What are Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Propane tankless water heaters have been around for sometime now despite being a relatively new product in the US soil. It first became popular in Asia and Europe in the ‘70s but it has gained tremendous appeal among US consumers in line with the rising costs of gas prices plus the awareness on environmental protection.

Compared to traditional propane water heaters which stores hot water on a storage tank, tankless propane heaters do not hold any water. The water is only heated when the person turns on a faucet, with the water flowing through various pipes and going into the tankless heater. Hot water flows from the tap in 5-20 seconds.

The good thing about them is that they can save a lot of energy. It is estimated that using a propane tankless water heater can save up to 30% in energy consumption compared to using a traditional water heater. Thus it is not surprising that many budget-conscious households are opting to use tankless heaters in their residences.

But there are also some disadvantages of using a tankless propane heater. The first and perhaps foremost downside is the price of a typical tankless heater, which is at least 3 times more expensive than a traditional water heater. A tankless propane heater can also produce about five gallons of water for every minute, so there’s a good chance that hot water produced will not be enough especially if there are multiple appliances operating all at the same time. Thus users may have to schedule their laundry at a time when no one is using the shower.

However, with the continued rise of energy costs, it is expected that propane tankless water heaters will soon outnumber traditional water heaters. Most new models have also been manufactured to last longer, giving households and businesses a more practical solution to water heating.

A Look at Portable Propane Water Heaters

Portable propane water heaters serve a variety of purposes. They provides hot water while outdoors specifically during out-of-town trips. They can also provide hot water while cleaning the car, washing pets, doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and pool heating. They can also be used indoors and in the patio especially when grilling. Since these are portable water heaters, they take little storage space. And because they only provide hot water when needed, portable propane heaters can give a lot of savings to its users.

There are many advantages of using a propane water heater than an electric water heater. First, it is a more inexpensive option than an electric water heater. It is also compact enough to be moved from one place to another. It is also more environment friendly since propane gas burns clearly and emits no odor or toxins when burned. Propane gas is also refillable, so there is no need to worry about running out of energy. It also costs less compared to other gas forms. Water temperature can be raised up to an average of 25 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the size and unit of the water heater.

However there are also some downsides to using portable propane water heaters. For one, it is susceptible to gas leaks. It is ideal to have an effective ventilation system when using a portable propane heater because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of propane heating. This is an odorless and tasteless gas that when inhaled can cause headache and nausea. It can also cause cardiovascular ailments and even death during prolonged exposure. Thus, having a carbon dioxide detector is needed when using portable propane water heaters.

There are numerous portable propane water heaters available in the market today. Some of these are made by reputable manufacturers like Coleman, Ecco, and LPG L5.

Propane Water Heaters -- The Most Economical Heating System

Propane water heaters are undoubtedly versatile and efficient house utilities. With their help, daily tasks such as cleaning, bathing, and cooking can be done with ease and convenience. These heaters use propane gas to elevate the temperature of water. As the price of electricity continues to rise, more and more homeowners are switching to propane-powered water heaters. Replacing inefficient electrical heaters with a more efficient alternative will greatly help to cut down energy costs. Technically, the lifespan of water heaters is around 12 to 15 years but replacing them regularly is highly advised due to the constantly changing heating technology that considerably enhances the efficiency of newer models.

Economically speaking, a propane heater is certainly the best choice. Though costs of propane gas vary widely from one place to another, propane water heating systems still have much lower costs as compared to their electric counterparts. This is especially true to people living in the rural areas, where electricity cost is often very expensive. In fact, propane cost $20.47 per million BTUs of produced heat, whereas electricity cost $31.21 for the exact same amount of heat produced. This data was based on the survey conducted by the Department of Energy in 2007. Since then, prices of both electricity and propane have gone way up. However, the savings that propane gas offered remained the relatively same.

If you are looking for a green and efficient water heating unit, then the tankless propane water heaters would really be an interesting option. Using one is another great way to save money and energy. Tankless heaters may cost more upfront but you are guaranteed to enjoy bigger savings in the long run. This is because they are designed to only be used on an on-demand basis. It simply means that they won’t be constantly running to keep hot water in the tank. Instead, they will only heat the water when needed. However, like other systems, they also have their downsides. Tankless propane heaters would require more extensive venting, and they might struggle to deliver hot water when 2 or more sources need it. That being said, they are best suited for a single-person household, or for homeowners who are very much willing to stagger the use of hot water. The best thing about them is that they have a longer operating life that can last around 20 years (with proper care and maintenance, of course).

Therefore, if you are thinking of replacing your old, inefficient, and worn-out electric heaters, then the reliable and efficient propane water heaters are indeed the best way to go!