Heat Pump vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Pros & Cons
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are a great, green technology that utilize the ambient air to help heat the water. This ultimately reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the water and can significantly minimize costs.
Pros:
Utilizes Ambient Air
A huge pro is that heat pump water heaters use ambient heat from the air surrounding the unit to help heat the water. If you live in a warmer climate, this can significantly reduce the amount of energy and money you are spending to heat your water.
Cons:
Need More Space
Because of the heat pump on top of the water heater, hybrid water heaters are taller than their electric or gas counterparts. Additionally, the unit uses the air around it, so it is recommended to have about 100 square feet of open space surrounding the water heater. This prevents the water heater from re-circulating its own cool exhaust air.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless hot water heaters get hot water to you very fast. They can heat very effectively and efficiently and, because they don’t have a tank, never run out of hot water. This means you will never be yelling at other household members for using all of the hot water again!
Pros:
Saves Space
Tankless water heaters are not very large. They are actually mounted on a wall and not on the floor at all. This can save a significant amount of space in your home.
Temperatures Can Fluctuate
If the water heater is overloaded with too many things, such as multiple showers and a dishwasher going at the same time, there can be some inconsistency in temperature. Because there is no tank, it does not have stored hot water to pull from. So if it is stretched too thin, it might not heat the water fast enough.
High Initial Cost
Similar to the heat pump water heater, a tankless water heater will run you more than a standard tank electric or gas water heater. Tankless water heaters start at about $1,000.
Moving Gas/Water Lines
Depending on where your old water heater was, gas and water lines may need to be moved to accommodate the tankless hot water heater. Tankless water heaters are installed on a wall so if the previous water heater is not where you want the new water heater, then plumbing may need to be moved.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to both heat pump and tankless water heaters. The choice depends on a variety of factors: cost, location, and the features of each type. Without a cut and dried solution, it will be a personal decision for each individual or family, based on what’s most important to you.
Please Call MJ Plumbing Heating & Cooling to discuss what's best for you.
