TANKLESS WATER HEATERS: ARE THEY AS GOOD AS THE HYPE?
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY, TIPS FOR BUYERS, TIPS FOR SELLERS, TIPS FOR SENIORS
September 1st, 2008
Builders of some new homes in the Redding/Shasta County area are touting the energy efficiency of a 
relatively new type of water heater: tankless. CONSUMER REPORTS October 2008 issue determined that yes, they are efficient, but they are not economical! How so, you ask? Here’s the breakdown:
- They cost 2-2 1/2 times more than a 50-gallon standard unit
- They cost 4 times as much to install
- They save $80/year in energy costs
- It will take 15-22 years to recoup your up front costs
- Recommended yearly maintenance wipes out any energy savings 3x over
Add to this the fact that early adopters of this type of water heater complain about inconsistent water temperatures. You can get a “cold-water sandwich” which is caused by the tankless models adding some cold water to the pipes to gauge how big of a temperature rise is needed. Depending on how much cold water is in your pipes, you’ll feel the sandwich between the old and new hot water.
Tankless water heaters are also prone to scale build-up over long-term usage. Expect to pay a plumber more than $300 to flush the system with vinegar. “Many industry pros recommend that tankless models be serviced once a year by a qualified technician”, according to the article.
Converting from a standard tank model to tankless can cost even more. They need electrical connections (unlike gas water heaters) for fans and electronics, upgraded gas pipes, a new ventilation system and an area to accommodate the array of pipes and units.
Spending hundreds of dollars extra for a super high-efficiency standard tank water heater is not a wise move either. These units average $1,400, cost $200 more to install, save only $70/year meaning your break-even point is 16 years down the road. That’s about the time you would replace the water heater anyway.
Bottom line, get the standard water heater with the best efficiency rating costing less than $500. Buy a high-efficiency water heater or tankless model if you want to be “green” and are willing to pay the difference.
If you have a need for expert advice on any real estate matter, contact me:
530-941-7492 or 530-224-6767
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
The next time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my option to learn, but I really thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly repair in case you werent too busy looking for attention.
Thanks for your efforts that you have put in this. very worthwhile info .
Hi there. I want to to inquire one thing…is this a wordpress webpage as we are thinking about going across to WP. In addition did you make this template by yourself? Thanks.
What I wouldnt give to have a debate with you about this. You just say so many things that come from nowhere that Im pretty positive Id have a fair shot. Your blog is excellent visually, I mean people wont be bored. But others who can see past the videos and the layout wont be so impressed with your generic understanding of this topic.
I am glad to be a visitor of this sodding web site! , appreciate it for this rare info ! .
Hello excellent job I did not anticipate this This is a remarkable story Thanks
hey there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the website lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again soon..
Can I simply say what a relief to search out somebody who really knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know methods to convey an issue to light and make it important. Extra people must read this and understand this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre not more standard because you positively have the gift.