When choosing a new water heater there are several types to choose from. Each offers advantages and disadvantages, here is a comparison, starting with the most popular water heater designs.
Storage Hot Water Heaters
Advantages
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Inexpensive to purchase and install
- Energy source gas or electric
- Average EF rating 0.67
Disadvantages
- Tank size has increased with NAECA standards, so installation requires more space
- Limited supply of hot water during extended use
- Can waste up to 15% of energy through radiant heat loss
- Life expectancy of 10-15 years
Tankless Hot Water Heaters – On Demand Water Heaters
Advantages
- Consume 20% to 30% less energy than storage tank models
- Meets NAECA standards without increase in size or installation costs.
- Take up less space, can be mounted on a wall
- Very little standby energy waste
- Virtually endless supply of hot water
- Life expectancy of 20 or more years
- Average EF rating 0.75
Disadvantages
- Hot water flow rate is limited by the size of the unit
- Typically more complicated and expensive to install
