Tankless Water Heater Information
and Installation

Supertanker. OK, so we know that tankless water heaters blow tank-type models out of the water in terms of energy efficiency and energy savings. But there's a new tank-type water heater on the market that can hold its own with tankless models: the heat pump water heater.

This type of water heater contains a small air-source heat pump that works just like the larger heat pumps used to heat entire houses. A refrigerant picks up heat from the surrounding air and a compression cycle further increases the temperature to heat water in the tank. If necessary, regular electric heating elements in the tank can provide backup heating power.

Tankless water heaters blow tank-
type models out of the water.

A heat pump water heater is about twice as efficient as a standard electric water heater, so it's definitely worth considering if your existing tank-type heater needs to be retired. Dr. Energy Saver can provide more details on this innovative water heater during their Home Energy Audit.

Yank the Tank... and save BIG

How big? If you replace a tank-type water heater with a tankless model, you could cut your hot water heating bill by as much as 45%.

The tankless water heater is the best thing to happen to heating water since water heaters were invented. Also known as a "demand heater," a tankless water heater saves energy and money simply because of how it works. Unlike an old-fashioned tank-style heater that consumes energy heating and re-heating your water even when you're not using it, a tankless heater only heats water once, when you call for it. If your house is empty all day, when you're on vacation, when you're asleep at night, a tankless water heater just sits and waits, consuming zero energy. It turns on when you turn on the hot water faucet, the washing machine or the dishwasher. Here are the key details:

• Tankless water heaters are available in fossil fuel or electric versions, with the highest efficiencies being realized with natural gas and propane models.
• 
  Compact tankless water heaters
  can install almost anywhere.
  Tankless water heaters are compact -- about the size of a carry-on bag. A typical model can mount on a wall just about anywhere. Installation locations are flexible, especially since there's no need to worry about leaks or flooding. Gas-fired models need to be vented to the outside.
• Many tankless units have the Energy Star rating and qualify for rebates, tax credits or other incentives.
• Tankless water heaters only operate when you are actually using hot water, and they typically modulate their capacity to match the amount of water flowing. If you're washing out a cup versus taking a shower, the heater automatically operates at the most efficient setting.
• Because of their ability to modulate and match output capacity to actual hot water demand, tankless water heaters are very proficient at meeting multiple demands simultaneously. You never run out of hot water like you do with a tank-style water heater.
• Some tankless units can even serve two-purposes by combining hot water heating with space heating.

You'll Love This!

Because tankless water heaters are much more compact than tank-style water heaters, there's more flexibility in locating a tankless unit. By locating a tankless heater close to a bathroom, you can shorten the hot water supply line (and, of course, insulated pipes are best) and make the arrival of hot water just about instantaneous.

Up to 85% of the energy
consumed during a washing
cycle is for heating water.

Who Needs a Cold Shower?

Yes, there are limits to what we're willing to do in order to save energy. Most of us would agree that taking cold showers is taking things too far. But that's not true for your clothes. Up to 85% of the energy consumed during a washing machine's cycle is used for heating water. So unless you're dealing with oily stains, it makes sense to use a laundry detergent designed for cold water, and keep the dial on your machine set to cold water for washing and rinsing.

Solar Savings

If you install a solar hot water heating system (aka solar thermal system), you can get the sun to do most of your hot water heating for free. A solar hot water system can meet as much as 80% of your water heating needs. These systems have been used for decades to help reduce energy costs, and advancements have made today's systems even more efficient and cost-effective. Read more about renewable energy sources.

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