September 2005

Tankless Water Heating

With natural gas, you have alternatives for water heating. Since water heating is one of your home's biggest energy users, you want the most efficient method.

 

Reports from the U.S. Department of Energy suggest that water heating accounts for 20 percent or more of an average household's annual energy expenses. Of this 20 percent, a conventional storage water heater uses 10 to 20 percent to maintain the stored water temperature, called standby loss.

 

A tankless water heater can reduce standby loss. While storage water heaters have a continuous supply of heated water, tankless heaters don't. Tankless units heat water as needed.

 

Another difference is energy consumption. Tankless water heaters consume less energy, running only while the faucet is turned on. Storage-type water heaters require energy round-the-clock to maintain the temperature of the stored, heated water.

How do they work?

Instead of storing heated water, tankless units heat water on demand. Turning on the faucet signals the burner to heat the water as it passes through the pipes. The burner stops once the faucet turns off.

The energy requirements are reduced for a tankless unit, because it consumes energy while it's on rather than 24 hours a day. While there is no stored water to retain, you also avoid re-heating the stored water.

Is this practical for my household?

Tankless water heaters may or may not be a solution for your home. Every household is unique, and the energy usage depends on the number of occupants, their habits and the efficiency of their appliances.

 

The size of a tankless water heater determines its output. Tankless units are smaller than storage-type heaters and could lower the water pressure. Larger pipes and burners can increase the volume and pressure if necessary.

 

Households requiring hot water at several locations simultaneously may require larger units or point-of-use tankless water heaters. Installing heaters at their point-of-use isolates the heater to a specific appliance or area of your home. This allows you to run a dishwasher and washing machine at the same time.

 

Calculate the maximum amount of hot water your household requires to meet your home's peak demand. You can compare the output of a tankless water heater to determine if it's sufficient for your household's consumption.

 

Talk to manufacturers about the models available in today's market. And ask about the pilot light and how much energy it consumes compared to your current water heater.

 

Read this month's Gas News for information on Atlanta Gas Light's rebate on tankless water heaters.

 

Online Sources

. http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/no_regrets/waterheatertankless.html

. http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/bc1.html

 

Read other articles from The Walton EMC Gasette:

	A Bargain with Walton EMC Natural Gas Month to month, Walton EMC Natural Gas offers competitive natural gas pricing, so you can rest assured that you're getting a good deal.
	Gas News Learn about Atlanta Gas Light's Gas Advantage program and how you may be eligible for a $500 rebate.
	Gas Up the Stove This month's recipe features Broccoli Cornbread.

 

Recipes

Gas up the stove using recipes from Walton EMC Natural Gas customers. Our customers are encouraged to submit their favorite and unique recipes to us throughout the year. Each month, one recipe is published in The Walton EMC Gasette for other customers to enjoy. The customers who get their recipe in the newsletter also receive a $25 credit toward their next Walton EMC Natural Gas bill.

Browse recipes featured in The Walton EMC Gasette.