Heat Pump Water Heater vs Tankless: Which Is the Smarter Choice?

In this article, we compare two of the most popular types of water heaters—heat pump water heater vs tankless water heater—to help you make the best choice for your home or commercial space.

Hot water is important for residential and some commercial spaces. When it’s time to replace or buy a new water heater, you may be swayed because water heaters are generally not replaced very often.

What is The Heat Pump Water Heater?

Heat pump water heaters (HPWH), sometimes also called electric heat pump water heaters or hybrid heat pump water heaters.

Heat pump water heaters operate on the same principle as general heat pumps. The heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground to the water in the tank. The domestic water tank is usually built into it.

What is The Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heater, sometimes also called Instant water heater. As the name suggests, is a water heater that does not require a water tank.

Tankless water heaters use electric heating elements or gas burners to heat water on demand. When cold water flows through pipes into the water heater, the heating elements quickly heat the water. Hot water flows from the water heater and to your open faucet.

Heat Pump Water Heater vs Tankless Water Heater

When choosing between Heat pump water heater vs tankless, there are several key aspects to consider: energy efficiency, performance, size, water volume, installation, maintenance, applicable area, safety, durability, environmental impact, and cost. Let’s look at the pros and cons of heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters.

Energy Efficiency

• Heat Pump Water Heater: Thanks to heat pump technology, heat pump water heaters are energy efficient. Since it does not generate heat directly, it uses 75% less energy than traditional electric resistance water heaters.
• Tankless Water Heater: It is also more efficient than traditional water heaters. Since it consumes energy only when the appliance needs hot water, it is less susceptible to standby heat loss.

Performance

• Heat Pump Water Heaters: It is available in a variety of capacities. Their capacity can meet the hot water needs of an average family, so you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water during the shower, and it can also be used by multiple people at the same time.
• Tankless Water Heater: It can provide an almost unlimited amount of hot water. This water heater is perfect for a long shower or a relaxing soak in the tub. However, the flow rate will be limited if multiple people are using it. Reduced flow rate will result in inefficient heating and cold water.

Size

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It is a cylindrical water heater that is available in both standing and wall-mounted versions. Its size depends on the built-in water tank capacity.
• Tankless Water Heater: It is wall-mounted and takes up less space than a water heater that requires a tank. The tankless design is compact and space-saving.

Water Volume

• Heat Pump Water Heater: Its water volume depends on the built-in water tank capacity. It typically has a capacity of 40 to 80 gallons. This capacity range is suitable for families with 1-5 people. You need to wait until the water in the tank runs out.
• Tankless Water Heater: Since it heats the water as you use it, there is a limit to how much water it can heat at one time. Typically, the maximum water volume ranges from 2 to 5 gallons per minute.

If you want multiple outlets to use hot water at the same time, a heat pump water heater is the smarter choice. If you don’t want to wait, a tankless water heater is better.

Installation

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It is easy to install. Just connect the water outlet, water inlet, power plug, etc.
• Tankless Water Heater: Installation is more complex and may require adjustments to plumbing, electrical systems, ventilation systems, or gas lines.

Maintenance

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It is equipped with an air filter, which should be inspected and cleaned monthly. Check and clean the condenser and evaporator coils. Check the anode rods annually. Regularly check the temperature and pressure relief valves.
• Tankless Water Heater: Clean and inspect system monthly; Clean water filter every 6 months; Clean air filter every 6 months; Test pressure relief valve annually; Descale and flush system annually

Both types of water heaters should be flushed by a technician once or twice a year. A water heater flush helps remove scale from the water heater.

Applicable Area

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It is suitable for areas with milder climates.
• Tankless Water Heater: It fits any area.

Safety

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It uses no gas or fuel, which means there is no risk of carbon monoxide leaks. It is the safest and healthiest choice for home hot water.
• Tankless Water Heaters: Gas tankless water heaters burn fuel, which means there is always a risk of carbon monoxide leaks.

Durability

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It typically has a service life about 15 years.
• Tankless Water Heater: It has a service life of up to 20 years

Environmental Impact

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It uses less energy than other water heaters. Because it draws heat from the surrounding air or ground rather than generating it directly, it reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Tankless Water Heater: It eliminates standby heat losses, so it consumes less energy and has less impact on the environment. But fuel-burning tankless water heaters are polluting the environment.

Cost

• Heat Pump Water Heater: It usually costs between $1,500 and $3,500. In addition, you may be able to get government subsidies to reduce your costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pump water heaters are three times more energy efficient than electric water heaters. This means significant long-term savings on your utility bills.
• Tankless Water Heater: Tankless gas water heaters range in price from $1,000 to $3,800. Heating the water only once will use less energy, but it won’t save you a lot of money.

Key Comparison: Heat Pump vs Tankless

Which Is the Smarter Choice? Heat Pump Water Heater

After reading the above, it is clear that heat pump water heaters offer several advantages over tankless water heaters.

For most homeowners looking to save energy and reduce costs, a heat pump water heater is the smarter choice.

1. Easy to install.
2. Reduce purchase and installation costs.
3. Save on energy bills.
4. Reduce carbon footprint and lower energy consumption.
5. More efficient.
6. Choosing the right capacity will ensure optimal performance.

Need heat pump water heaters? Contact us today to find the best solution for your home or business!