Tank less vs water heater

This is an interesting presentation of tank-less vs water heater, pros and cons.

Suck It In, Burn It Up, Blow It Out

 
A tank less water heater requires a fresh-air intake to feed the flame and an exhaust line to expel combustion gases. The lines vent through an exterior wall or roof either as separate intake and exhaust pipes, or as a concentric vent in which both pipes share a single conduit (see the Rinnai vent at left). Venting requirements determine where (or if) a unit can be installed. Inconveniently located gas supply lines can force vent pipes to make too long a run, inhibiting airflow. Codes can require a minimum distance from the vent openings to a home’s windows, eliminating an otherwise ideal location. 

Cost & Consumption Comparison
TANK	TANK LESS
capacity (gallons)
40 (GAS), 52 (ELECTRIC)	UNLIMITED
typical cost of unit
$337 (G), $312 (E)	$750-$1800
average standby fuel loss
350-500 BTU/HOUR (G) 150-200 BTU/HOUR (E)	0 BTU
typical life expectancy
12 years	20 years
approximate annual operation costs
$281 (G), $492 (E)	$223
typical size (pounds; cubic inches)
320, 14,765	50, 3640

3 Ways a Tank less Pays

Massive Demand: A dormitory can use 15 showers simultaneously and never run out of hot water.

Vacation Homes: Why heat a tank of water all month if you’re only going to use it one weekend?

Space-Saving: Sometimes water heaters are in the way—say, when installed in a rental apartment’s kitchen. A wall-mounted tank less machine frees up wasted floor space.

3 Ways It Tanks

Hot Trickles: Some heaters “sandwich” pockets of cold water when a small hot-water draw doesn't fully fire up the tank less flame.

Tight Vents: Urban row houses present venting challenges—if you can’t run a short chase out the back, forget about it.

Hard Water: Calcification plagues heat exchanges in hard-water areas. Residents must soak parts in vinegar or install a water softener.

After you read all the above, we want to share our opinion. In Europe the tank less is already an old technology coming on market in early '90s. The success is for both size, the manufactures and most important the consumers. In US is something relatively new. We think this will be soon your new hot water provider. No doubt about this. But anyway is your choice.


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