## Tankless Water Heaters: Gas vs. Electric
When it comes to choosing a water heater for your home, there are two main types to consider: tankless and storage tank. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, while storage tank water heaters store a reserve of hot water for later use.
Tankless water heaters are often more efficient than storage tank water heaters, as they only heat water when it is needed. This can result in significant energy savings over time. However, tankless water heaters can also be more expensive to purchase and install than storage tank water heaters.
Gas vs. Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can be powered by either gas or electricity. Gas tankless water heaters are typically more efficient than electric tankless water heaters, as they can produce hot water more quickly. However, gas tankless water heaters require a gas line, which can be expensive to install.
Electric tankless water heaters are more convenient to install than gas tankless water heaters, as they do not require a gas line. However, electric tankless water heaters can be more expensive to operate than gas tankless water heaters, as electricity is typically more expensive than gas.
## Choosing the Right Tankless Water Heater for Your Home
When choosing a tankless water heater for your home, there are a few factors to consider:
Flow rate: The flow rate of a tankless water heater is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The flow rate determines how many fixtures can be used simultaneously without running out of hot water.
Energy efficiency: The energy efficiency of a tankless water heater is measured by its Energy Factor (EF). The EF is a ratio of the amount of hot water produced to the amount of energy consumed.
Price: The price of a tankless water heater can vary depending on the size, flow rate, and energy efficiency.
Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Endless hot water: Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, so you never have to worry about running out of hot water.
Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than storage tank water heaters, as they only heat water when it is needed.
Space saving: Tankless water heaters are much smaller than storage tank water heaters, so they can be installed in tight spaces.
Long lifespan: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than storage tank water heaters, lasting up to 20 years or more.
Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters
Higher cost: Tankless water heaters can be more expensive to purchase and install than storage tank water heaters.
Lower flow rate: Tankless water heaters have a lower flow rate than storage tank water heaters, so they may not be able to supply enough hot water for multiple fixtures used simultaneously.
Temperature fluctuations: Tankless water heaters can experience temperature fluctuations, especially if multiple fixtures are used simultaneously.
## Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are a great option for homes that need endless hot water and want to save energy. However, tankless water heaters can be more expensive to purchase and install than storage tank water heaters. When choosing a tankless water heater, it is important to consider the flow rate, energy efficiency, and price.
## Additional Resources
[Tankless Water Heaters: The Pros and Cons](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-heaters/tankless-water-heaters-the-pros-and-cons/)
[How to Choose the Right Tankless Water Heater](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-choose-a-tankless-water-heater/)
[Tankless Water Heater Installation Guide](https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-install-a-tankless-water-heater/)