaters are more efficient than storage tank heaters. Gas units top out at about 80% efficiency, while electric ones are more than 98% efficient.
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Cost of Operation
The cost of operation of both gas and electric units vary greatly depending on your area and local costs, but you can expect the costs to be fairly similar.
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Installation Costs
This is where electric units shine. Gas units require complex venting and have strict requirements for combustion air supply, making them very expensive to install. Additionally, they often can’t use the existing venting system and gas lines. Electric heaters are much smaller than gas units, and since they don’t produce any exhaust gases, there’s no need for venting. This makes electric units much less expensive to install.
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Demand
Gas heaters have a slight leg up in homes where the demand for hot water is high. Electric heaters can provide 3 to 8 gallons of hot water per minute, which is sufficient for the average home. Homes with more demand might find they prefer a gas unit that has a higher capabilities.
Quick Quality Plumbing is Here
There’s a lot to consider when replacing your water heater, but electric tankless water heaters are a great solution. Quick Quality Plumbing is here to help! We have a great selection of tankless water heaters and conventional water heaters, and can also help with water heater repair if you’re not ready to replace your unit. We have a team of experienced plumbers in Provo, Orem and Lehi and the surrounding areas in Utah. Contact us today!
