Hot Water is a Hot Issue, Learn About Tankelss Heaters

Hot water is a hot issue these days. Home owners are interested in homes that are energy efficient and economical to operate, which are factors that can be dramatically affected by a home's hot water usage. According to the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, water heating is the third-largest expense in most homes, accounting for 14% to 25% of a home's expenses. In some cases, that percentage may even be higher, which means energy-conserving hot water solutions also could result in big cost savings for homeowners in this difficult economy.

Currently, the most popular energy-efficient option for water heating is a tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand system. Unlike a traditional tank that heats a reservoir of water 24 hours a day, a tankless unit activates only as needed. When there is a demand for heated water, cold water travels through the tankless unit, where a gas burner quickly heats it to the preset temperature. (around 120 degrees)

According to www.smarterhotwater.com, a Web site launched by Alabama-based Rheem Manufacturing, the average annual operating cost for a conventional storage is between $230 and $285, nearly twice the cost for a tankless system. (Rheem estimates a tankless hot water heater would cost $165 to $170 annually to operate.)

Given those numbers, the decision to go tankless seems a simple equation; tankless water heaters have proved popular in Europe and Asia. But like many other construction technologies, tankless water heater usage in the United States lags behind the rest of the world.

Cost could be a factor for the low penetration in the U.S. market--tankless heaters cost significantly more than a conventional system. But it also could be a matter of educating the American market about the product. In recent years, manufacturers say awareness has grown significantly, and so has usage, which has seen double-digit increases. The driving force? Consumers. They are mainly the ones driving this demand for tankless water heaters more than builders.

While tankless technology can reduce a home's energy costs by as much as 25% annually compared to a standard 40-gallon tank heater, there are other considerations. Standard storage tanks now qualify for Energy Star certification. And tankless systems may have other issues that negate its energy performance and lower operating costs.

I had a unit installed in my home six years ago and absolutely love it. Check out http://www.ArnettsPlumbing.com for a great installer here in San Diego. If you live outside San Diego, call me and I will refer you to a great installer in your area.

David Demangos
Keller Williams Realty
Realtor® BRE# 01905183

Website: www.DemangosHomes.com
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