Heat Pump Water Heater vs Tankless: Which One Is Better?

Plumber installing a tankless water heater

Intro.

Water heaters are an essential appliance in most households, providing hot water for a variety of purposes including washing dishes, taking showers, and doing laundry. When it comes to choosing a water heater, there are many options available on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to heat water, while tankless water heaters heat water on demand using natural gas or electricity. Both types of water heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. The right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. In this post, we will be examining the differences between heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters, including their energy efficiency, cost, installation, maintenance, and other factors. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of which type of water heater is the best choice for you.

What is a heat pump water heater?

A heat pump water heater is a type of appliance that uses electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to heat water. It is similar to a traditional electric water heater, but it is more energy efficient because it uses a heat pump to transfer heat rather than generating it directly.

Here is how a heat pump water heater works:

The heat pump, which is located outside of the water heater, absorbs heat from the surrounding air or ground.
The heat pump uses a compressor to increase the temperature of the absorbed heat.
The heated refrigerant is then passed through a heat exchanger, where it transfers its heat to the water in the tank.
The cooled refrigerant is then returned to the heat pump to begin the process again.

Heat pump water heaters are known for their energy efficiency, as they can use up to 60% less electricity than traditional electric water heaters. They are also relatively low maintenance and have a long lifespan. However, they may not be as effective in extremely cold climates, as the heat pump may not be able to absorb enough heat from the air or ground. They also tend to be more expensive to install than traditional electric water heaters.

Benefits Of a Heat Pump Water Heater

Energy efficiency: They can be up to two or three times more energy efficient than traditional electric water heaters.
Cost savings: Since they are more energy efficient, heat pump water heaters can save homeowners a significant amount of money on their energy bills. In some cases, the cost savings can be enough to offset the higher upfront cost of a heat pump water heater.
Lifespan: Heat pump water heaters are designed to last for many years, with some models having a lifespan of up to 10-15 years.
Quiet operation: Heat pump water heaters are generally quieter than traditional electric water heaters, making them a good option for use in homes where noise levels are a concern.

What is a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater is a type of water heater that heats water on demand, rather than storing hot water in a tank. Tankless water heaters are also known as "on-demand" or "instantaneous" water heaters. They are becoming increasingly popular because they can be more energy efficient and space-saving than traditional storage tank water heaters.

Here's how a tankless water heater works:

When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water is drawn into the tankless water heater through a pipe.
The cold water passes through a heating element, which heats it to the desired temperature. The heating element is typically powered by gas or electricity.
The hot water is then delivered to the tap or appliance through a pipe.
When the hot water tap is turned off, the flow of water stops, and the tankless water heater shuts off.

Benefits Of a Tankless Water Heater

Here are some of the main benefits of tankless water heaters:

Space savings: Tankless water heaters are much smaller and more compact than traditional water heaters, which means they take up less space in the home. This can be especially useful for homeowners with limited space for a water heater.
Unlimited hot water: Because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, they can provide an unlimited supply of hot water as long as there is a sufficient flow of cold water. This can be a major advantage for households with high hot water demand.
Lifespan: Tankless water heaters are designed to last for many years, with some models having a lifespan of up to 20 years.

However, they may not be able to keep up with the hot water demand of larger households or homes with multiple hot water appliances.

Comparison of heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters

Heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters are both types of electric water heaters that are designed to be more energy efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Energy efficiency: Heat pump water heaters are typically more energy efficient than tankless water heaters. They use electricity to move heat from the air or ground into the water, which can be up to three times more efficient than generating heat directly. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand using a heating element powered by gas or electricity. While they do not waste energy reheating stored hot water, they may not be as energy efficient as heat pump water heaters in certain situations.

Cost: Heat pump water heaters tend to be more expensive to purchase than tankless water heaters. However, they can save homeowners money on their energy bills in the long run because of their higher energy efficiency.

Installation: Heat pump water heaters require a source of ventilation, such as a window or vent, to exhaust the heat they generate. They also need to be installed in a location with enough airflow to allow the heat pump to function properly. Tankless water heaters can be installed in a variety of locations, including basements, closets, and garages. However, they do require a gas line if they are powered by gas, which may not be practical in all homes.

Maintenance: Both heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. Heat pump water heaters should be checked for airflow and ventilation, while tankless water heaters should be checked for scale build-up and proper gas combustion.

Other factors: Heat pump water heaters are generally quieter than tankless water heaters, which may be a consideration for some homeowners. Tankless water heaters can provide an unlimited supply of hot water as long as there is a sufficient flow of cold water, which can be an advantage for households with high hot water demand. However, they may not be able to keep up with the demand of larger households or homes with multiple hot water appliances.

Overall, both heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters can be good options for homeowners looking to upgrade their water heating systems. The best choice will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the homeowner, including the size of the household, the location of the water heater, and the budget.

Conclusion

Heat pump water heaters are generally more energy efficient than tankless water heaters and can be a good choice for larger households with high hot water demand. They may have higher upfront costs and may not be suitable for areas with very cold winters. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are smaller and take up less space. They also have a faster flow rate, which means they can provide hot water more quickly. However, they may not be able to keep up with the hot water demand of larger households and may require frequent repairs.

In general, it is recommended to do your own research and consult with a professional to determine the best water heater for your specific needs and circumstances. Factors to consider may include the size of your household, your hot water demand, the availability of natural gas or propane, and the climate in your area.