Tankless Water Heater VS. Conventional Water Heater (PROS + CONS / COST ANALYSIS - WHICH IS BETTER?)

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  • Опубликовано: 27 апр 2024
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    Tankless Water Heater VS. Conventional Water Heater (PROS + CONS / COST ANALYSIS - WHICH IS BETTER?)
    CONVENTIONAL / STANDARD / TANK WATER HEATERS:
    PROS -- Cheaper for initial install, approx. $1600. Will last 8-12 years with limited maintenance (which tends to also be cheaper). Many gas units will continue to operate even when power is out.
    CONS -- Will run out of hot water during heavy usage. Can take up to 45 minutes to reheat tank. Are prone to catastrophic failures, which can result in flooding damage.
    TANKLESS WATER HEATERS:
    PROS -- Can supply a constant stream of hot water. Units like the Navien 240-A in this video can supply three showers with hot water simultaneously. Will last up to 20+ years with routine maintenance. Have high energy ratings. Can easily be fixed by a licensed plumber thanks to diagnostic computers and replaceable parts. Are less prone to catastrophic failure. Add value to a home.
    CONS -- More expensive to install, approx. $4400. Must be kept on an annual maintenance plan. Will not operate during a power outage (unless a backup water heater power supply is installed).
    THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
    --Both units can benefit from an inline water filtration system. These units keep minerals out of the water supply before they reach the water heater. This prolongs the lifespan of both units, and improves your water quality as well.
    --Tankless water heaters do have great energy ratings, and can conserve both gas and electricity, but only if homeowners do not INCREASE their water usage after installation.
    Thanks for watching!
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Комментарии • 733

  • @garypizl5330
    @garypizl5330 3 года назад +36

    One benefit of the conventional water heater is in an emergency ( like an earthquake here in Ca.) you have a 50 gallon reserve supply on water.

    • @bobboscarato1313
      @bobboscarato1313 2 года назад +1

      In California you have to be filthy rich; they have too many expensive regulations!

    • @senkoswim1421
      @senkoswim1421 2 года назад

      He noted it, with the comment of when power goes out having the inlet gas line and simple pilot.

    • @samuelseager6785
      @samuelseager6785 3 месяца назад

      This is a great point.

  • @junliliu4997
    @junliliu4997 3 года назад +77

    My builder grade conventional water heater is on its 22nd year, and it has seen zero maintenance. I know it's on borrowed time, still I am amazed at how reliable it is.

    • @woohunter1
      @woohunter1 Год назад +1

      I’m assuming it’s electric? They usually last a bit longer than gas.

    • @bennystraw9543
      @bennystraw9543 Год назад

      Happy thanksgiving

    • @Encourageable
      @Encourageable Год назад +4

      That’s how old mine is to. Never flushed it. Not sure how it’s hanging on LOL

    • @barbara82589
      @barbara82589 Год назад +1

      22 years on my tank water heater (propane) only drained twice when I received free maintenance package. Magnesium rod replaced once.

    • @aabsc
      @aabsc Год назад

      @@woohunter1 Mine's gas and 27 years old, just started leaking.

  • @elmeromero1794
    @elmeromero1794 3 года назад +76

    I bought a Rheem tankless 3 years ago. Pros are: takes less space, only uses gas when it’s being used and endless hot water. No cons yet for me. I do flush it with vinegar once a year to descale insides. But so far so good! And best thing is I bought it as an eBay open box for $350!!!! And I’m handy so I installed it myself !!!

    • @michaeldautry
      @michaeldautry Год назад +1

      Do you think there is a significant difference in gas usage vs your old tank unit? Thank you

    • @elmeromero1794
      @elmeromero1794 Год назад +2

      @@michaeldautry I can definitely see a difference. My old water heater was old and probably at the end of its lifespan. It would turn on constantly to keep the water at hot temperature. And i have 4 kids and my wife and after 3-4 showers we were out of hot water. So 2 people had to wait for water to heat up. It would normally take about 30 min to get warm, not hot, water. Now we can all shower without hot water ever ending.

    • @MarcFun
      @MarcFun Год назад +2

      i need to change my water heater, my plumber says Tank water heaters are still more reliable in long run in terms of expenses, he believes High efficient tank-less water heaters have more tendency to break down and require professional fixing, In terms of initial cost tank-less cost me $600 MORE.
      All i care about is which one cost me less in the long run and less hassle, i have seen tank water heaters that work for 30 years and tank-less one that get into a lot of problems ,
      I'm still thinking about it.. i can do the maintenance myself on both units. any insight?

    • @elmeromero1794
      @elmeromero1794 Год назад +1

      @@MarcFun I’ve had it 4 years now. And still working great. No cons or problems yet. I think the majority of people who install these don’t maintain them yearly (descaling inside with vinegar) hence why they fail on them.

    • @aabsc
      @aabsc Год назад +2

      @@elmeromero1794 What climate? Here in Canada in winter they can barely heat the ice cold water coming in to barely above room temperature. I was interested until I learned this.

  • @xDRZLx
    @xDRZLx 3 года назад +82

    One benefit I didn't hear you mention was the tankless heater takes up less space.

    • @OneManParade
      @OneManParade 3 года назад +3

      They take up space in your wallet. Because of installation and maintenance cost.

    • @dtom1145
      @dtom1145 3 года назад +4

      Less space? Most are in the basement or attic. If you need a couple more square feet in your life then it is time to move!

    • @hempcacaogoji831
      @hempcacaogoji831 3 года назад +2

      Barely, and the air intake/outtake on some of them take up a lot of space.

    • @Cujo5
      @Cujo5 3 года назад +4

      @@dtom1145 If you're in a 2 bedroom apartment or something, it would make a difference. I have a tank under the kitchen sink. It takes up so much room and has very little water. I've often thought of getting a tankless water heater solely to conserve space and be able to have longer showers.

    • @johnhunt9674
      @johnhunt9674 3 года назад +2

      @@OneManParade that's a lie.

  • @parkerhubs
    @parkerhubs 3 года назад +2

    Outstanding presentation. You hit all the points and make the process simple to understand. Great job!

  • @bizz456
    @bizz456 Год назад +1

    Thanks for producing this video. I have been on the struggle bus for awhile weighing this decision. This information breakdown was very helpful. Keep producing, your doing great! 😊

  • @brandonblietz8555
    @brandonblietz8555 2 года назад +4

    This is exactly the info I needed to make my decision. I trust The Honest Carpenter and I did a Google Search for Tank vs Tankless water heater comparison, not expecting to find him in the results. After watching the Video I am convinced for me a new larger tank water heater is the right move for us. I was leaning toward tankless prior to the Video. Annual maintainence contracts costs plus an overall cost benefit analysis rooted out what was best for me. Thanks Honest Carpenter.

  • @sdkid6059
    @sdkid6059 3 года назад

    Outstanding video. Thanks.
    Country guy like me who grew up with a rural well dug in the ground just outside of the house learned a lot.

  • @PeterB_California
    @PeterB_California 3 года назад +5

    Dude love your videos I learn something from all of them. Great channel and presentation!

  • @lab1042
    @lab1042 3 года назад +28

    I just had the same model of tankless water heater installed last week (Navien 240A) as seen in this video and total cost was $3200, not $4400. Also the installer (local plumbing company) told me to have it serviced every 3 years. I may bump that down to every 2 years.

    • @shinebritechosen
      @shinebritechosen Год назад +1

      Be ware if you have hard water fo every year

    • @daveydmur
      @daveydmur Год назад +1

      Can you give a rough idea of how much you're saving on your monthly gas bills?

    • @everteacher
      @everteacher 9 месяцев назад +3

      I learned how to flush it myself. Cost about $80 to buy the pump, hoses and vinegar (have to buy this each year) takes about two hours a year.

  • @WillyWanker1974
    @WillyWanker1974 2 года назад +7

    AMAZING video. I have been looking at tankless for a while now, and this video was so descriptive and in-depth it covered everything. Thank you for putting so much effort and information into this video.

  • @danalaniz7314
    @danalaniz7314 3 года назад +1

    Excellent video. Wraps up the information really well. Thanks!

  • @thihal123
    @thihal123 3 года назад +27

    I grew up in a household in the tropics with tankless water heaters. These weren’t whole house water heaters. There were two heaters and each was in a different bathroom. We never maintained the tanks and it went fine. I think these were Siemens models.

    • @Sylvan_dB
      @Sylvan_dB 2 года назад +2

      It depends on the chemistry of your water and the performance level of the heater.

  • @mikelivesay5639
    @mikelivesay5639 3 года назад

    You did a great job spelling it out the difference between both water heaters

  • @monteglover4133
    @monteglover4133 3 года назад +14

    he primary reason I went to a tankless was space saving.
    Most people are at all handy can do the required maintenance tools required a small pump, some hoses,5 gallon, and some vinegar. A good water softener will greatly extend the required cleaning.

  • @stephan9487
    @stephan9487 3 года назад +2

    Wow. This was such a phenomenal video. Thanks a lot for it.

  • @robertlevy4613
    @robertlevy4613 2 года назад

    I watched like 5 of these videos and this one was the best - another great Honest Carpenter video, and amazing that you gave EcoPlumbers a shoutout.

  • @pinterelectric
    @pinterelectric 3 года назад +47

    I was always curious about the notion that tank heaters are “constantly “ running to maintain the tank temp, even while you are sleeping. This was brought on because I have shut off the burner and went on vacation for two weeks( pilot light on) , and still had hot water enough to get a shower when we got home. So I monitored the flue temperature with a WiFi tracking temperature probe and I can tell you, during normal days, the burner only comes on if water is being drawn out. And most times, like a hand wash, it burns for a couple minutes tops.

    • @reneluna5340
      @reneluna5340 3 года назад +4

      Good info , thanks brother !!

    • @njsongwriter
      @njsongwriter 3 года назад +4

      Yes. We once had a water heater that was always just on the pilot light which would make hot water overnight without the burner. Take your showers in the morning...

    • @aabsc
      @aabsc Год назад +2

      My tank is at a place I can easily hear the fire start/stop and I don't think I ever heard it start without me taking hot water for a while first.

    • @Toastmaster_5000
      @Toastmaster_5000 Год назад +1

      New tanks hardly lose any heat over the course of multiple days. I can attest that old ones lose heat rather rapidly though.

    • @traybern
      @traybern Год назад +2

      If you do NOT use any water for two weeks of COURSE the PILOT will keep the water HOT. DITTO for someone who lives alone and only needs one shower a day!!!!

  • @lynnwuytowicz2737
    @lynnwuytowicz2737 Год назад +3

    Great!! Exceptionally well done!! Concise and informative! Helped me make my decision hands down!! Sticking with a tank!! We have occasional power outages, so can't imagine being without hot water just cause the power is out!! Along with the annual maintenance thing...Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

  • @tyjameson7404
    @tyjameson7404 3 года назад

    Great information👍🏼🙌🏼👌👏 I was in the middle of doing my research on both for a future replacement on one of my rental properties. Thanks again 👍🏼✅your information is high quality 👏

  • @UniAmericaFinancial
    @UniAmericaFinancial 3 года назад

    Great video. Simple and easy to follow. Thanks a lot. I found it very educational.

  • @ronmack1767
    @ronmack1767 3 года назад

    Enjoyed the video Ethan. That was interesting. Our gas supplier is always trying to get us to switch to a tankless. Y'all take care, stay well and God bless.

  • @ChiefRangerSmokey
    @ChiefRangerSmokey Год назад

    Great video. Helped me make my mind up on what I need.

  • @bigtime37ja
    @bigtime37ja 3 года назад +2

    Excellent video assessment if the two.

  • @suketushah3949
    @suketushah3949 2 года назад +1

    Fantastic video. Covered everything

  • @josephchiodo7122
    @josephchiodo7122 3 года назад +3

    Thanks. Good, solid, unbiased information.

  • @user-vu6pb2hm7v
    @user-vu6pb2hm7v 4 месяца назад

    Good presentation. I made my decision based on your advise. Great job!!!

  • @nancyh9030
    @nancyh9030 3 года назад +5

    Our conventional electric water heater was installed in the attic. Yikes, what were they thinking!. We were able to put in a tankless water heater directly below it in a closet. It's so nice to no longer worry about the water heater failing. We had the propane company install the gas line but we installed the water heater ourselves. It vents out the roof so it did involve both plumbing and cutting a hole in the roof to install. I definitely wish that there had been apple-to-apple comparisons of gas or electric bills that I could find when we were trying to decide what to do. The water heater is so expensive on its own that financially it probably wasn't worth it but for peace of mind it can't be beat. Flushing the tank isn't hard to do so actually seems easier to me than flushing the sediment out of a conventional one.

  • @liaodesign
    @liaodesign 3 года назад

    Great video good break down of pro and cons. Thank you!

  • @gw8111
    @gw8111 Год назад

    Excellent and informative video. Thank you!

  • @bladesbybev
    @bladesbybev 2 года назад

    So informative. Great video!

  • @taylorbinns8770
    @taylorbinns8770 3 года назад +4

    Great video! Wish The ecoplumbers were on the east coast!

  • @RiskyR1CH
    @RiskyR1CH 2 года назад +1

    Great video, very clear and to the point info.

  • @joeutube356
    @joeutube356 10 месяцев назад

    Great information, very well explained.

  • @benjaminreinhardt259
    @benjaminreinhardt259 3 года назад +9

    I appreciate the honesty. For me it is the bottom line - cost. Looks like I'll be putting another conventional in when it's that time.

    • @mail4asim
      @mail4asim 3 года назад +2

      installation cost is not this high, I would check with a few plumbers locally.

    • @throngcleaver
      @throngcleaver 3 года назад

      I installed my Eco 27 myself. It was easier than swapping out the 40 gallon tank, and cost about the same. I bought it about a year ago, and it was around $400. However, I also bought a valve kit for $60, and three, 40 amp, double pole, (240VAC) breakers, plus 100 feet of 8 AWG wire and some plastic conduit and conduit clamps and elbows. Also, I bought the Sharkbite fittings for the copper tubing, and those are worth every dime. So, the price came out to be about even with just replacing the tank type heater for my installation.

    • @TabbyCat041
      @TabbyCat041 3 года назад +2

      Ditto the other comments. I found a Jacuzzi tankless (made by tankless leader Rinnai) on sale @ Lowe's for $800. Did the install myself, and the yearly maintenance is easy with washer hoses, a bucket and submersible pump. My total purchase and install was about 1,300. The endless hot water is great, along with the space savings.

  • @user-em6ie2be7x
    @user-em6ie2be7x 2 года назад +1

    Oh man I moved into a home where the conventional water heater was so old it almost fell through the floor. & I had Hell getting rid of it. I'm definitely taking time when I buy a new Water Heater. Thanks for the information so I can make a more informed decision. 👷🏿‍♂️

  • @TwinBytesInc
    @TwinBytesInc Год назад

    Very well explained. Thank you.

  • @wattheheck6010
    @wattheheck6010 2 года назад

    I did not know about annual maintenance requirement. I'll be checking on that tomorrow. Thanks!

  • @drkennedy611
    @drkennedy611 3 года назад +11

    I have had a titan tankless heater for over 10 years, no problems. I only have changed the filter 3 time s. They cost about $2 at Walmart only maintenance I have done

    • @MrNotes61
      @MrNotes61 3 года назад

      Question what was initial cost?!

  • @dr.scientist3481
    @dr.scientist3481 3 года назад

    Thanks again! This guy rocks!

  • @PlumbNutz
    @PlumbNutz 3 года назад +54

    I'm a plumber, he is giving some incomplete and regional advice. Tankless heaters only need to be flushed when you have hard water such as well water, if your water comes from streams and springs it's likely very soft won't cause a problem. Tankless heaters are very susceptible to freezing and bursting and flooding. By code tank heaters have a pan underneath them that is drained to the outside, this is typically not required with tankless water heaters. The only savings of a tankless water heater is the heat that radiates off the tank. If the tank is inside your house that's not going to be much heat radiating off of it. Otherwise all the energy that goes into making the hot water is used by the homeowners. Tank heaters fail for the same reason as tankless,the build up of hard water deposits, if you flush your tank it can last 20 years or more

    • @MarcFun
      @MarcFun Год назад +1

      I need to change my water heater , currently have tank . what would be more reliable and less costly in the long run ? i have two options, Rinnai thankless gas or Bradford white 40G gas.
      I need something that cost me less hassle, trouble and money in the long run, i live alone, don't care about anything else...
      I can do annual maintenance myself if necessary...

    • @deeremeyer1749
      @deeremeyer1749 Год назад

      @@MarcFun You got an AC outlet for the tankless, a wall to hang it on, space to "service it" and the disposable income to "upgrade" the water lines, gas line and vent to hook up to the tankless which is not in any way, shape or form a "direct replacement" for a tank heater?

    • @tryzydrate
      @tryzydrate Год назад

      A pan underneath the heater is also local code and not required everywhere. Also tankless water heaters are any more susceptible to freezing than tank water heaters. All rinnai units have heat sinks that will warm tge pipes if Temps drop below freezing

    • @usecommonsentz3764
      @usecommonsentz3764 Год назад +2

      There is no code in our area for a pan under the tank. Literally no one has this pan around here and I see a lot of houses.

    • @traybern
      @traybern Год назад

      NO ONE is STUPID enough to install a water heater OUTSIDE, DUMBBELL!!!

  • @doubleclutchonline5811
    @doubleclutchonline5811 3 года назад +5

    I installed a Navien tankless unit six months ago. It heats the water, and also replaced the oil burner that heated our home. It also produces enough BTU's for heated floors that I'm planning for my garage. I was able to remove the oil tank from our basement and tap into the same propane line that we use for our grill and pool heater. With the removal of the water tank, the oil burner and the oil tank, I reclaimed about 30 square feet of space in my basement. It performed great throughout the winter and is almost completely silent. This was a massive upgrade. Since our entire 40 year old heating and A/C needed to be upgraded anyway, this was well worth the incremental premium over a conventional tank system.

  • @johnvega9092
    @johnvega9092 2 года назад

    Great work explaining , u make my day

    • @johnvega9092
      @johnvega9092 2 года назад

      I would go with the tankless heater ,

  • @gabrieladibala6888
    @gabrieladibala6888 6 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for the information. I live in a very small house and have a tankless water heater and it’s more expensive to use it than a dryer. I had the electric company come out and it’s used 50.6 energy.

  • @cejkwo100
    @cejkwo100 3 года назад +8

    I've had a tankless for 5 years now. Love it had it descaled only once. Works fine

    • @ageofanomaly3874
      @ageofanomaly3874 3 года назад

      What brand and model?

    • @cejkwo100
      @cejkwo100 3 года назад

      Navies

    • @cejkwo100
      @cejkwo100 3 года назад

      Navien

    • @muddstephen0
      @muddstephen0 3 года назад

      Please flush your tankless once a year. I understand it hasn't had issues but it will.

  • @astroboy862
    @astroboy862 3 года назад

    We just purchased a 3 yr old home with a tankless water heater but we never knew the difference and pros and cons...now I do..plan to have someone come in annually and take a look at it to see if all is good...thanks
    for this very informative video...

  • @RawPatrol
    @RawPatrol 3 года назад +9

    Australia has had Instant Gas (tankless) hot water systems in common, if not majority, usage since at least the 70's. They used to have a pilot light, now its all electronic ignition. Max price is about $1000 USD No one I know ever gets them serviced and they seem to last for years. Not sure why the are so expensive in the US.

  • @ut4646
    @ut4646 3 года назад +1

    Great info!!!

  • @markbaker5366
    @markbaker5366 3 года назад

    Thank you for the video

  • @gomezjuarez2588
    @gomezjuarez2588 2 года назад

    Thank you for the video…..I’m learning a lot

  • @edover50
    @edover50 3 года назад +14

    Well thought out and informative video Ethan. Own conventional at the house and a first generation tankless at the lake. It’s perfect based on utilization or as you said “effectiveness” when nobodies there in the winter no need heating water, and when the family and friends bombard the lake it handles endless showers in the morning. If you decide to do a follow up on this subject I would like to see some discussion on how we operate hot water as Americans vs Europeans. It’s my experience most tankless owners crank the temp up past recommended levels. Europeans only use the hot side when showering and keep the tank at that perfect shower temp...why we insist on boiling hot only to mix it with cold water to find our perfect temp makes no sense at all.....

    • @scotth6814
      @scotth6814 2 года назад

      Yeah, the only time I want scalding hot water is for cleaning dishes.

    • @marshallferron
      @marshallferron Год назад +3

      @@scotth6814 You can have a small secondary electric tankless heater installed at the kitchen sink for that. Also provides hot water for tea

  • @michaelhill2618
    @michaelhill2618 3 года назад +11

    Dont forget that tankless water heaters require increased gas supplies so you must ensure that the gas piping coming into your house must provide sufficient gas.
    You could add another couple of thousand dollars reworking your internal gas piping.

    • @steveloux4709
      @steveloux4709 5 месяцев назад

      noteworthy point, although I would push back on suggesting a certain cost for the upgrade. My gas line only needed to be extended 15 feet from the meter, and I did it myself. The cost was very nominal. If the water heater is considerable distance from the meter, then yes, it's going to be a big effort. The same might be said for the domestic water pipes, if they are galvanized they must be replaced, and if the tank and tankless locations are not the same, then there might be considerable reconfiguration to provide to serve the new location.

  • @tharenlowery8171
    @tharenlowery8171 2 года назад

    This was a great guide!!

  • @amitapt
    @amitapt Месяц назад

    this is really good and honest representation..Just Like EVs are more efficient , tankless are more similarly efficient.

  • @MikeColeVocals
    @MikeColeVocals 3 года назад +7

    Thanks for this comparison. I’ve been considering a tankless heater as my kids are getting older and we are getting close to the years where 3 people will be showering in the mornings. Seems like a tankless system would be a good choice for us !

  • @Doug-gp2qw
    @Doug-gp2qw Год назад +1

    I replaced my 50 gallon gas water heater in 2005. I've drained it a couple of times in the last 18 years. It recently started taking longer to heat water. I will replace it in a couple of weeks. Its easy to swap in a new unit, including new expansion tank and water connections. It will cost me under $1,000 total. A new tankless with all the venting and gas line changes would cost me at least double, if I have it professionally installed it will be more than triple the cost. Add in the cost for annual maintenance over the next 18 years and the tankless will be 5 to 10 times the cost of the conventional water heater.

  • @misterh3
    @misterh3 3 года назад

    nice video, informative

  • @philp7358
    @philp7358 3 года назад +4

    Initially I thought this was going to be biased pro-tankless, but kept watching and you fairly covered most all aspects. The biggies in my mind: tankless and modern/high-tech require maint or risk expensive repairs -- say circuit board! Tanks have been made same way for many decades and are low tech -- if ever needed repairs are cheap (no circuit boards). I'm glad you pointed out "endless hot water" often means big increase in usage (teenagers in shower!!). In a power outage a tank will let you still have a full tank of hot water to carefully use for a while. Yes insulation in tanks is pretty good and you can nurse it for 1-2 DAYS. Also tank units rarely fail "catastrophically" .. owner notes puddle on floor / at tank and calls plumber, not Poseidon adventure release. 1 big plus for tankless is smaller footprint if you have limited space in mechanical room. Your cost comparison (1600 v 4400) was very honest unlike many tankless proponents. As someone pointed out, if $15/month savings (take into account annual 250 maint) it will take 16 years to make up price difference. BTW the 1928 house I moved into last year has a gas 40 gallon tank mfg 1997 and going strong with zero maintenance in those 23 years. Buy a tankless to feel-good, brag to your neighbors and to use more hot water, not to save money! You make good enjoyable videos .. keep it up!

    • @TheHonestCarpenter
      @TheHonestCarpenter  3 года назад +1

      Thank you, Phil! All valid points. That conventional heater seems to be immortal! 😆

  • @Shahrdad
    @Shahrdad 3 месяца назад

    Excellent video! My old fashioned water heater is on its 22nd year, without ever having had any maintenance. I'm replacing it soon as a cautionary measure, but I've been very happy with it. And one of my work partners has a water heater that was installed in 1986 and still kicking without any problems. I think tankless is wonderful technology, but people should realize that whatever they save in gas bills, they will have to pay (and probably even more) for annual maintenance. And it won't work during a power outage. Also, they require a tremendous input of BTUs, which will require extra gas plumbing work or even a new gas meter and pressure reducer. I think they're great for households with lots of people taking simultaneous showers or fill large bathtubs. For most of us with basements where flooding isn't an issue, a conventional water heater will suffice and probably be cheaper in the long run.

  • @michaelkaye4998
    @michaelkaye4998 3 года назад +5

    Nice presentation. You didn’t mention cost of annual tankless maintenance?

  • @timvandyke8165
    @timvandyke8165 3 года назад +99

    My house has a Gas Furnace, conventional gas water heater, and a Gas Stove top. During the summer my gas bill using only the water heater and stove top, runs about $30 a month. So even if I could cut that in half, I would only save $15 a month. That would take me 15 years to recoup the savings of goimg with a conventional unot over the tankless. Then you add the maintenance cost. I can replace my conventional unit twice as much and still come out ahead. So unless you have a large family and the need for a lot of hot water, I would go conventional.

    • @keytothegate68
      @keytothegate68 3 года назад +3

      You can have a small tankless water heater dedicated to heating a designated outlet, like an outside shower ,or a bathroom that's far away from your water heater so it takes a long time for hot water to reach it in the winter months etc..

    • @Tinyteacher1111
      @Tinyteacher1111 3 года назад +2

      @@keytothegate68 I didn’t know that. I have a hot tub and you’re supposed to shower before getting in. It’s cold!!

    • @ElleDiver
      @ElleDiver 3 года назад +1

      There are currently tax benefits for a tankless water heater, at least until the end of this year.

    • @davidfuller764
      @davidfuller764 3 года назад +1

      @@Tinyteacher1111 it’s true! I used 1 once, very impressed. Simple, “clicker” ignition=no electric hookup, cheap $200? W/Propane tank, just need water source, good for outside shower 🤓

    • @whistlebloer8254
      @whistlebloer8254 3 года назад +13

      I agree with you. Conventional natural gas water heater costs very little to run. It is not cost effective to replace your existing with tankless. There's a reason why they offer you rebates to install tankless.

  • @MichaelLPena
    @MichaelLPena 2 года назад

    Very high level summary with no real numbers. Only numbers quoted was installed costs. TOH (This Old House) actually went through the costs in a table to show people the real costs, trade offs, and savings … where possible.

  • @dorknutz
    @dorknutz 3 года назад +28

    Good video, does a good job showing advantages and disadvantages to both options. I will say this, from the recent freeze in Texas, a lot of people I know had their tankless water heater burst. We are on gas and still had hot water and could run the stove even when the power went out. That’s a big deal. Don’t put all your energy eggs in one basket...

    • @traybern
      @traybern Год назад

      Those TOO STUPID to TURN OFF their water supply when the power goes out…..DESERVE to have to buy a whole new system!!!

    • @davidparker9676
      @davidparker9676 Год назад

      Also, a tank type water heater is an excellent emergency water storage container that can give you 30-80 gallons of potable water.
      I have seen several tankless heaters rupture, I'm in Southern California if that tells you anything.

    • @traybern
      @traybern Год назад

      @@davidparker9676 Um…SO would a few large JUGS of water. WITHOUT having to use FUEL 24x7 to keep it hot. Thus WASTING A HUGE amount of resources!!

    • @davidparker9676
      @davidparker9676 Год назад +1

      @@traybern A tank type heater doesn't use fuel 24/7, it runs as needed to maintain a set temperature. The better insulated the tank, the longer it can sit without the burner cycling on.
      A 34,000 btuh tank type heater is not that expensive to run. A 200,000 btuh tankless unit uses a ton of gas while it is running.
      The fumes from these tankless units give off deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Many of the tankless conversions are installed wrong and pose a serious threat to the residents.
      Each one has pros and cons, for me tankless has too many cons.

    • @traybern
      @traybern Год назад

      @@davidparker9676 You DOPE!! KEEPING ALL that water HOT 24x7 is GODDAM NUTS!!! It WASTES over 90% of the fuel!!!!

  • @QuantumMechanic_88
    @QuantumMechanic_88 3 года назад +10

    Tankless is still affected by hard water . It's interesting what people owning electrical or natural gas tank heaters could learn if they knew how to change out electric elements and flush out electrical and gas heaters with $2 bucks of 1 gallon distilled vinegar for 12 hours . I have an electrical water heater going on it's 8 th year after flushing and changing heating elements every 12 months = $ 22 bucks for elements . Way cool video from a man I trust . Thanks

    • @ericapallaron3379
      @ericapallaron3379 3 года назад

      I've had my conventional HWH for 20 years, but my electric bill is really showing that this needs replacing immediately.

    • @QuantumMechanic_88
      @QuantumMechanic_88 3 года назад

      @@ericapallaron3379 You've gotten a lot of service from that water heater and if you are using the original heating elements , it's kinda miraculous and you must have the best water around . Have a great weekend Erica .

  • @kevinb6123
    @kevinb6123 3 года назад

    You can also get a combo unit that heats your home and your hot water. I just had a Lochinvar Noble installed and love it. It’s a very reliable unit unlike the Navien you showed.

  • @flix4u
    @flix4u 3 года назад +5

    Of course the $4400 used as an example is for a unit that can handle a large house. There are many units available for smaller dwellings that start in the hundreds of dollars. Tiny homes & mobile homes now rely on this technology exclusively. Thanks for the breakdown - it’s appreciated.
    I’m tankful (pun) 4 ur info.

    • @1985Satisfaction
      @1985Satisfaction 3 года назад +1

      Depending on the area that's not true. I install them in 3 bed 2 bath homes for 5k all day.

  • @alohajenn
    @alohajenn 3 года назад +2

    Kinda the same idea as a Paloma, which is basically the same as on demand hot water heater, except it's propane not electric. I've had one since the 90s & works great!

  • @klovvin
    @klovvin 3 года назад

    good video, more info than most

  • @spellerlittlewing
    @spellerlittlewing 2 года назад

    Great video great to know stuff

  • @Sunshine22232
    @Sunshine22232 Год назад

    Thank you 🙏

  • @dwarden3
    @dwarden3 Год назад +1

    I have two inline tank heaters. One is a preheater from 50ish temp to 110 degrees. The second is set at 140 degrees. It has cut my gas bill by 30%. Another is the preheater collects 95% of the scale. Also when I do have to replace the preheater I just remove it out of the line and use the 2nd until I can replace it. I also have a booster pump after the second so there is no pressure loss. Altogether the entire set up was a little over 1000 bucks.

  • @joejr9653
    @joejr9653 3 года назад +10

    If you go tankless also make sure your gas meter is big enough to handle it. If your meter is small and you have a lot of gas appliances already, if you add the 199,000 btu tankless, some things will be starved when it's running.

    • @hankkline7300
      @hankkline7300 Год назад

      If you already have a large electric service to your house, you may not have to increase it for an electric model. Be sure you have a lot of spare capacity available, you will need it.

  • @MarcusCapeCanaveral
    @MarcusCapeCanaveral 3 года назад +2

    High upfront cost plus annual maintenance plan, versus very low cost and easy do-it-yourself maintenance. Our current tank is 23 years old and I just replaced the elements, a very simple quick job, a couple years ago. I didn't even drain the tank to swap the elements. And it's in the garage, so any leaks will run out to the driveway.

  • @llcgull
    @llcgull Год назад

    thanx for lots of good info. i'm interested in tankless bcs i want more utility room space & a neater looking looking utility room to use it as a morning kitchen

  • @cl88888
    @cl88888 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for the video! For a 2-story house... I currently have 2 conventional water heaters: 1 in the attic to serve 2nd floor and 1 in the garage to serve 1st floor. Would you recommend converting these 2 water heaters setup to just 1 with 1 tankless water heater in the garage? Would the volume be a problem (low) in the 2nd floor? TIA

  • @johnrichards3666
    @johnrichards3666 3 года назад

    Excellent

  • @KevinBooker-ex5zs
    @KevinBooker-ex5zs 8 месяцев назад

    Great Heater, if you use it correctly! Can even support low flow showering!!

  • @MrCarburettor
    @MrCarburettor 3 года назад +2

    I had a tankless unit in my old 3 story town home. It takes forever to get hot water on top floor and must waste a lot of cold water waiting for hot water to come up. We start to using a bucket to keep cold water and use it for flushing. I really couldn't feel any efficiency or savings from tankless units.
    On the other hand annual maintenance is only flushing the unit and replace filters. Super easy DIY job can be done with inexpensive tools.
    Another positive side of tankless units are smaller if you install garages with limited space

  • @marilynm8812
    @marilynm8812 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the subject matter. I have to check how old my hot water heater is and if I need a check or replacement of the rod. Never drained it before either.

    • @reneluna5340
      @reneluna5340 3 года назад

      In case you haven’t replaced the anode rod in the water heater, you can buy one at Amazon for $28 it’s flexible so who ever installs it doesn’t have to disconnect and tilt the heater, just ordered one today for a old water heater

  • @superrealtyadmin5693
    @superrealtyadmin5693 3 года назад +4

    I am so glad I did not go with Tankless. So I can still take hot shower during the 2 days blackout by the winter storm and so many tankless water heaters were useless and many were damaged during this winter storm.

  • @sheisstacy631
    @sheisstacy631 3 года назад +1

    Great Video! My tankless water heater stayed on for the entire night roughly about 12 hrs due to someone forgetting to turn it of. Will I be charged for the 12 hours it was left on or for the usage time? I look your response. Thanks much

  • @flywithabel
    @flywithabel 3 года назад +5

    Funny... EcoPlumbers is literally in my house installing a tankless unit and this video popped up in my recommendations.

    • @TheHonestCarpenter
      @TheHonestCarpenter  3 года назад +1

      The magic of the internet, Abel. 😆 They’re a great company, I’d gladly team up with them again!

    • @ridgec5670
      @ridgec5670 3 года назад

      So you have used it for a couple months now, how do you like it?

    • @flywithabel
      @flywithabel 3 года назад +1

      @@ridgec5670 absolutely love it. Temp controls work well. I lower the temp to 98 to add water into my aquarium. I can directly tap the water off the heater. Hot water takes approximately 45 sec to reach the top floor from basement. Not bad if you brush before the shower! Overall great product and ecoplumbers were great in the installation process.

  • @dixieboy5689
    @dixieboy5689 2 года назад

    Im staying with my conventional water heater .... for lots more years.
    Better value in the long run. Ive lived with both types systems. Thanks

  • @brianmartin1139
    @brianmartin1139 3 года назад +2

    Good video. Our last gas water heater lasted 18 years and I only flushed it once or twice. We have horrible water in AZ too. When it went, it leaked into the house though i would love to see a video on replacing the anode rod.

    • @TheHonestCarpenter
      @TheHonestCarpenter  3 года назад +2

      I’ll see what we can do about the anode rod video, Brian!

  • @1969tochiro
    @1969tochiro 3 года назад +1

    I have a conventional water heater that works like a charm when we have a power outage

  • @gerarddicairano4974
    @gerarddicairano4974 2 года назад

    You should do a video on the maintenance for conventional heaters. I didn't even know maintenance procedures existed.

  • @dianedo8314
    @dianedo8314 3 года назад

    Great vid- I did have gas water heater burst and cause damages! My new home will be built with tankless water heater since it comes standard as low e glass, spray foam. So what is a routine annual cost average and if u install filter (average cost for install and filter refill cost) to reduce build up, would u need an additional water line? I didn’t opt at the build time which they wanted $790. Or can the be installed with existing without tearing thru walls? Thanks for your assistance

  • @bobboscarato1313
    @bobboscarato1313 2 года назад +1

    Orbis gas tankless water heaters never required any maintenance and we used them only when the heating unit boiler was shut down. During warm weather we used the space heater!

  • @WanderlustWonderscape
    @WanderlustWonderscape 3 года назад +2

    You spelled catastrophes right, but then blew it on effectiveness (6:47). You still get a thumbs up for a great video.

  • @guerinheckman6416
    @guerinheckman6416 Год назад

    Great video. I do not have gas available in my neighborhood so should I consider an electric tankless water heater?

  • @robertthompson5699
    @robertthompson5699 10 месяцев назад

    I've had my Navien for ten years now and let me tell you about the problems I had from day one. First, when you figure the cost of the unit, the maintenance of the unit and the headaches regarding the repairs, their was no savings for me. Second, from day one of my Navien installation, their were problems. It just kept kicking out when trying to start. So the installer put a new unit in, same size and it still kicked out. I found out later that alot of people were having problems with this model of Navien, so the sales rep recommended the better model of Navien units and it started working, but during all this time the sales rep and others involved in this kept saying my gas line was too small for the distance I ran it, it being a one inch propane gasline. And to prove them wrong, the main Propane professional in our area came in and did his propane test and found that my gasline was fine and keep in mind that this propane person teaches all about propane for the area proving the Navien rep and others wrong. So my Navien worked fine after the better unit was installed until winter. The unit then started kicking out again when the temp got around 32 or lower degrees and the infloor heat was running. The installer came out several times, but could not figure out the problem and finally told me to leave the front cover off the Navien unit when the infloor heat was running which I thought was a dangerous thing to do. Some thought it was the exhaust run that was too long, but it was only around 25 feet long with 3" PVC, and installation showed you could go up to 100 feet. So for ten year now my Navien unit has continued to kick out every winter when the temp got down to 32 degrees or lower and now the heat exchanger is leaking and Navien supplied my installer with a new heat exchanger which was just installed, but would never ignite now. My installer worked on this unit trying to get it to ignite for two days of talking with tech support and replacing the igniter, etc he finally gave up and told me I need a new unit. So do I recommend buying a Navien? No way.

  • @semimba
    @semimba 3 года назад

    Great video- thank you. Do you need to add a different type of flue or can you use the same one that is used on tank heater?

    • @bryancullen7172
      @bryancullen7172 3 года назад +1

      I have a pending tankless installation to replace my power vented natural gas tank heater. They are using the existing exhaust pipe but they have to add an air intake pipe that pulls air from outside of the house- I think it is a code requirement.

  • @Cochran05
    @Cochran05 3 года назад +1

    Very good analysis but I do not have natural gas available. Have you done a comparison of electric conventional to electric tankless?
    Thank you

  • @BillyWheeler
    @BillyWheeler 3 года назад +16

    I wish you would've got on the difference between gas and electric for cost efficiency

    • @todddunn945
      @todddunn945 3 года назад +3

      @Curt Clark if you don't have gas and you want tankless, electric is the only way to go unless you want to pay to install propane. You do need an adequate electric service for your home or you will have to upgrade your service (new panel, etc. = $$$$).

    • @specialestness
      @specialestness 3 года назад

      @@todddunn945 I was flabbergasted when I saw the one I was looking at took up to 150 amps.

    • @todddunn945
      @todddunn945 3 года назад +1

      @@specialestness the electric demand heaters do have a big amp draw. Back when I lived in the Pacific Northwest the house system could have handled it, but here in Maine we only have a 100 amp service, so I went with a propane on demand system. I also have a water softener so my system doesn't need to be flushed very often. I flushed it after 4 years and got almost nothing out.

  • @susanmeredith4957
    @susanmeredith4957 2 года назад +2

    Love my tankless heater! I just have it serviced along with furnace. My installer recommended service every 2 yrs. Just had it done. Filters had hardly anything in them. Next service will be descaling.

    • @eposada100
      @eposada100 2 года назад

      Does it make noise?

    • @MarcFun
      @MarcFun Год назад

      How much it cost every year to maintain it?

    • @susanmeredith4957
      @susanmeredith4957 Год назад

      @@MarcFun the man who installed (family company, he also owns it) says every 2 yrs for routine maintenance .
      We like ours, have a daughter at home who. Outdoor drain a hot water tank in one shower!

  • @leilaalamian8760
    @leilaalamian8760 Год назад

    Thank you for great explanation on both methods. I have a question about the safety of the tank less water heater in a small restaurant. How safe it will be to replace the conventional water heater with a tank less gas water heater? How can I make sure that my tenant will maintain her tank less water heater yearly?

  • @georgesimpson3113
    @georgesimpson3113 3 года назад +35

    You totally missed hybrid (heat pump) water heaters. I get really cheap hot water, my basement gets dehumidified, and cooled.

    • @bobboscarato1313
      @bobboscarato1313 2 года назад +1

      I used to have an add-on heat pump water heater installed in my garage; problem was a small 25 cent ceramic bushing will break after a year and you couldn't find the little part! When it was working my garage was nice and cool winter or summer!

  • @ouachita70
    @ouachita70 10 дней назад

    I was assigned to a SASCOM unit in NW Germany in the mid seventies. Our apartment had tankless water heaters for sinks, only. I thought it was a good idea.

  • @davidaguirre7908
    @davidaguirre7908 3 года назад +2

    Great information! Another benefit worth mentioning is with a tankless you also have an option to install it outdoors and gaining a little more storage place where the old tank water heater used to be. Also all brands of tankless water heaters now have a model with a built in recirculating pump and kit available.

    • @bobboscarato1313
      @bobboscarato1313 2 года назад +1

      Only in warmer weather areas or else it'll freeze-up!

    • @steveloux4709
      @steveloux4709 5 месяцев назад

      Even in areas that occasionally freeze, the manufacturer has a circuit within the unit for freeze protection. Obviously we're not talking about Duluth, MN or Nome, AK, but an occasional sub-zero night would not be an issue.@@bobboscarato1313

  • @danielparrish5438
    @danielparrish5438 3 года назад +7

    I have a Smith brand tank water heater that I have never done any maintenance what ever ...... it is now 17 years old and still working

    • @tatajohnnyrosado2427
      @tatajohnnyrosado2427 3 года назад +1

      Same over here mine is 23 years old you still going strong

    • @njsongwriter
      @njsongwriter 3 года назад +1

      The one in our last house was still working after 20 years when we sold the house. Never did anything to it. It was on a community well that was not chlorinated.