First If everyone had a tankless water heater that apx 3- 10 %
reduction in overall home utility - energy usage would reduce the need
for new power plants for a few years or in gas*s case keep prices more
stabile .
One major thing not discussed is the energy it takes to heat 40 - 50
gallons , the BTU to heat that water is where waste is , Tankless
heat what they use Immediately. No waste. Tankless are the way of
the future as they are the norm in many countries that import energy. We
in the US have it still real cheap.
Energy savings costs money but there is Payback. My gas tankess will
pay for itself in 2 years over electric tank, a 700$ Bosch.
In energy savings in whatever form, windows, insulation, CFL , more
efficient heating, it is common to only gain 5-15 % per upgrade. But
add them up and you really cut your bills.
It is estimated if everyone went to CFL we would need no new power
plants for 10 - 15 years. Same if everyone got a new Energy Star
refrigerator.
A bill was submitted to congress to make CFLs the bulb of choice in
US, well who defeated it - lobbied against it , the Power companies.
Phil did a good test . It would be interesting to see a use test vs a
gas tankless and one with a insulation blanket, in standby mode.
A good test Phil .
Over the life over a tankless which is 2- 3 times that of a tank 20 -
30 yrs at 10 years just the standby loss would would pay for itself at
08 kwh. At 0.12 kwh over 30 yrs it will pay for itself 4 times or
more over. And with higher rates sooner.
Now who beleives utility costs will remain stabile, no they will be up
200 - 400 % in 20 yrs, increasing Payback time. Tankless are the way
to go.