- As important as it is to own a tankless water heater, it is even more important to know the type of tankless water heater you’re buying. This article explores the differences between condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters as we discuss the pros and cons of each and which one you should choose for your home.
There are different types of water heaters, as we all know. The two major ones are tank-type and tankless water heaters, with the latter enjoying all the attention these days thanks to their energy efficiency, durability, and endless hot water provision.
Tank-type water heaters were famous some two decades ago. However, as famous as they were, people couldn’t help but think they were too bulky and consumed far too much energy than necessary. Fast-forward to today, and we now enjoy their tankless counterparts’ energy efficiency and durability.
As you would expect, tankless water heaters operate on different power sources. Some use natural gas, while some use electricity. They are also available in two major types – condensing and non-condensing. You must have stumbled upon these words without knowing the meaning, but we’ll shed enough light on them in this article to understand them better.
If you’re reading this, we suppose you already know what tankless water heaters are. However, if you’re just transitioning from tank-type water heaters, let’s briefly explore what a tankless water heater is and how it works.
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater is the direct opposite of a tank-style water heater. Unlike a tank-style water heater that stores some hot water for you, a tankless water heater only produces hot water on demand. This means that you only get hot water when you need it. This makes it the best option for those looking to save money on their energy bills because a tankless water heater only works when needed.
Moreover, the efficiency of a tankless water heater contributes to its cost-saving advantages. Traditional tank-style water heaters constantly heat and reheat the stored water to maintain a specific temperature, even when unused. This continuous operation leads to significant energy waste over time. On the other hand, a tankless water heater eliminates such wastefulness by heating the water directly as it flows through the unit.
Adopting a tankless water heater can make you experience considerable energy savings, simultaneously reducing your utility bills and environmental footprint. The on-demand heating mechanism ensures energy is consumed only when hot water is required, eliminating the standby heat loss commonly associated with tank-style heaters.
Besides their cost-effectiveness and space-saving advantages, tankless water heaters provide the convenience of unlimited hot water. Gone are the days of scheduling showers and household chores around the limited hot water supply. With a tankless system, hot water is available on demand, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable experience for everyone in the household.
Condensing Tankless Water Heater
A condensing tankless water heater is an advanced and highly efficient water heating system that operates on-demand, providing hot water whenever needed without needing a storage tank. What sets a condensing tankless water heater apart from other tankless models is its ability to extract additional heat from the flue gases generated during combustion.
When the burner in a condensing tankless water heater ignites, it creates a flame that heats the water as it flows through the unit. However, in traditional non-condensing models, the flue gases produced during combustion are expelled directly through the vent without further utilization. In contrast, a condensing tankless water heater utilizes a secondary heat exchanger to capture the heat from these flue gases before they are vented.
The secondary heat exchanger in a condensing tankless water heater is designed to cool down the flue gases, causing water vapor in the gases to condense. This condensation releases additional heat energy, then transferred to the incoming cold water. By extracting and utilizing this extra heat, condensing tankless water heaters achieve higher energy efficiency ratings than non-condensing models.
The condensed water resulting from this process is typically acidic and needs to be drained properly. Therefore, condensing tankless water heaters require a condensate drain system to remove this acidic liquid safely.
Pros
Energy efficiency
One of the major advantages of a condensing tankless water heater is its exceptional energy efficiency. It uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture and utilize the heat typically lost in traditional tankless models. This process helps maximize energy savings and lower utility bills. So, a condensing tankless water heater is your best option if you want to enjoy energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
Cost savings
The improved energy efficiency of a condensing tankless water heater translates into significant cost savings over time. By efficiently using the available energy, these units can help reduce your monthly energy expenses, making them a smart investment in the long run.
Environmental friendliness
With their enhanced energy efficiency, condensing tankless water heaters contribute to a greener environment. Using less energy to heat water helps reduce carbon emissions and minimize the overall environmental impact.
Endless hot water supply
Like other tankless models, condensing tankless water heaters provide an uninterrupted hot water supply. You don’t have to worry about running out of hot water during your shower or other household activities. It ensures you have a consistent flow of hot water whenever you need it.
Cons
Expensive
Compared to traditional tank-style water heaters, condensing tankless water heaters generally have a higher upfront cost. However, it’s important to consider these units’ long-term energy savings and durability, which can offset the initial investment.
Complex installation
Proper installation of a condensing tankless water heater is crucial for optimal performance. These units often require professional installation, including venting and gas supply considerations. It’s essential to consult a qualified technician to ensure the unit is installed correctly.
Non-condensing Tankless Water Heater
Non-condensing tankless water heaters heat the water directly as it flows through the unit. When a hot water tap is turned on, the burner ignites, creating a flame that heats the water rapidly. As a result, you can enjoy a continuous supply of hot water whenever you need it without the limitations of a storage tank.
However, it’s worth noting that non-condensing tankless water heaters are less energy efficient compared to condensing models. This is because non-condensing models vent hot exhaust gases outside, which wastes energy. Condensing models, on the other hand, capture and reuse these gases, making them much more efficient. Despite this drawback, non-condensing tankless water heaters are still popular for their convenience and reliability.
Pros
Quick hot water delivery
Non-condensing tankless water heaters provide rapid hot water delivery. When you turn on a hot water tap, the unit activates and heats the water instantaneously, eliminating the need to wait for hot water to reach the faucet.
Compact size
Non-condensing tankless water heaters are typically smaller than traditional tank-style units. This compact design allows for flexible installation options, making them suitable for homes with limited space.
Lower upfront cost
Non-condensing tankless water heaters generally have a lower upfront cost compared to condensing models. This makes them a more budget-friendly option for those looking for on-demand hot water without a significant investment.
Cons
Not as energy-efficient as condensing heaters
Non-condensing tankless water heaters are less energy-efficient than condensing models. Since they do not capture and use the excess heat from combustion, some energy is lost during heating.
Heat loss
Although non-condensing tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional tank-style units, they can still experience some standby heat loss. This occurs when there is a delay between hot water demand and the unit activating, resulting in a small amount of wasted energy.
Parting Words
Knowing the difference between condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters is key to getting the perfect tankless water heater. You have to make sure you get what works best for you. We hope you know the difference between these two tankless water heater types, and we also hope you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better – condensing or non-condensing?
It usually depends on what you want. If you want energy efficiency at the highest level, a condensing tankless water heater is your best bet.
What are the advantages of a non-condensing tankless water heater?
Non-condensing tankless water heaters are usually compact. Also, they are very easy to install, unlike their condensing counterparts.
Does a tankless water heater use a lot of electricity?
Not as much as a tank-style water heater. They’re called on-demand heaters because they only provide hot water when needed, providing much-needed energy efficiency.
Do tankless water heaters save electricity?
Yes, they do! That’s why they’re a very popular option on the market today.
