Whole-house tankless units mount on a wall, saving you floor space and fitting into tight spaces. Electric models actually run more efficiently," he says, "but the higher cost of electricity makes them more costly to operate.. Depending on what your plumber charges per hour, installation can be $600 to $800 if the existing hookups are compatible. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney. Twitter. Thats the promise of tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, which produce hot water only when you turn on the faucet, start a cycle on the washing machine, switch on the dishwasher, or otherwise call for hot water. Detail. Condensing water heaters slow the rate of exhaust to capture heat more efficiently, Some districts in California require gas water heaters to meet Ultra-Low NOx emissions requirements (10 n/J), Learn Tankless heaters also have a longer life expectancy than storage tank heaters more than 20 years, according to the DOE, compared to 10-15 years for storage tank heaters. Storage tank heaters come in a range of sizes, from small point-of-use heaters of about 6 gallons to commercial heaters that hold 100 to 120 gallons. What if we told you that you could get the same amount of hot water (or more) from a water heater the size of a carry-on suitcaseand save at least $100 a year on your utility bill? All Rights Reserved. Storage tank: Our payback calculations are based on replacing a 50-gallon storage tank water heater with a tankless water heater, then calculating how much the tankless model costs to operate and how much energy it saves. And keep in mind that because of recent federal energy regulations, a replacement storage tank may take up more space than your old one, even if its the same capacity, because newer ones are required to have more insulation. Consumer Reports recently tested four electric and five gas whole-house tankless water heaters from such brands as Bosch, Navien, Noritz, Rheem, Rinnai, Tempra, and Trutankless to see how costs, performance, and energy use stack up against that of conventional storage tank water heaters. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. If you live in a poor-water area, we suggest maintenance once a year, says Caccia. Check with your tax advisor for applicability. Select models have the Rinnai Smart-Circ Intelligent Recirculation that learns your hot water usage pattern and schedules your recirculation accordingly, providing you with hot water faster and when you need it. If you hire a plumber to do this, it can cost $300 or more. When it comes to usage, hot water delivery can be more uneven with a tankless heater and multiple, simultaneous hot water demands can stretch their capability, notes the DOE. It takes only one surprise cold-water blast from your shower to appreciate the luxury that is on-demand hot water. CR's experts weigh in, based on test results and payback time. Introducing X3 Scale Prevention Caccia, the third-generation plumber, says that once you make the switch, labor costs are less for replacing an old tankless water heater with a new one than for replacing an old storage tank with a new one. Water Heaters. Comfort and convenience: If youre dealing with an emergency replacement of a failed water heater a survey by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance found 37% of residents replacing a heater did so because of sudden failure the change could be quicker by keeping the same type of heater. Get more great content like this sent to your inbox. Thats because of their reputation for running more efficiently, an appealing characteristic given that heating water is the average U.S. home's second highest utility cost after heating and cooling the house itself. Rinnai Vent-Free Convectors push heat to the farthest reaches of the room, evenly warming larger spaces and maximizing cost-savings. We paid $570 (electric) and $600 (gas) for the two 50-gallon Rheem tank water heaters we tested, but we have seen tank water heaters priced for less at home improvement stores. Basically the heat pump is moving heat from one place to another rather than generating heat itself. The payback math changes if youre building a new house or renovating an old one and have a need for space savings, endless hot water, or improved energy efficiency. Finally, know that a power outage is likely to leave tankless heater users without hot water. Some models come with extra insulation, or you could purchase an insulation blanket to wrap your water heater. The Rinnai Hydronic Air Handler System easily integrates with select tankless water heaters or boilers to deliver energy-efficient warmth. Using the same rates above, the annual operating cost is $195 for a gas tankless and $535 for an electric. Products and solutions to help your business move forward. See manual for details. About Tankless with X3, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 199,000 BTU GTS-540X3-NIH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 199,000 BTU GTS-540X3-NEH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 199,000 BTU GTS-540X3-PIH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 199,000 BTU GTS-540X3-PEH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 180,000 BTU GTS-340X3-NIH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 180,000 BTU GTS-340X3-NEH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 180,000 BTU GTS-340X3-PIH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 180,000 BTU GTS-340X3-PEH, Tankless Water Heater Non-Condensing Concentric Vent Indoor 199,000 BTU Natural Gas/Propane, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 160,000 BTU Natural Gas, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 160,000 BTU GTS-240X3-NEH, Tankless Water Heater Non-Condensing Concentric Vent Indoor 190,000 BTU Natural Gas/Propane, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology160,000 BTU GTS-240X3-PIH, Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Water Heater with X3 Technology 160,000 BTU GTS-240X3-PEH, Tankless Water Heater Condensing Ultra-Low NOx Indoor 199,000 BTU Natural Gas. var dteNow = new Date(); WHEN YOU NEED THEM. In fact, many manufacturers require installation by factory-trained professionals to maintain the warranty. This difference can be mitigated somewhat by insulating a storage tank heater. Flexible Installation Ideal for Tank Replacement. Need a replacement? All of the gas units were able to hit our target output temperature of 120 F and have similar minimum flow rates (the amount of running water needed for the heater to kick in). var intYear = dteNow.getFullYear(); With the additional purchase of a control-r module (compatible with most condensing models), you can integrate it into your smart home technology for greater control and have on-demand hot water in seconds. "We didn't find meaningful performance differences that would cause a consumer to choose one brand over another.". You can see the results in our water heater ratings charts. We'll walk you through the results and considerations of going tankless. A Rinnai PRO will help you choose the right model for your needs, provide you with financing options, and perform a top-quality installation. Long-term costs: The cost savings associated with tankless heaters will vary from one case to the next, but the reduced energy use will lead to noticeably cheaper utility bills. Sales Rep Login. SIGN UP FOR EMAILGet more great content in your inbox. Rinnai Direct Vent Furnaces use modulating technology to create energy-efficient warmth for the whole home. Follow me on Energy efficiency was Excellent and annual operating costs were low, just $240. The smart choice when it's time to replace a standard tank. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency. The gas and the electric storage tank water heaters easily delivered a steady supply of hot water that reached our target temperature of 120 F. Tankless: We saw a few differences in performance between the gas and electric models. Consumer Reports notes that changing from a storage tank to a tankless water heater could require an upgrade to gas or electric service, as well as a plumbing retrofit. Offer details and expiration may vary. Using natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, or propane, these tanks continuously heat water to keep a full store at the ready. Considering that 90 percent of hot water heater installations take place during an emergency, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, that puts you at a disadvantage when you're negotiating with a prospective plumber or contractor to make the switch on your tight timeline. If you have hard water, like many regions of the country, periodic flushing of the heat exchanger to remove hard-water deposits is necessary. Installation will cost you moreat least $800 to $1,500, according to HomeAdvisor. And buyers remorse is a powerful thing, he says. But if you dont have a basement, you may have to stash it in a closetand that can be a tight fit. Banta says its worth noting that while gas water heaters are less expensive to operate, its due to the lower cost of natural gas and not because theyre necessarily more efficient. Up to $850 in Local Utility Rebates maybe available in your area! Theyve come a long way, says Geno Caccia, a third-generation plumber who operates a family business in San Mateo, Calif., with his brother. We tested a 50-gallon Rheem electric heat pump that we bought for $1,200. They are not new patent applications for continuous flow water heaters were filed in the U.S. in the late 1920s but with heightened awareness of energy consumption and sustainability, they are receiving more attention. Full-facility tankless heaters typically fit on a wall and are less than 2 feet wide and 3 feet high, compared to storage tank heaters that can be at least 5 feet high. Storage tank: We included two conventional water heaters in our tests as a control to compare their performance to the tankless units. Tankless: We factored in an installation cost of $1,250 for a gas tankless and slightly less, $1,150, for an electric. While tankless water heaters run more efficiently than storage tank water heaters, replacing a tank water heater with a tankless can be expensive, and the payback time can be longer than the warranty. And electric tankless models draw so much power120 to 160 ampsthat you may have to upgrade the electrical service to your house to 200 amps or more. Water is held in the tank and kept at a consistent heat, making delivery of hot water almost immediate compared to tankless heaters, which feed cooler water through the pipes and past the heating element, sometimes causing a delay before the continuous feed of hot water arrives. State Industries. Check for rebates. Storage tanks can be 5 feet tall or taller and about 2 feet wide or wider. That means you're paying to have hot water whether you need it or not. Energy efficiency: The DOE estimates that tankless water heaters improve energy efficiency between 8-34% over storage tank heaters, depending on the amount of water usage. Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? Heat pumps also have heating elements like conventional water heaters that turn on if the unit cant generate enough hot water on its own, says Banta. Also many manufacturers of tankless water heaters recommend preventive maintenance to be done on their units. While storage tank water heaters remain the majority of new installations in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), tankless water heaters are gaining popularity. Using a natural gas rate of $10.86 per 1,000 cubic feet, we calculated that the payback time for converting from a storage tank gas water heater to a gas tankless ranges from 22 years to 27 years. These compact units offer the reliability youd expect from Rinnai with performance thats ideal for small- to mid-sized homes. Knowing that I wanted to be a journalist from a young age, I decided to spiff up my byline by adding the middle initials "H.J." Rinnais super high-efficiency models offer sleek design, maximum output and an array of features ideal for the hot water demands of large homes. A veteran of online and print journalism, I've worked at People, MSNBC, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, and an online Consumer Reports wannabe. Thats why more consumers and businesses choose Rinnai over any other tankless brand. See Rebate Center for details. But tanks of 55 gallons or more will require even more space, depending on the energy-saving technology they use. Even gas-powered tankless heaters need an electronic control panel. And thats an electric heat pump. The industry's first peace of mind, scale inclusive, 15-year warranty. Instead they heat water as it passes through the unit, using a heat exchanger to rapidly bring it up to temperature. A shower, followed by two more showers, followed by dishwashing, wont exhaust the supply. Rinnai Infrared Heaters provide you with warm radiant comfort in all of your outdoor, garage and workshop spaces. Also, parts are usually replaceable, rather than replacing the entire unit. Grainger Editorial Staff. But most manufacturers recommend using a certified plumber, and you may need one because tank water heaters have changed, as noted, to meet tighter energy standards. Local utility rebates available in limited geographical areas. 1994-2021, W.W. Grainger, Inc. All Rights Reserved. When its time to replace your legacy water heater or install one in new construction, the first question you may consider is whether to stay with the traditional storage tank water heater or move to a tankless heater. They vary in size, but average about 2 feet tall and a bit over a foot wide. Maximum gallons per minute of hot water (30 rise), Higher BTU inputs produce a higher flow rate. Because the differences among models were negligible, instead of breaking out individual models for ratings like we do with most other products, our engineers grouped all the gas tankless units together and all the electric tankless models together, and compared the groups with their conventional storage tank models that run on the same fuel. Matters., controlr, and Smart-Circ Intelligent Recirculation, Tankless Truths, and Tankless Truth are the trademarks of Rinnai America Corporation. Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. For an electric model, assuming energy costs of $0.132 per KWh, the payback time to replace a conventional electric tank with an electric tankless ranges from 12 to 20 years. Its also important to clean out the sediment filter on the heater from time to time. Heating water only when you need it eliminates the standby energy losses you get with a storage tank. After weeks of testing, we discovered that all the gas tankless water heaters performed similarly and all the electric tankless were equivalent in terms of performance. Rinnai Condensing Boilers deliver more efficient home heating than traditional boilers, while also providing domestic hot water. It's a draw totaling 84 gallons of water a day with a starting temperature of 58 F (plus or minus 2 degrees), and a target outlet temperature of 120 F. Its a tough test, says Banta. State water heaters are professionally installed by local independent contractors. Gas water heaters with UEF of 0.82 or higher OR with a thermal efficiency of at least 90%. To see whether your utility offers rebates, check its website or the federal Energy Star rebate finder and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. The payback time for a replacement installation and new construction was under a year. As with any major equipment decision, there are pros and cons to each choice. Check with your tax advisor for applicability. Small and mighty, the suitcase-sized wall units fit in tight, discreet spaces, freeing up more usable living area in your home. Both rate Good for energy efficiency. We calculated that the annual operating cost for a gas model is $245 (based on an average price of $10.86 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas) and the yearly cost of running an electric model is $580 (based on an average electricity rate of $0.132 per KWh). Undersink electric tankless models are even smaller and can deliver hot water to smaller areas, such as an eye and face wash station. Because the heat pump adds height, the water heater needs more headroom than a conventional tank, at least 7 feet. He says that years ago, when plumbers were less familiar with tankless installations, homeowners complained that they werent getting the same water delivery they experienced with their storage tank. Storage tank: Storage tank water heaters typically have a capacity of 30 to 60 gallons, but the most common size is 50 gallons. If you have a warranty of 12 to 15 years, which is typical, it doesnt make financial sense to replace a tank water heater with a tankless, says Banta. The colder the water coming in, the longer it takes to heat, says Caccia. In part that's because removing a large tank takes more time and effort than removing the much smaller tankless units. For small- to medium-sized new homes or remodels, Rinnais high-efficiency models are affordable, compact units you can count on. Rinnai tankless hot water heaters are built to commercial-grade standards and each individual unit is tested for quality. When you make a change like that, the house operates a little differently., For example, you might not be able to run the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time that someone is taking a shower. But the real thing is so much better. Rinnai tankless water heaters last up to twice as long, have twice the warranty, and save energy as they only heat water when it is needed. Demand Duo, DuoSmart, SENSEI, ThermaCirc 360, Every. The capacity you want depends on the size of your household and how much hot water you use (your plumber can help with the calculations). The nine models in our tests range from $525 to $1,150. With the help of an outside lab, we conducted performance tests and measured energy use on the nine models we purchased, and calculated installation costs for storage tank and tankless water heaters, as well as how long it would take a homeowner to recoup the investment of a tankless water heatercalled the payback time. We used the installation of a tank water heater as the benchmark. Sleek, modern design and a range of features and benefits to fully satisfy the hot water demands of larger homes. Caccias company of 25 plumbers installs all brands and types of water heaters. Unlike many competitors, Rinnai makes the vast majority of our key components, allowing for consistent control of quality. Switching to tankless from a storage tank water heater is no easy swap because it requires a plumbing retrofit and possibly an upgrade to your electric service or gas lines to increase capacity. (They run on electricity, natural gas, or propane.) Tanks that hold less than 55 gallons may be an inch or two larger. Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. While tankless has its virtues, he says, theres a bit of a learning curve for consumers who are used to drawing water from a standing tank of already heated water. If your water heater is in the basement, you might not mind the space it takes. You know that big tank of hot water in your basement? Thats why its so energy efficient. We respect your privacy. Consumer financing and rebates are also often available. In that case, installing a tankless water heater can make financial sense because theres no major retrofitting costs involved. Storage tank: In our tests, we judged the annual energy consumption cost of the conventional water heaters to be Very Good for the gas model and Fair for the electric. Every Rinnai tankless water heater is individually tested for quality before shipping. It has a holding tank like a conventional water heater, but sitting atop the tank is a heat pump that captures warm air and transmits it to the watersort of like a refrigerator working in reverse. Customer Service | Be sure to check that the blanket is applicable to your type of storage tank heater gas or electric. If you depend on electricity to heat your water, you have another choice thats better than a conventional tank or a tankless water heater. Manufacturers recommend that certified electricians or plumbers install tankless water heaters. The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. Replacing your old storage tank with a new one of the same capacity is a pretty basic plumbing job, and some homeowners do it themselves. (Manufacturers also recommend that you periodically drain a tank water heater to flush out the sediment.). Whether your water heater installation is new or a replacement, you may be eligible for a rebate from your local utility company, which can offset some of the cost. So you may never need our industry-leading warranty and legendary support for the most important appliance in your home. Our Product Selector can provide a personalized recommendation. While storage tank water heaters are by far the most common type, tankless water heaters are slowly gaining market share, according to Technavio, a global market research firm. With a Rinnai tankless water heater, youll never have to choose between taking a piping hot shower, doing a load of laundry, or running the dishwasher. But if your storage tank water heater is nearing the end of its useful life and youre interested in saving space and energy, tankless water heaters are worth a look. How to Choose the Right Plumbing Snake for the Job, No need to heat gallons of water that arent being used, No standby heat loss, in which a tank loses heat to a surrounding environment. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Like tankless heaters, they come in gas and electric models. Limited warranty on heat exchanger. And depending on the temperature of your groundwater, you may have to wait for the water to get hot. Tankless heaters do not hold water; cold water flows into the unit and is heated only when needed. If youre considering an electric heat pump, check its space requirements. State water heaters are available through your local plumbing professional. * Copyright 2022 Rinnai America Corporation. No more storing large quantities of water that could potentially leak on your floor. Commercial-grade units with the industry's best warranty. Rinnai and Creating a healthier way of living are registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation. Hot water is always available. Rinnai's hybrid models are Ultra Low NOx (ULX) compliant, have 82% recovery efficiency and last much longer than a stand-alone tank. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. Technology on our Condensing Gas Tankless Storage tank: Tank style water heaters are less expensive than tankless. A failing water heater can not only make for rude awakenings at home, it can also slow facility operations that require hot water for cooking, cleaning and sanitizing, among other things. Thats the equivalent of taking several showers, running the dishwasher, washing one load of laundry, and turning the faucet on and off multiple times, says John Banta, an engineer who oversees our water heater tests. All of the electric models were also able to meet and maintain the set output temperature when the incoming water was 74 F, but twoa Bosch and a Rheemmissed the mark when the incoming water temperature was 58 F. This indicates that electric models may be better suited to areas with warmer groundwater, such as the South. 2/17/22 They also need about 1,000 cubic feet of surrounding air to draw from, about the amount circulating in a 12-by-12-foot room. Rinnai's Demand Duo combines tank and tankless technology and offers a longer lifespan. Tankless: As their name implies, tankless, or on-demand water heaters, don't store water in a tank. With a tank, youre cooking the water all the time, so its already hot.. *For information on the Federal Tax Credit, go to: energystar.gov. Tankless heaters have a temperature rise component that shows how many degrees the tank can heat the water based on a particular flow rate, represented as gallons per minute (GPM). How often you flush your tankless water heater depends on the quality of your water. Up-front costs: Storage tank heaters and full-size tankless heaters are comparably priced, though gas heaters of both types are more expensive than electric.