When purchasing a new water heater, you can choose between a standard, mid-efficiency appliance or a high-efficiency one. High-efficiency water heaters include condensing fuel-fired water heaters, electric and fuel-burning tankless water heaters, and electric heat pump water heaters. Let’s explore the pros and cons of choosing one of these advanced options over a traditional gas or electric tank water heater.
Pro: Lower Month-to-Month Energy Costs
The EPA estimates that households with standard electric water heaters can save about $50 a month by switching to heat pump water heaters. These appliances move heat energy from the ambient air to the water rather than heating the water directly. Even households with fuel-fired systems can save about $100 a year by switching to a condensing model. Condensing water heaters have a second heat exchanger to mitigate heat losses through the flue.
Pro: Reduced Total Cost of Ownership
While high-efficiency water heaters cost more initially, they’re less expensive over the long term. Through incentives and lower monthly energy costs, the average household can save thousands over the life of a high-efficiency water heating system.
Pro: Improved Performance and Reliability
Tankless water heaters, in particular, greatly increase performance and reliability. With regular maintenance, tankless water heaters are much less prone to malfunctions than their traditional counterparts. Another advantage is that a well-sized tankless water heater can provide your household with a virtually unlimited hot water supply. You’ll never have to worry about running out of hot water and having to wait for your water heater to recover.
Con: Potential Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades
If you own an older house, it may need some modernization to facilitate a high-efficiency water heater. An electric tankless water heater, for instance, can increase your power needs beyond your current electrical panel’s amp coverage. High-efficiency fuel-fired water heaters require larger-diameter gas piping than was standard in new construction before 2010. Condensing tank and tankless water heaters also require more sophisticated exhaust systems. If you need major upgrades, you may not recoup that investment until two or three water heaters down the line.
Con: Increased Costs and Installation Time
The average homeowner can expect to pay 50% to 100% more for a high-efficiency water heater. It’s important to note that rebates, tax credits, and other energy incentives are often available to help offset this initial expense. Still, a high-efficiency water heater will be significantly more expensive to purchase and install. Another consideration is the installation time required. High-efficiency water heater installations can take eight hours or more, especially when converting a traditional setup to instant water heating.
If you’d like additional information about this choice, consider an in-home consultation. A plumber can help you explore your options and the pros and cons in finer detail. If you live in Granada Hills, CA or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Turbo Plumbing & Rooter.