Water Heater Type Comparison Calculator
Full Type Comparison
Compare 4 water heater types side by side
Two-Way Comparison
Formula
Annual Energy = (Daily Gallons × 8.34 × Temp Rise × 365) / (Efficiency × Fuel BTU Factor) × Fuel Rate; Total Cost = Install + Σ(Annual Energy × (1+Inflation)^yr) − Rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
Which water heater type is most cost-effective?
Heat pump water heaters are typically the most cost-effective over 10-15 years due to their 3-4x efficiency advantage and the $2,000 IRA tax credit. They cost $3,000-$4,500 installed but save $200-$400/year in energy costs compared to gas tanks. In mild climates, solar water heaters can also be very economical.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters are 8-34% more energy efficient than tank heaters and last 20+ years vs 10-12 for tanks. However, they cost $2,500-$4,500 to install. They're most worth it for low-usage households or as replacements in homes already plumbed for them.
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