Hot Water On Demand (NAPSA)—Many homeowners who have grown tired of cold showers and highelectric bills, are turning to technology to keep their hot water hot...and to save money. Did you know that hot water accounts for 20 percent or more of a household’s annual energy costs? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average yearly operating cost for a gas- or propane-storage tank water heater is around $200. Electric tank water heaters can cost more than twice as much, or $450 each year. Traditional storage tank-type water heaters operate by raising and maintaining the water temperature within the tank. Even if no hot water is drawn from the tank, the heater will operate periodically to maintain the standing water's temperature. This results in what is called “standby losses,” or energy “lost” unnecessarily to heat water. These standby losses can equal 10 to 20 percent of a household’s annual water heating expense. One way to eliminate these losses is to install an on-demand water heater. Common in Japan and Europe, this type of water heater is now available in the United States. Unlike “conventional” tank water heaters, propane tankless water heaters heat water only as it is used, or on demand. A tankless unit has a heating device that is activated by the flow of water when a hot water valve is opened. Once activated, the heater delivers a constant On-demand water heaters create hot water for a home only as needed. supply of hot water. On-demand water heaters come in a variety of sizes for different applications, such as a whole-house water heater, a hot water source for a remote bathroom or hot tub, or as a boiler to provide hot water for a homeheating system. They are even versatile enough to be used in separate structures, such as greenhouses. The appeal of on-demand water heaters is twofold. Standby losses are avoided and the result is lower operating costs. In addition, propane instant water heaters deliver the added comfort and security of non-stop hot water. Most tankless models have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. In contrast, storage tank water heaters last 10 to 15 years. In addition, most tankless models have easily replaceable parts that can extend their life by many years more. To learn more about propane on-demand water heaters and their unique advantages, visit www.usepropane.com.
