How well do tankless water heaters work, and what is the upfront price difference?

Filed under: Self Reliance |

solar water heater
Image by Seattle.roamer
The large storage tank which keeps lots of domestic water warm or hot depending on the sunshine.
In the picture are most of the pipes related to this tank which takes the circulation roof from the roof and transfers the heat to the domestic water circuit on it’s way to the actual domestic hot water heater.

Question by mnvikes: How well do tankless water heaters work, and what is the upfront price difference?
were building a house and i was curious if these things work as well as a tank water heater or if they take forever to warm up, dont get hot, etc. and what the cost difference is from a traditional water heater

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4 Responses to How well do tankless water heaters work, and what is the upfront price difference?

  1. instant gas hot water the cheapest and best (tankless).
    Cost the same to less on install never runs out hot water again

    Tubby scrap metal
    November 14, 2012 at 3:48 am
    Reply

  2. I use a thankless heater and i swear by it . Plenty of hot water . Takes no time at all to heat up . Im using propane and its cheap . Roughly around 15 dollars a month for shower and dishes . Would be more if i use hot water for laundry. I would never go back to tank heater . I never run out of hot water . Not sure of the price difference . I got mine off ebay about the same price as a tank heater at the local hardware

    Dads boy
    November 14, 2012 at 4:24 am
    Reply

  3. I don’t know the upfront price difference, but according to “Energy Star” you’ll get the following breakdown over the life of the water heater compared to a “traditional gas storage”:

    Gas Condensing Storage: $ 110/year
    Whole House Gas Tankless: $ 115/year
    Solar water heater w/ electric backup: $ 220/year
    Heat Pump Water Heater: $ 290/year

    Note that no electric options are mentioned. Electric heating is grossly inefficient and costly, tankless or not.

    In addition, if you are eligable, take advantage of the $ 1500 energy tax credit. Now water heaters are included. There may be more local credits and utility rebates that apply.

    Blixter
    November 14, 2012 at 4:49 am
    Reply

  4. We put in a tankless water heater and it is great. It is faster, more energy efficient and it saves money.

    seashells
    November 14, 2012 at 5:36 am
    Reply

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