The power consumption of tankless water heaters and storage water heaters can vary based on factors such as energy source, heater size, usage patterns, and energy efficiency. Here’s a comparison of their power consumption:
Tankless Water Heater:
- Electric Tankless Water Heater: The power consumption of an electric tankless water heater depends on its heating capacity (measured in kilowatts, kW) and the flow rate of hot water required. These heaters typically draw electricity only when hot water is needed, resulting in lower standby losses compared to storage water heaters. However, they can have high power demands during operation, especially if multiple hot water outlets are used simultaneously.
- Gas Tankless Water Heater: Gas-powered tankless water heaters consume energy based on their gas input rating (measured in British Thermal Units per hour, BTU/h) and the efficiency of the unit. While they generally have lower operating costs than electric tankless water heaters, their power consumption can still be significant during operation, particularly during peak demand periods.
Storage Water Heater:
- Electric Storage Water Heater: Electric storage water heaters continuously consume power to maintain the water temperature in the tank, even when hot water is not being used. The power consumption depends on the tank size (measured in gallons or liters) and the heating element’s wattage. While they may have lower peak power demands compared to tankless water heaters, they can result in higher overall energy consumption due to standby heat loss.
- Gas Storage Water Heater: Gas-powered storage water heaters consume energy based on the burner’s input rating and the efficiency of the unit. Like electric storage water heaters, they continuously maintain water temperature in the tank, leading to standby heat loss and potentially higher overall energy consumption compared to tankless water heaters.
In summary, tankless water heaters generally have lower standby losses and can be more energy-efficient during operation compared to storage water heaters. However, their peak power demands during usage may be higher, especially in households with high hot water demand. On the other hand, storage water heaters consume energy continuously to maintain water temperature, leading to standby losses and potentially higher overall energy consumption. The specific power consumption of each type of water heater will vary based on factors such as energy efficiency, usage patterns, and local utility rates.