Today’s water heaters: Which is the best option?

One sure way to reduce utility costs is to heat water in one of the new tankless heaters. There has been much debate about whether these types of heaters work as well as if they are superior to conventional water heating units. The jury appears to be back in favor of the former. By virtue of their design alone, tankless water heating units can last many years longer than conventional ones. They wear less because they work only when they are needed immediately, a feature that makes them consume less energy. Tankless heaters tend to cost more to purchase and install than the conventional type, but in the long run, they are reported to pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time.

Water heaters are, of course, a necessity in any home. Choosing one that will result in a significant reduction in utility bills makes the most sense, especially in today’s struggling economy. Studies have shown that tankless units can reduce utility costs on average by up to 20%. This type of savings adds up very quickly. Because conventional water heaters hold water in a tank and keep it hot continuously, this can add a lot of money to your utility bill each month. In contrast, the tankless type does not store water in a tank. It works by heating the water as it comes out of the pipe. It can be purchased in both gas and electric models, the best of which can be determined by evaluating the energy needs of each and the type of home where the heater will be installed.

Although the tankless type of heater costs considerably more initially, one school of thought is that it will not only save money over time, but also be good for the planet in its immediate energy conservation. This is a consideration that makes many people go ahead and buy the one that has been proven to be more efficient.