Tankless water heaters are one of the newer tools for creating a more energy-efficient home. Unlike standard units, which continuously heat and reheat water so that it is always hot, tankless heaters generate water warm instantly with high-powered gas burners or electric coils. Yes, this instant heating requires more power, but because the water does not have to be reheated again and again, like in a standard “tank” model, tankless systems use less energy overall. According to Consumer Reports, which studied these appliances extensively, gas-powered tankless water heaters are approximately 22% more efficient when compared to traditional water heaters. Is there a catch? Yes and no. In the right situation, a tankless water heater is the best option. However, it is a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of these relatively new systems before committing.
Before we get into the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, if you already know that you're going to get a new water heater (with or without a tank), have you thought about how you're going to pay for it? Let us help! Click below and get approved within 30 minutes (with no credit check)!
Now we'll walk you through several pros and cons of tankless water heaters, so you can decide if a tankless water heater or a traditional water heater is right for you.
After flushing the cold water from the pipes out of the faucet, tankless water heaters can provide an unending stream of hot water almost instantly. Therefore, on a very basic level, these units can indeed deliver on their promise to supply heating without the inconvenience of bulky storage tanks.
The Consumer Reports survey mentioned above names inconsistent water temperatures as one of the biggest buyer complaints. This issue typically results from the heater’s inability to send enough hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously. Also, tankless heaters do not always turn on if the faucet is slightly open (when shaving or rinsing a toothbrush, for example).
A considerable advantage of tankless units is their longer lifespan. A standard, high-quality water heater will last roughly a decade, whereas tankless models function for twice as long. Opting for the longer-lasting tankless model can save a homeowner from needing a replacement every 10 years.
Their longer lifespan makes tankless units inherently more expensive. The average traditional model costs around $500, while the cheapest tankless options start at $1,000. These specialized models are also more expensive cost more to install, so labor fees must be factored into the overall price tag.
While these systems are more expensive, they are also more efficient. In fact, Consumer Reports indicates that tankless water heaters are 22% more efficient than standard models. The monthly savings might be nominal, but homeowners can expect to save hundreds of dollars annually.
Tankless water heaters supply a steady stream of hot water, but the supply is not unlimited. Standard models heat several gallons of water at once – perfect for a single person taking a shower or washing the dishes. But if an individual is running the dishwasher or washing machine while someone else is taking a shower (or two people are taking showers in two different bathrooms at the same time), a tankless heater is not equipped to keep up. A traditional water heater, which can store between 30 and 80 gallons depending on the model, will not have a problem providing hot water to multiple outlets at the same time.
Tankless water heaters are much smaller than bulky storage models. Installers usually mount them on a wall in an inconspicuous place in the basement. In smaller homes, the space savings is a welcome benefit.
A water softener is usually necessary to ensure a tankless heater operates properly. Obviously, this extra equipment adds to the unit’s initial price tag. A softener will also negate the space-saving benefit, as the bulky softener (in addition to the necessary bags of salt) will take up space beside the wall-mounted heater. In fact, this appliance may actually take up more space than a traditional water heater.
Because they are more efficient, tankless heaters qualify for federal tax credits, which help offset the steep installation cost. As of December 2016, the federal government offered a 10% tax credit on the overall cost of buying and installing a tankless hot water heater. Energy Star-certified traditional storage heaters also qualify for the same 10% tax break.
As mentioned above, tankless water heaters require a non-traditional setup, making installation more expensive. A contractor might even be forced to reroute a gas line or add new venting, adding to the overall cost of the project.
The biggest selling point for tankless heaters is that they eliminate “standby loss.” Traditional units reheat water repeatedly, raising energy costs each time that they do so. Even if no one is home, the water heater is using energy because it is still firing up to reheat the water in its tank.
While month-to-month water heating costs are cheaper with a tankless unit, it could take years to make up for the high initial cost. Over time, a homeowner will likely come out ahead, but according to Consumer Reports, the energy savings for going tankless add up to $75 per year, on average. Therefore, it could take 6 to 12 years (or more) before the month-over-month savings cover the installation costs.
In houses with heavy hot water usage, storage tanks will eventually run out of hot water (for example, if three or four people take showers in a row while the dishwasher is running). A tankless heater ensures that everyone has an equally warm shower – as long as they are taken consecutively, not at the same time – because it does not rely on reserved water to meet demand.
A tankless water heater is not the only way to make a home’s water system more efficient. By merely changing showering habits, a family could lower its water bill significantly. In addition, low-flow plumbing fixtures or a more efficient dishwasher could save as much money as a new water heater when the cost of water plus heating are added together each month.
Tankless water heaters are often powered by natural gas, but electric models are also on the market. Depending on a home’s electrical infrastructure, a non-gas unit may solve the issue of rerouting gas lines or investing in other pricey, labor-intensive alterations.
Tankless water heaters are not the only efficient option; solar water heating is gaining popularity across the nation. Featuring solar collectors and storage tanks, solar water heaters eliminate the need to reroute gas lines or install new electrical fixtures. Solar water heaters can be used in any climate and can even recoup their installation costs more quickly because they do not rely on gas or electricity – only sunshine.
Because of their lengthy lifespan, tankless heaters have longer warranties. Therefore, if anything goes wrong, the homeowner will not have to pay for repairs or foot the bill for a replacement. Warranties can run up to 20 years, which is the average lifespan of a tankless heater.
To keep the warranty valid, owners must perform annual maintenance and, perhaps, run a water softener. Homeowners should also flush out their system annually to prevent mineral build-up in the heater or water line. The cost of performing these tasks could counteract some of the savings produced by the lower energy requirements of a tankless heater.
If you have a smaller home and a modest demand for hot water, a tankless water heater is optimal. These efficient units will eliminate standby loss and will provide enough instant hot water for one, two, or three people to shower, wash clothes, and do dishes.
New Energy Star certified traditional storage water heaters are also on the market. Not only do these units offer monthly savings for a lower initial cost – but they also qualify for tax credits. Additionally, homeowners do not have to make significant changes to their gas lines or electrical wiring, as nearly all homes are equipped to accommodate these traditional water heaters.
]]>Sourced: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/generators/buying-guide/index.htm
When the power goes out, a generator can keep your house warm in winter or cool in summer; it can keep your food cold, your kitchen cooking, and your computers and phone charging. Assuming you have one.
People tend to buy generators around major storms when they’re prone to making a desperate decision—without a plan for what to do when they get it home. Working by flashlight, in a rush to get the power-up and running, they might skip over critical safety steps during setup. And people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning related to generators.
We don’t want you—or anyone relying on a generator—to be one of those people.
Generators are sold by power output, as measured in watts. The amount of power they deliver determines how many lights and appliances you can run at once; the quality and consistency of that power determines how well they'll run. Figure on about 5,000 watts to cover the basics in a typical home.
Start by making a list of what you don't want to go without while the power's down, then add up their watts to get you in the right ballpark. Here are some rough numbers for common essentials:
Refrigerator: 600 watts
Sump pump: 750 to 1,500 watts
Portable heater: 1,500 watts
Window air conditioner: 1,000 watts
Lights: 60 to 600 watts
Computers: 60 to 300 watts
You can go one of four ways. Home standby generators are installed permanently, can run on natural gas or propane, and kick on automatically during an outage. Portable and inverter generators can both be moved around, though they come in different sizes. Some are better for transporting to a tailgate, while others are better kept on your property as a backup power source. And portable power stations are large batteries that store electricity for when you need it, the only option for someone who lives in an apartment, say, and has no way to safely run a generator outdoors.
Typical cost:
$3,000 to $6,000
Typical cost:
$400 to $1,000
Don't let rain, snow, or wind keep you in the dark. Consider these options to make sure you get the best generator for your needs.
Automatic CO Shutoff
A critical safety feature new to portable generators that automatically shuts down the engine if a CO sensor detects levels of the deadly gas building up to certain limits. A portable generator must have this feature to earn a spot on our list of CR recommended products. You might see marketing terms such as "CO Guard," "CO Protect," "CO Detect," "CO Shield," or "CO Sense." The way to verify whether a generator meets one of the two standards is to look for one of these references on the packaging:
• ANSI/UL2201 Certified for Carbon Monoxide Safety
• ANSI/PGMA G300 Certified Safety & Performance
Low-CO Engine
An additional safety feature brands such as Ryobi are using to guard against risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Automatic Start
When the power goes off, the generator goes on—without you lifting a finger. This is great if you travel a lot or work far from home, and can't always get there quickly in an emergency.
Electric Start
Several portable models offer this push-button alternative to the hassle of pull-starting the engine. Just factor in the added cost (around $50) if the battery is not included. Stationary models have automatic starting.
Alternative Fuel Capacity
Most portable models run only on gasoline, though some come equipped to run on a propane tank or natural-gas line and others can be converted with kits.
Fuel Gauge
Especially during long blackouts, you may appreciate the ability to check at a glance how much fuel remains in your portable generator.
Low-Oil Shutoff
If oil falls below minimum levels, the generator shuts down to prevent engine damage. Typically a standard feature on stationary generators, it's increasingly common on portables.
Multiple Outlets
Four or more lets you best use the wattage by spreading the load, though we recommend using these only in an extreme pinch at home, or for when you're away at a campsite. See the next section on transfer switches.
Removable Console
This connects to the generator so you can plug in appliances without running (potentially risky) extension cords outdoors.