Are you thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater? There’s no denying the fact that tankless water heaters are more efficient than conventional water heaters. Without a tank, they are able to heat water on demand. Therefore, a tankless water heater will only consume energy when you use the hot water in your home.
There are different types of tankless water heaters, however, including condensing and non-condensing. While they both work by heating water on demand, the latter type offers several unique benefits. By choosing a condensing tankless water heater, you’ll reap the following benefits.
Easier to Ventilate
Condensing tankless water heaters are easier to ventilate than their non-condensing counterparts. This is because they recycle the hot water vapor produced when heating water.
Non-condensing tankless water heaters will immediately vent the hot water vapor. In comparison, condensing tankless water heaters will use save this heat so that it can be used later. Therefore, the water vapor produced by condensing tankless water heaters is cooler, which makes it easier to ventilate than that of non-condensing tankless water heaters.
Higher Efficiency
Both condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters are efficient. They don’t actually store heated water. Rather, both types of tankless water heaters operate on demand by heating water only when it’s needed. Of those two types, though, condensing tankless water heaters are the most efficient.
Condensing tankless water heaters are about 20% to 30% more efficient than non-condensing tankless water heaters. They feature a closed system in which the heat is recycled. By recycling the heat, condensing tankless water heaters are able to heat more water while consuming less energy.
Lasts Longer
Condensing tankless water heaters typically last longer than non-condensing tankless water heaters. They produce cooler water vapor, resulting in less wear and tear to the ventilation system.
Keep in mind that condensing tankless water heaters are more expensive than non-condensing tankless water heaters. While non-condensing tankless water heaters have a single heat exchanger, condensing tankless water heaters have two heat exchangers.
In Conclusion
Tankless water heaters can be categorized as either condensing or non-condensing. Condensing tankless water heaters are those that produce vapor on the surface in the form of condensation. Non-condensing tankless water heaters are those that recycle the water vapor. Non-condensing tankless water heaters are easier to ventilate, more energy efficient and last longer, making them a popular choice among homeowners.