On Demand Water Heaters

Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 6/13/2008
Categories: Grean ideas

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Another source of water heaters' is available, but is anyone using it? They are called on-demand or instantaneous water heaters. In contrast to the traditional method of keeping 40 to 80 gallons of hot water stored in an insulated tank, on-demand heaters produce hot water only when it is needed. Since hot water is generally required for less than a few hours each day instead of 24, owners can easily benefit from high efficiency modern designs that provide hot water on demand. Less fuel is required for a given volume and temperature of water, not to mention the cost savings and pollution savings. Some manufacturers claim 50% savings when compared to conventional hot water tanks. I have priced these units at Menards and they can range from $500 for a small one to just over $1000 with larger output capabilities.  

You can save a lot of energy and money by eliminating the slow leakage of heat from the hot water tank and piping. Actual savings will depend upon how much water you use, how far it must be piped from your existing heater, and the extent to which that piping travels through unheated spaces. It is reasonable to expect improvements in your hot water bill of 20 cents on the dollar. For a monthly water-heating cost of $50 dollars, you may expect savings of $10 per month on your energy bill. If the switch to on-demand water heating is made when your old hot water tank goes out, the effective net cost of change will be much lower and your monthly cash-flow will improve immediately.

Therefore, its surprising to me that more new homes are not equipped with these space saving units. If anyone plans to attend the Parade of Homes this weekend (6/14-6/15) I encourage you to look for these water heaters. They will be located in the basement next to the other mechanical systems. I guarantee that less than 5% of the 48 homes available for tour do not have them. I also encourage you to ask the builder/Realtor why they are not there. See what they say and feel free to share your findings back here on my blog.

 

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  • 9/9/2009 plumber bondi wrote:
    I installed an electric tankless water heater 4 years ago and i would recommend it to anyone who does not have one. Electric ones are easier to install than gas, but make sure you have enough power comong into the home. These units hands down will out perform any tank heater.
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  • 10/29/2009 Bulk Sms wrote:
    Most water heaters heat 30 to 70 gallons of water and keep it hot until it’s needed. When you open the tap, hot water flows through the pipes and cold water enters the tank to be heated. But when you’re not using hot water, it’s being maintained at 120 degrees Fahrenheit (or more) — all day and all night, increasing your energy bills but not contributing to your comfort. Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to keep a tank of hot water available to use the next time you open the hot water tap? A tankless or on-demand water heater makes it possible.
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  • 10/29/2009 Christmas Presents for Women wrote:
    After heating and cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home because it is necessary for so many domestic activities. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out existing water heater or looking for the best model for a new house you’re building,
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