THE CLOCK IS TICKING FOR YOUR ELECTRIC WATER HEATER

One year for you is like 10 for your water heater. Over time, the performance of any water heater diminishes, wasting energy and costing you money. Even worse, your old water heater could quit or catastrophically fail, costing you even more for replacement and cleanup. So how old is yours, really?

The sooner you call your propane provider to make the switch from electric, the sooner you’ll have the performance you want. With propane, you’ll use less energy, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint compared with electric units — all while enjoying consistent, comfortable hot water.

WHICH PROPANE WATER HEATER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Both storage tank and tankless propane water heaters provide exceptional benefits. Consider your options for which type is best for your home. Your propane provider is a valuable resource to help you decide.

Below are a few considerations when choosing a propane tankless water heater

STORAGE TANK WATER HEATER

  • Compact size frees up more space compared with electric water heaters.
  • 40-gallon propane unit delivers the same amount of hot water as a 50-gallon electric unit.
  • May qualify for incentives and rebates.
  • Energy Star propane units save about 13-16 percent in annual energy costs compared with electric and heating oil units.
  • 46 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared with standard electric units.

TANKLESS WATER HEATER

  • Delivers endless hot water.
  • Heats water only when needed.
  • Compact size saves approximately 9-16 square feet of floor space.
  • May qualify for incentives and rebates.
  • Saves more than $150/year in energy costs compared with typical electric storage models.
  • Fewer greenhouse gas emissions compares with electric storage tank systems.

SEE THE NUMBERS FOR YOURSELF

PULL THE PLUG AND WATCH THE SAVINGS PILE UP

In this example comparison using the Propane Education & Research Council Energy Calculator, the annual energy cost for a propane tankless water heater in a 2,400-square-foot Midwest home was $355 less than an electric storage tank model. Plus, the propane water heater had approximately 70 percent fewer emissions.

EXAMPLE COMPARISON

PROPANE TANKLESS WATER HEATER

  • Annual Energy Use: $290
  • CO2 Emissions: 2,636 lbs

ELECTRIC STORAGE TANK WATER HEATER

  • Annual Energy Use: $845
  • CO2 Emissions: 8,221 lbs

Notes

  • a. Based on a more efficient 2,400-square-foot home located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Tama County.
  • b. Propane Tankless system rated .90 EF, paying $1.39/gallon of propane.
  • c. Electric Storage Tank system measured at one year of age and rated .86 EF. Serviced with frequent maintenance intervals and maintained in the same home as the propane tankless system, paying $0.11/kWh.

UPDATED WATER HEATER REGULATIONS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In 2015, the Department of Energy raised the bar for water heaters; new models are required to meet a higher energy efficiency rating.

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