Are Propane Tankless Water Heaters Worth It?

No natural gas? Looking for an efficient, convenient solution for hot water, while electric water heating is expensive? Propane tankless water heaters might be just what you need.

Powered by liquid propane (LP or LPG), these systems offer the same benefits as natural gas heaters, but with added versatility. Whether you’re camping, staying at a cottage, or RV-ing, propane-powered heaters can provide reliable hot water when natural gas or electricity isn’t available.

These tankless units are not only highly efficient, but they also offer excellent performance and energy savings.

Propane’s environmental benefits, combined with the on-demand heating of tankless technology, create a powerful solution for homeowners and travelers alike. Here you get superb performance, unmatched convenience, and outstanding results, making them an ideal choice for both everyday use and off-grid living.

How Propane Tankless Water Heaters Work

Propane tankless water heaters heat water on-demand, activating only when you need hot water. When you turn on a hot water tap, cold water flows through the unit and is heated instantly by a gas burner. The heat exchanger transfers the energy to the water, delivering it at the desired temperature.

Propane is stored in a tank outside your home and is delivered to the water heater through a supply line. As the gas flows into the unit, it powers the burner to heat the water. Since there’s no storage tank, these systems are compact and efficient, using energy only when needed, which helps reduce energy bills. The high energy content ensures reliable hot water, whether for home use or outdoor activities.

Benefits

Cost Savings

While LPG gas may not be the cheapest fuel, it can be more affordable than electricity or oil. When combined with the efficiency of a tankless water heater—offering savings of over 30% compared to traditional tank heaters—you can reduce your overall heating costs throughout the year. The on-demand feature ensures you only use energy when needed, leading to even greater savings.

Efficiency

Propane heaters provide more power than heat pumps and offer up to 95% heating efficiency, making them a strong choice in many regions. The tankless design enhances this efficiency by eliminating the standby energy loss found in traditional tanks. This results in both fuel and cost savings, as well as an extended lifespan for the system.

Environmentally Friendly

Propane is one of the cleanest fossil fuels, producing less carbon dioxide than natural gas or oil. The heater reduces your carbon footprint and is an eco-friendly choice for homeowners looking to heat water without harming the environment. It offers efficient heating with fewer negative environmental side effects.

Space-Saving

The compact design of the units saves valuable space compared to traditional water heaters, which require large storage tanks. This space-saving feature makes tankless systems ideal for smaller homes or areas where space is at a premium.

Convenience

Propane is easy to store, transport, and use. Its liquid state makes it more reliable and easier to manage compared to other fuels. The gas also heats water almost twice as fast as electric systems, providing quick and consistent hot water when needed. Plus, its efficiency means you’ll use less fuel over time, making it a convenient and reliable choice.

Safety

Propane tankless water heaters are designed with safety in mind. The gas is a non-toxic fuel that burns cleanly, and the systems that use it are built to be highly resistant and reliable. Because it burns at a higher rate than other fuels, the devices are engineered to handle the fuel’s speed, ensuring safety during use. With its safe ignition and handling properties, LPG offers a secure, hassle-free water heating solution.

Long-Term Reliability

With proper maintenance, they have a long lifespan. The lack of a storage tank means there is less wear and tear, and the on-demand nature of the system reduces overall stress on the components, leading to fewer breakdowns and repairs.

Overall, propane tankless water heaters combine cost savings, efficiency, and safety with an environmentally-friendly and reliable solution for heating water, making them a great choice for homeowners looking for optimal performance year-round.

Drawbacks

High Upfront Costs

One of the most significant drawbacks of propane tankless water heaters is their higher initial cost. Compared to traditional tank water heaters, the unit price for these tankless systems is typically higher. Additionally, the installation process often requires professional expertise, adding to the upfront expenses. While these costs can be offset by long-term energy savings, the initial investment may not be feasible for every homeowner.

Dependency on Propane Availability

They rely entirely on a consistent supply of propane. If your home doesn’t already have the system in place, setting one up can involve significant planning and expense. Furthermore, the LPG gas availability and pricing can vary depending on your location, which might lead to fluctuations in operating costs. Running out of the fuel could also mean an immediate loss of hot water.

Installation Complexity

Installing a propane heater can be more complex compared to electric models. Proper ventilation is required to safely exhaust combustion gases, and in some cases, this may involve additional construction or modifications to your home. You may also need to install or upgrade the storage tank and gas lines, which can increase both time and costs. Because of these complexities, professional installation is almost always necessary.

Propane vs. Natural Gas: A Comparison

Efficiency

Propane is a more efficient fuel than natural gas for heating purposes. It provides up to 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot, almost twice the BTU capacity of natural gas, which offers only 1,051 BTUs per cubic foot. This means that the fuel delivers more energy per unit of fuel, making it a better choice for heating water and other applications where efficiency is key.

Costs

While natural gas is generally cheaper than propane, the cost of propane is still lower than oil or electricity, making it a competitive option. Additionally, the heaters are often less expensive to repair than other types of heating systems. However, the price of the LPG fuel can fluctuate more than natural gas, and availability may be a concern in some areas, leading to potential higher costs in remote locations.

Environmental Impact

Natural gas, although cleaner than oil, produces nitrogen oxides (NOx) when burned, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and negatively impact the environment. LPG, on the other hand, burns cleaner and releases fewer harmful emissions, including NOx. Although both fuels are fossil-based, propane’s higher efficiency means that less fuel is required to generate the same amount of energy, resulting in fewer emissions overall.

Considerations Before Installing Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Before installing a propane tankless water heater, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure the system meets your needs and operates efficiently:

Fuel Supply and Storage

Propane requires a reliable fuel supply, whether it’s delivered in tanks or through a permanent storage system. You need to assess the availability of the gas in your area and decide if you will have an on-site storage tank or if you will rely on regular deliveries. Ensure your fuel supply can meet the demands of your heater.

Sizing the Unit

Proper sizing of your propane tankless water heater is crucial for efficiency. The unit should match your home’s water usage needs, taking into account the number of bathrooms, appliances, and fixtures that will use hot water simultaneously. An undersized unit may result in inadequate hot water, while an oversized unit may be unnecessarily costly.

Ventilation Requirements

Propane models require proper ventilation to ensure safety and efficiency. If the unit is indoors, you will need to ensure it’s installed in a well-ventilated space to prevent the buildup of harmful gases. Proper venting also reduces the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation, which can be hazardous.

Location of Installation

The location of the tankless unit affects both efficiency and installation costs. It should be placed close to high-demand fixtures, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to minimize heat loss in the pipes and reduce wait times for hot water. Make sure the space you plan to install it is accessible for maintenance and service.

Electrical Needs

While propane is the main energy source for heating water, many tankless heaters also require electricity to operate their control systems, ignition, or ventilation fans. Ensure that you have the proper electrical supply and outlets available for installation.

Installation Costs

While propane heaters have a lower long-term cost compared to traditional models, the upfront installation costs can be higher. You will need to budget for both the heater unit and any additional installation needs, such as venting systems, gas lines, and electrical work. It’s recommended to get a professional estimate before proceeding.

Maintenance Needs

These heaters require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. You will need to clean the filters, descaling the unit regularly (especially in hard water areas), and ensure the propane supply is consistent. Consider whether you are willing to commit to these maintenance tasks or if you’ll need professional service.

By considering these factors before installation, you can ensure that your propane water heater operates effectively and provides reliable, long-lasting performance.

Conclusion

Switching to a propane tankless water heater offers numerous benefits, from energy efficiency and endless hot water to a compact design and lower environmental impact. With their longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs, these systems are an excellent long-term investment for many homeowners.

However, it’s essential to weigh the upfront costs, installation requirements, and your home’s specific needs before making the switch. For those seeking a reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient water heating solution, propane models are a smart choice.

To ensure you select the right model and setup for your home, consult a professional. They can help you navigate your options, assess your needs, and ensure a seamless installation process, maximizing the value of your investment.