Tankless Electric and Gas Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous or demand-type, provide water as needed based on the water flow. Water is heated using gas, which is passed through the heat exchanger. With no water being held in a storage tank there is a slight delay in getting the hot water to the fixture. Typically, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2-5 gallons per minute. Gas-fired tankless heaters slightly higher flow rates than electric ones. However, even the largest, gas-fired model cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous uses in large households. It is recommended to install two or more tankless heaters in a row for simultaneous demands of hot water. The other option is to install separate tankless water heaters for appliances such as a clothes washer or dishwasher. 

Although the initial cost of installing a tankless water heater is greater than that of a traditional tank type heater the long-term savings will be greater. It has been reported that homes uses 41 gallons or less hot water daily, tankless heaters can be 24%-34% more energy efficient than traditional tank heaters. They can be 8%-14% more energy efficient for homes using around 86 gallons per day. Information provided by ENERGY STAR®. Also some Electric Authorities/Counties/States have credits offered for installing these types of heaters.