It is a common belief that it’s inefficient to heat with electricity but compared to what? Yes, heat pumps are more energy efficient, but electric toasters and dishwashers show that electricity has an important role in the home.

So what about tankless water heaters?
When it comes to water heaters it may be hard to believe but tankless hot water heaters are 95-99 percent energy efficient, according to the current rating system.

A natural gas burning tankless water heater cannot match that, nor can an on-all-the-time storage heater. In fact a tankless gas heater is only 80-85 percent efficient and no matter how much insulation is added to a standard gas storage model heater, 60-65 percent efficiency is the best that you can expect.

Energy Star ratings are voluntary guidelines for manufacturers asked to follow but as you can see, there is still a ways to go.

The efficiency rating is based on how much energy is wasted in doing the job and with a gas model 20-25 percent goes up the chimney. This is why an electric tankless hot water heater can look so good – an electric tankless water heater isn‘t noticeably warmer to the touch. Try that with a gas model. A tankless gas model, on the other hand, needs to be installed according to code because of the exhaust heat and fresh air issue.

This why it’s important to do your homework before you install. Energy prices vary widely throughout the US and through the seasons. Be sure to do a calculation based on gas rates during winter months when gas rates are usually much higher. Then compare.

The good news is there are, or soon will be on the market, newer electric powered appliances that use far less power than today’s machines. Even better news is there are add-ons that can make your tankless installations much less costly today. You can learn more about these very efficient add-ons for tankless hot water heaters and what they cost by visiting this site.

Here more information about the benefits of an installed tankless water heater can be found.

The outcome of this legislation will affect the country and impact world attitude for years to come. It is an issue that concerns everyone. From your car to the hot shower in the morning, everything is linked to which fuels we will be using in the decades to come and how they are produced.

The estimated cost to the energy industry for carbon emissions will be $646 billion through 2019, according to Energy Bulletin’s Marianne Lavelle. This is money that will flow into the US Treasury and perhaps used to fund green energy projects.

The industries with a stake in this have already reacted by hiring more lobbyists to try to shape this legislation to their beneft. Figures from the Center for Public Integrity estimates that there are now 2,300 lobbyists employed in this crusade – more than four for every member of Congress.

The homeowner has a role in this too. On-demand and storage tank electric water heaters aren’t green yet – currently 54 percent of the US’s electricity is furnished by coal and petroleum. One of the things that can influence the outcome is that players like the coal industry, who have deep pockets, a big presence and the most to loose in this struggle have so far outspent their opponents 10 to one and the debate has hardy begun.

Support for the small startup companies will pay off because that is were the new ideas are usually born. The amount of Government programs that encourage the development of new technology can be the critical factor in how quickly things get started.

Starting  today to develop climate friendly energy can make the 2019 objective of green powered electricity a reality, if the public gives their support. Let lawmakers know we care and begin by choosing appliances and cars that utilize this technology. Find out how  a tankless water heater can make the home a little greener.

Installing a tankless water heater comes with a new set of numbers for finding the best choice. Some models are actually no more expensive than storage tank heaters; other models may be more expensive, perhaps even 2-3 times more to install, making the return on investment longer to achieve. Whichever model you choose, both your pocketbook and the environment will thank you.

If you are interested in green issues, you’ll appreciate that tankless water heaters are not the landfill problem typical of storage tanks. Tankless hot water heaters are expected to last about twice as long as tank models and when the time comes to replace, instead of ten thousand tanks being dumped in the landfill each year, the tankless version is ready to be recycled. Made mostly of steel, copper and aluminum, all reusable materials.

Tankless water heaters are also more efficient than tank models, with electric models rated at 99 percent and clean burning natural gas at 80 percent or higher.

It’s a good way to be green and save some green.

Refer to this site for detailed installing a tankless water heater instructions: http://installing-a-tankless-water-heater.com

See for yourself how easy it is to install a tankless hot water heater in your home

Placement
The compact size of a home tankless hot water heater gives the benefit of being easy to work with. If having a shorter pipe run would improve performance, now is the time to move it closer to those high demand outlets and insulating any pipes you can reach.

Gas home tankless hot water heaters work well inside and outside the home. Outside installations are cheaper to do and the unit can go unnoticed by choosing an out of the way spot or using foliage as a screen. This way of mounting still requires an opening in the wall for hot water piping and electrical line.

A look at installation
Installing a gas home tankless hot water heater can double the initial cost of a new unit. A high volume gas line is usually called for as well as to-code venting system which meets high temperature specs. A fresh air supply is also necessary to maintain good draft. A CO2 detector is also a good safety precaution with this combustion system.

Wall mounting is also the preferred way to install an electrical home tankless hot water heater. Small and light weight, this can be done with a drill and screwdriver. It should be in an accessible position for servicing. Aside from an 80-120 amp electrical supply the only requirements are that it should have cut-off water valves and adequate wiring.

Interior mounted gas home tankless hot water heaters come with a potentially big price tag. Rely on experienced installers for advice and written estimates.

Heating ideas
Upgrading the hot water system is a great time to take care cold spots that couldn’t be fixed with a central hot water system. By using a combination of gas and electric it’s possible to have an ideal whole-house hot water solution. These are things that are usually don’t during new home construction but can a consideration in older homes as with the use of under the counter water heaters.

Gas tankless hot water heaters are best for high volume use, as in big homes with heavy, simultaneous use.

Electric home tankless demand high amperage but offer a low initial cost and quick source of hot water.

Smaller electrical units, designed for under the counter use, can be ideal for filling in gaps at a kitchen sink or lavatory.

The benefits
You don’t need to rely on a single source for your hot water heating needs when you think tankless. Home tankless hot water heaters offers efficiency and versatility. Here is your opportunity to save space, save energy and save the landfill. Go tankless.

Refer to this site for detailed installing a tankless water heater instructions.

Follow this link for more info on choosing the best home tankless hot water heater.

The measure of efficiency
Look to Government rating to make easier for consumers in finding the best tankless hot water heater, or other home heating product that will save them money. Electric tankless hot water heaters tested as .99 energy efficient, while tankless gas heaters are shown to be .80. The contrast shows up in the loss of heat in the combustion Tank water heaters are listed with an even lower efficiency rating.

Delve into the cost of gas and electricity in your area. If the rate of electricity is competitive, this could produce a difference in your energy choice. Regardless, gas might point to the best choice for a tankless hot water heater. Larger homes usually require more hot water than a single electric heater can provide.

Here are some numbers to give you a rough idea: Electric tankless models produce a flow of only 2-5 gallons per minute of hot water, while gas models can produce 9-13 gallons of hot water per minute. Using multiple units is a way to custom fit tankless models to fit your needs and reduce wasted energy.

Here is a start, but you can take your own measurements: A shower, with a water saver nozzle uses 1-¼ to 1-½ gallons per minute. A tub or clothes washer uses about 2 to 2-½ gallons per minute.

Energy prices and the best tankless hot water heater
There was a time when no one doubted that gas was the better value, but it may be different in your state. But utility prices can vary by locale. Why assume, size up power costs where you get your powerTimes aren’t what they once were. This is a new decade. The inexpensive price of gas that once balanced out a 65 percent efficiency rating for household hot water use has changed.

For instance, in the US:

Electric prices vary from $0.06/kwh to $0.23/kwh ($1.76 to $6.74 a therm)
Gas prices vary from $10 to $19 per 1,000 cu ft of natural gas ($1 to $1.90 per therm)

North vs. South
In the northern part of the US, where ground temperature may drop to just above freezing, it will require a lot more energy to raise the temperature of a gallon of water. This could call for the power of a gas model, depending on your rate of flow needs. Consider these two things: Flow Rate and Gallons Per Minute to determine what size heater fits your needs and whether it should be gas or electric.

The installation step
It pays to do your homework here too. In some areas there may be few contractors interested in helping you in choosing the best tankless hot water heater and how to install it. The best way to set about it is to look for trained people and get several estimates. Look for someone familiar with this type of gas combustion system.

If you have handyman skills, installing an electric tankless hot water heater can be a different matter. For those with a low budget you can save money this way. Turn to a how-to book and the manufacturer’s manual for support with this project.

Ryan Fletcher writes about home improvement and environmental issues. Installing a tankless hot water heater is one of these. See for yourself how easy it is to install a tankless hot water heater: http://www.installing-a-tankless-water-heater.com

Find out how to choose the best tankless hot water heater for your home: http://best-tankless-hot-water-heater.info

Home tankless hot water heaters are a good choice for most homes. They are retrofitted easily since they take up much less space and are simple to install. Electric models are about the size of a PC; a gas model is about twice that size. Considering the size, it’s amazing that these heaters can generate almost instant hot water.

Smaller models can be installed as point of use hot water sources, while larger models, usually referred to as tankless water heaters are usually installed at a central location. Placing these near the one being replaced can mean less installation work, especially for gas units.

Electric tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere in the home with some limitations. They do require access to 220 volt current (heavier gauge wiring and higher amp breakers than standard water heaters) but don‘t require the venting of gas models.

Recent improvements in gas tankless models allow no-pilot light starts for greater savings. Some models feature exterior wall placement, which saves on costs. Whatever type you choose there are big savings. For example, if you use 1-2 hours of hot water a day the savings would be significant.
If you are interested in a purchase, you can find more information at individual websites.

Installing a tankless hot water heater can be a DIY project. See for yourself http://www.installing-a-tankless-water-heater.com