Electric tankless water heaters offer an efficient way to heat your home’s water, but how much electricity do they really use? Many people are concerned about the cost of running an electric tankless water heater and wonder if the energy savings are worth it.
From figuring out the right size for your home to understanding the variables that affect energy consumption, this article will explore all you need to know about how much electricity a tankless water heater uses.
Do Electric Tankless Water Heaters Require an Incredible Amount of Electricity?
Yes, electric tankless water heaters require an incredible amount of electricity to run. The average household in the United States allocates 20% of its energy budget for water heating, and a 30-kilowatt (kW) electric tankless heater requires 30,000 watts—a fraction of the power needed for a washing machine, which only needs about 1,200 watts.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. While a washing machine typically runs for one to two hours at most, an on-demand water heater only operates when someone uses hot water. This means that although it requires more power than other appliances, it’s used much less often and therefore costs less in terms of monthly electricity bills.
How Much Electricity Does a Tankless Water Heater Use?
According to the Department of Energy, tankless heaters are generally between 8 to 34 percent higher in efficiency than tanks in homes that consume 41-86 gallons of hot water daily.
The amount of electricity these units will consume will depend upon the demand created in your home. Generally speaking, it may run for two hours a day or so; however, keep in mind that these models may cost more upfront and may require new wiring in your house as well.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Tankless Water Heater?
The electricity price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the US averages 10.42 cents, or $0.1042, however, there are different rates depending on the state. Louisiana has the lowest kWh price at 9.37 cents per kWh, while Hawaii has the highest at 32.76 cents per kWh and Alaska has 22.54 cents per kWh on the mainland.
Using this information, you can calculate how much electricity a tankless water heater will use by multiplying its energy consumption (in kW) by the number of hours it runs each day and then multiplying that number by your state’s kWh price. For example, if you have a 4 kW electric tankless water heater running for 5 hours each day in Louisiana, you would multiply 4 kW x 5 hours x 0.0937 cents $1.75 per day to operate it (4 x 5 x 0.0937 1.75).
How Much Electricity Does a Gas Tankless Water Heater Use?
Modern gas tankless water heaters are energy-efficient solutions for hot water needs. These units require minimal electricity to operate and can save you money on your monthly energy bills. Rinnai gas tankless water heaters have a standby power requirement of two watts and a usage power requirement within an approximate range of between 25-65 watts (0.05-0.13 kWh).
This means that if you live in New York, where the average kWh price is 19.30 cents, operating a gas tankless heater for two hours will cost between 0.965 to 2.5 cents daily or $28.95 to $75 monthly – impressive savings when compared to electric models! So if you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to provide hot water in your home, consider investing in a modern gas tankless heater!
Tankless Water Heater Energy Consumption Variables
Tankless water heaters are a great way to save energy, compared to traditional storage tank water heaters. They use about 24-34% less energy, making them an attractive option for energy-conscious consumers. But the amount of electricity a tankless heater uses can vary depending on several factors.
The first is the hot water demand from appliances and fixtures in your home. The more hot water that is used per day, the greater the electric tankless heater’s energy consumption will be. Additionally, your intake water temperature and how many hours per day you use hot water can also influence your total energy costs.
Energy Consumption Rises With the Number of Rooms
The size of your home has a major impact on the energy consumption of your tankless water heater. As more rooms are added to the house, more hot water is needed, causing the heater to use more energy. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory states that a tankless water heater in a one-bedroom house may consume up to 9.8 therms (287 kWh).
When you move up to a three-bedroom home, that number rises to 11.76 terms (345 kWh), and in five bedrooms, it increases even further to 15.67 terms (462 kWh).
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient way to heat your hot water appliances and fulfill their demands, then investing in a tankless water heater may be just what you need.
More Family Members Means More Energy Consumption
When you have more people in your household, it’s important to consider how much electricity a tankless water heater uses. Tankless heaters provide hot water on demand, meaning that they only heat when hot water is needed. This can lead to greater energy savings than storage tank water heaters, but if you’re using more hot water than usual due to the larger family size, you may need a more powerful heater with higher capacity to meet your hot water needs.
The average family of four will use about 80 gallons of hot water per day, and the average kWh price is 11 cents per hour. That means an electric tankless heater could use up nearly 1 kWh per hour if all the hot water demands are met. So, while tankless heaters offer great energy savings compared to storage tank models, their efficiency depends on the size of your household and how much hot water everyone consumes each day.
Energy Consumption Is Higher in Colder Months
When it comes to electricity consumption, tankless water heaters use more energy in colder months than in warmer months. This is due to a variety of factors, the most prominent being the intake water temperature. Colder water requires more energy to heat up, so your heater has to work harder and longer during those cold winter days.
Additionally, the weather itself can play a role in how much energy your heater consumes. If you live in an area that experiences frequent bouts of cold weather, then your heater will be using more fuel just to keep up with the demand for hot water.
The Right Size Water Heater Can Save You Money
When it comes to hot water, the size of your tankless water heater is a major factor in determining how much energy it will use. When selecting a tankless water heater, it is important to ensure the chosen unit is the correct size for your requirements. If the unit is overly small, insufficient hot water may be provided, leading to increased energy consumption. Conversely, selecting a unit that is excessively large will also lead to unnecessary energy waste.
Getting the right size tankless water heater can save you money on your electricity bills and help reduce your carbon footprint. Smaller units require less energy to heat the same amount of gallons of water per day as larger ones do, saving you an average of 20-30% in energy costs each month. In addition, they are usually more reliable and require less maintenance since they don’t have any large tanks or storage tanks to worry about.
Tankless heaters also provide great convenience since they provide hot water on demand instead of taking time to fill up a storage tank and wait for it to heat up. This means that you don’t need to waste hours or even days waiting for hot water when all you need is just a few seconds! Investing in the right size tankless heater can make all the difference when it comes to your home’s hot water needs and save you money in the long run.
Energy Star-Certified Heaters Are More Efficient
Energy Star-certified tankless water heaters are much more efficient than non-certified models, helping you save money and protect the environment. To be certified, these heaters must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. That includes having a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.87 or higher.
In simple terms, this measures how much hot water the heater produces per unit of fuel consumed. The higher the UEF, the more efficient the heater is. With an Energy Star-certified tankless water heater, you can expect to use less electricity while still getting all the hot water your household needs.
Plus, they are designed to last longer than regular storage tank water heaters, so you can cut down on long-term costs as well! Investing in an Energy Star-certified tankless water heater is a great way to reduce your energy consumption and save money in the long run.
How to Keep Your Bills to a Minimum
Hot water is essential for day-to-day activities, so it’s important to know how to keep your hot water bills to a minimum.
It is recommended to adjust the thermostat of your hot water heater to 120 degrees as it is an appropriate temperature for most household uses and helps with energy conservation.
You should also limit shower times and use a low-flow shower head and faucet to reduce the amount of heat you need.
It is recommended to turn off the shower while soaping up and washing your hair, and restore the flow afterward to rinse off. This can help to reduce water consumption.
Tips for Choosing an Energy-Efficient Heater
When it comes to choosing an energy-efficient heater for your home, there are several key factors to consider. The most important is the UEF or Energy Factor. This is a measure of how much energy is required to produce the same amount of heat as other models. Look for a heater with a UEF rating of 0.95 or higher; this means that it will use less energy, resulting in lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
It’s also important to consider the type of heater you choose. Electric tankless water heaters are more efficient than storage tank water heaters because they don’t require any standby heating and provide hot water on demand. Gas tankless water heaters can be even more efficient than electric ones, but they may not be suitable for all homes due to their need for ventilation and the associated installation costs.
Finally, when selecting a heater, keep in mind the size of your household and how much hot water you’ll need each day. Heaters with larger capacities will use more energy but may be necessary if you have more people living in your home or if you use a lot of hot water appliances like dishwashers or washing machines on a regular basis.
Get a Heater With an Energy Star Rating
When purchasing a tankless water heater, consider an Energy Star-rated model. Not only are these heaters more energy efficient, but they also come with a host of other benefits that make them worth the investment. For example, they last longer and are easier to use.
Additionally, Energy Star-certified heaters produce less heat waste than non-certified models. This means lower energy bills for you and fewer emissions into the atmosphere. With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why investing in an Energy Star-certified tankless water heater is the smart choice.
So when you’re shopping around for a new hot water heater, make sure to choose one with an Energy Star rating to ensure you get the most out of your purchase!
Look for a Heater With a Recirculation Pump
Tankless water heaters offer incredible energy savings and convenience compared to traditional storage tank water heaters. Amp up the efficiency of your tankless heater with a model featuring an integrated recirculation pump!
The pump helps circulate hot water through your pipes so it’s always available when you need it, greatly reducing the amount of time it takes for the water to get hot and eliminating the need to wait for cold water to drain. This can help you save money by reducing your energy costs as well as saving on gallons of water used each day.
Plus, with an average kWh price of $0.12 per hour, these pumps cost only pennies more per day than electric tankless heaters without them. So if you’re looking to maximize energy efficiency and reduce waste while still having access to hot water appliances like showers or dishwashers whenever needed, invest in a tankless heater with a recirculation pump today!
Choose a Heater With a Self-Cleaning Function
Your tankless water heater is an important appliance in your home, so it’s essential to choose the right model. One key feature you should look out for is a self-cleaning function. This can help to improve the efficiency of your tankless water heater and reduce energy consumption. With a self-cleaning function, you’re able to keep the heating elements clean so that they can perform optimally.
Your energy bills may be reduced over time by using less electricity. Plus, this function helps extend the lifespan of your tankless water heater by preventing the build-up of deposits that can corrode its components.
So when shopping for a new tankless water heater, make sure to pick one that has a self-cleaning function to get the most value out of your purchase!
Get a Heater With a Warranty
Investing in a tankless water heater can be a big financial decision. So, to ensure peace of mind and that your investment is protected, it’s important to get one with a warranty. Most tankless water heaters come with a 5-10 year warranty, but if you want even more coverage you can always shop around for one with an extended warranty.
We recommend the FOGATTI Tankless Water Heater for reliable performance and extended protection.
This unit is covered by a five-year warranty and you can get a free replacement within the first 30 days if you are not satisfied. That way, you’ll have the assurance that your money is well spent on a quality product that will keep working as promised for years to come!
Final Thoughts
Tankless water heaters are a great way to save money and energy, but it’s important to choose a model that is designed for energy efficiency. Look for a UEF of 0.95 or higher and an Energy Star rating. Installing a recirculation pump can also help to reduce the amount of electricity used by your tankless water heater.
With these features, you can be sure that your tankless water heater will use much less electricity than traditional models and help you save money in the long run. While it may require an initial investment, the savings over time will make up for it in no time!
