You know you need a water heater, but there are so many variations and different types, it can get overwhelming! First, you need to decide what you need it for (outdoor vs indoor use). Second, what your energy usage is and how often you’ll use it. We’ve simplified the decision for you with this mini comprehensive guide to our tankless water heater options!
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Electric tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand or instant water heaters, provide hot water only when it is needed. Compared to a traditional water heater with a tank, they are more efficient as they do not need to keep a huge tank of hot water on standby when you are not using it.
These types of units may be too small to provide hot water for your entire home unless you have a small home located in a very warm climate (think Florida). If your house is larger or in a cooler climate, they are perfect for kitchens, second bathrooms, or any other place where you need hot water.
After mounting to a wall, these types of units are connected directly to your home’s electrical system at the circuit breaker box. This means that they are harder (though not impossible) to move if your needs change. This unit will probably stay in one place forever, though.
Propane Tankless Water Heater
Propane tankless water heaters are intended for their portability and their ease of use. Similar to an electric unit, a propane water heater will still provide hot water on demand without wasting energy by keeping water warm in a separate storage tank.
The main difference between propane and electric tankless water heaters is that instead of connecting to your home’s electricity and water supply, propane heaters heat the water with propane gas while using a standard garden hose connection for the water supply. Typically, gas bills are cheaper than electric bills, as you tend to use less of it every day.
That makes propane tankless water heaters perfect for taking on the road in your RV or camper, bathing pets out in the yard, or using to bathe your livestock with hot water in out-buildings or barns, which have a suitable water source.
Compared to an electric tankless heater, our propane version comes with a hose and shower head with shutoff for easy showering without wasting any water.
Ultimately, you need to decide if you need water on-the-go or supplement water at home. Your current climate and environment also factor into this decision as well.
