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I AM SHOPPING FOR A HIGH EFFICIENCY WATER HEATER. IS THE EF RATING THE BEST WAY TO COMPARE? CAN TANKLESS UNITS BE COMPARED DIRECTLY TO STANDARD STORAGE TYPE UNITS. IS THE STANDBY LOSS FIGURED IN TO THE EF RATING? ARE GAS AND ELECTRIC MODELS RATED THE SAME WAY?
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I'll add a question of my own: For HWH's with efficiencies in the 88-94% range (i.e. those with a fan and plastic exhaust duct), is the electrical energy and the higher cost of electrical energy figured into the efficiency rating? I don't believe so (how could they get 94% if they did?), but I haven't got a definitive answer.
Keith: regarding gas versus electric: What does it matter if there ratings systems are the same? The cost to heat with natural gas is going to be so much less, even at 75% than a "100%" efficient electric HWH.
Some of the 90+% gas units go for $2,300. Calculate the payback period versus the life of the HWH. For my house (in which domestic hot water AND space heating is done off of one HWH), the savings weren't worth the added cost. Because I've got cheap NG at $0.38/therm and a very well insulated and tight house. -David
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I AM SHOPPING FOR A HIGH EFFICIENCY WATER HEATER. IS THE EF RATING THE BEST WAY TO COMPARE? CAN TANKLESS UNITS BE COMPARED DIRECTLY TO STANDARD STORAGE TYPE UNITS. IS THE STANDBY LOSS FIGURED IN TO THE EF RATING? ARE GAS AND ELECTRIC MODELS RATED THE SAME WAY?