What Water Heater Do I Need?
Conventional Unit
Conventional Unit
These units use an existing chimney to vent through the roof. They have a standing pilot and will continue to heat water even when the power is out.
Power Vent
Power Vent
These units are vented out the wall via a 2-3″ pipe depending on the distance to the outside wall and BTUs. They have spark ignition so no fuel is expended on a standing pilot.
Power Direct Vent
Power Direct Vent
This unit uses two pipes. One brings in fresh air for combustion and the other for exhausting air. It also has a spark ignition. Becuase of the two pipe sealed system, this unit can be placed in bathrooms, bedrooms, and even closets.
Direct Vent
Direct Vent
This is a pipe within a pipe system. It requires no power to run but must be within 10 feet of an outside wall.
Tankless
Tankless
These units heat only the water you need. There is no storage of water. They operate with a spark or Hot Surface Ignition (HSI). These units are ideal for saving space in the utility corner or closet.
Tankless Versus Tank – Which Is Better?
There is a lot of confusion as to whether a tankless water heater is more efficient than a tank-type. Because a tankless heats water instantly, and only what you use, many believe that it will save you money.
Tankless
While a tankless water heater is more efficient, it is not necessarily more cost-effective.
A standard tank-type water heater uses 36,000 BTUs per hour to heat and maintain the temperature in the tank. Whereas a tankless water heater uses 250,000 BTUs or more, to heat the water instantly.
When you compare how much hot water you use, to how many times the tank-type maintains the temperature in its storage, it’s actually more cost-effective in most scenarios to run a tank-type.
The initial cost of the tank-type water heater is less, and the cost to run is also less. The lifespan of a tankless water heater is also shorter, meaning a more frequent replacement needed.
While there are scenarios where a tankless water heater would be advantageous (i.e. limited space, one occupant dwelling, etc.), in most scenarios the tank-type the will actually save you more money.
