4.8
Tankless Water Heaters Vs. Conventional Water Heaters
| Specifications | Tankless Water Heater | Conventional Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Max BTU. | 194,000 BTU | Ave. 75,000 BTU |
| Size | 1.6 Cubit Feet | Ave. 24 Cubit Feet |
| Dimensions | 23.6″(H) X 13.8″(W) X 9.4″(D) | 64″(H) X 26.5″(W) |
| Weight | 46 lbs. | 325 lbs. |
| Standby Heat Loss | 0% – No insulation required | 20% |
| Vent | 4″ Diameter w/ Power Fan | Draft Hood |
| Computer Modulated Gas Valves | Yes | No |
| Computerized Safety Devices | Flame Rod, Thermal Fuse, Lighting Protection Device, Electric Leak Prevention Device, Overheat Prevention Device, Freezing Prevention Device, Fan Rotation Detector | None |
| Ignition | Spark | Pilot |
| Electronic Flow Sensor | Yes | No |
| Installation | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor Only |
| Minimum Flow Rate | 0.75 GPM | None |
| Size of Exhaust Pipe | Inside: 4″ Round Outside: Vent Cap | 4″ Round |
| Powered Combustion | Yes (Fan Assisted) | No (Gravity) |
| Gas Connection | 3/4″ NPT | 1/2″ or 3/4″ NPT |
| Water Connection | 3/4″ NPT | 3/4″ NPT |
| Characteristic | ||
| Warranty | 10yr. Heat Exchanger / 3 yr. Parts | 1 yr. Parts / 5yr. Tank |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 Years | 3-8 Years |
| Energy Cost | Saves up to 50% – Unit can pay for itself 3-5 years. | Cost up to 50% More |
| Floor Space Saving | Wall mounted or outdoor installation saves $100 per square foot of floor space. | Wastes $100 per square foot of floor space. |
| Ease of Installation | Small size allows for installation close to point of use, eliminating need for recirculation systems for long runs of piping | Big and Heavy. Requires mechanical closet and/or barrier post and stand. May need recirculation system and additional structural requirments. |
| Total Installation Cost | Total cost of installation roughly the same. Less components and bulk | Cost roughly the same. |
| Service Ability | All parts are replaceable – Full unit replacement not necessary. | If tank leaks, entire unit must be replaced. |
| Tank Leakage | Tank cannot leak – NO TANK | Tank leakage can cause expensive property damage and safety concerns. |
| Scaling | No storage prevents most cases of scaling. Scale can be easily cleaned and flushed out of the unit. | When scale develops, unit must be replaced. |
| Hot Water Capacity | Unlimited and Instantaneous. | Tank is cold when 70% of capacity has been used. Full recovery time can be 2 to 3 hours. |
| Control of Water Tempature | Digital remote controller sets water temperature. | Either preset from manufacturer or with imprecise knob. |