FPL on Tankless vs. Tank Hot Water Heaters
Phil Tornelli is a Business Energy Survey Program Manager with over 30 years of experience helping a wide range of customers from small- and medium-sized businesses to large manufacturing facilities reduce their energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
Question: Are tankless water heaters better than traditional water heaters?
– Felix G., Miami
Answer:
Thank you for asking this question, Felix. In today’s cost-conscious society, any way to save energy and money should be explored. The cost-saving benefit of replacing a conventional electric water heater with a tankless electric heater is often overestimated. The energy savings from eliminating the heat losses through a typical insulated storage tank is around $20 to $30 annually. Tankless water heaters (sometimes called instantaneous water heaters) don’t have a water storage tank and therefore water has to be heated much more quickly as it passes through a compact heating unit and typically requires an upgraded electrical circuit to handle the extra power.
Now, there is an attractive alternative to tankless water heaters called a heat pump water heater (HPWH) which requires no electrical upgrades and can save up to approximately $175 annually on water heating costs. Modern heat pump water heaters which take up no more floor space than conventional heaters are reliable and available from several familiar manufacturers with warranties of around 10 years.
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I bought an 80 gallon hybrid and loved it. I never crunched the numbers but I would guarantee I saved money. The hybrid is the way to go if you know you will be in your home long-term. Another benefit is it blows out the cool air and made my garage comfortable.
Does FPL offer rebates for converting from a conventional electric water heater to a heat pump water heater?
Thank you!
That’s what I want to know too.
PLEASE CONTACT ME As soon as possible!
GENTLEMAN!
I AM TRULY INTERESTED IN A HYBRID WATER HEATER ! MY ELECTRIC BILL HAS DOBLE AND I AM AFRAID ITIS BECAUSE OF THE OLD WATER HEATER IN MY CONDO! I NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE ???!
MARÍA DINÁ
[…] Tankless hot water heaters have been the choice of energy conscious consumers over the past 15 years. The new trend is hybrid hot water heaters that combine tankless technology with a tank. Which is better? I’m vote Hybrid/Heat pump style hot water heaters, especially in warm humid climates. Update: FPL weighs in on the issue and the Heat Pump Hybrid wins with them as well, read more here. […]