Water Heater Facts and Figures
More than you probably wanted to know about water heaters, but you may find some of these water heater facts and figures useful. Enjoy.
- Tankless water heaters reduce water heating bills by 10 to 20 percent and in some cases up to 50 percent.
- Water heating accounts for about 14 percent of the average U.S. household energy budget.
- Gas tankless water heaters typically have larger capacities than electric tankless water heaters.
- Standard tank water heaters have an average life expectancy of 8 to 13 years.
- Tankless water heaters have an average life expectancy of 20 years.
- Tankless water heaters are eligible for up to a $300 tax credit. More info here.
- Tankless water heaters take up less space. Typically no floor space requirements since they are normally wall mounted.
- Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water.
- Tankless water heaters do not provide instant hot water due to lag time for water to travel from heater to fixture.
- Electric water heaters eliminate the risk of fuel leaks, NOX fumes, and carbon monoxide.
- Tankless water heaters deliver water at a more consistent temperature than standard tank water heaters.
- Installing a tankless water heater in an attic is not as risky as installing a tank in the attic.
- Some tankless water heaters can be installed outside the home.
- Standard tank water heaters heaters are prone to corrosion and sediment buildup.
- It is recommended to drain and refill the tank of a standard tank water heater every 90 days.
- Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer and founder of Ruud Manufacturing Company (now Rheem), invented the hot water heater in 1889.
And last but not least…