Opt for On-Demand Hot Water

There's lots of talk about "tankless water heaters" in the energy-saving news lately, particularly since such devices qualify for an energy tax credit for the rest of 2010.

While expensive up front, the on-demand heaters, whether propane, natural gas or electric, offer the ability to rid one's self of heating 40- to 50- or more gallons of water and maintaining it at 120 to 140 degrees F. throughout the day and night. Such storage and maintenance costs btus and kilowatts 24/7 -- just to meet your need for hot water to wash your hands or take a five-minute shower.

Tankless water heaters use powerful elements or burners to heat water on-demand, and will keep that hot water flowing as long as you keep the faucet turned on. The cost savings over a year can be significant, and most comparisons show it doesn't take too long for on-demand heaters to pay for themselves.

So, it was with delight recently I found a portable propane-powered water heater to install in my shop building. The little unit cost under $110, will flow 1.4 gallons per minute (enough to easily serve a sink or shower, but not at the same time) with 80 to 130 degree F. water. It is powered with a 20-pound propane bottle, that is supposed to provide a total of 18 hours burn time. A friend of mine spent about $150 on a four-gallon electric water heater for his shop, and says he has "no idea of how many kilowatts" he's using day-in-and-out, just for the occasional hand washing he does after a project.

So, if you have a remote shop sink or restroom, consider a portable tankless water heater -- you could even use it outside to wash the dog or a horse, or your pickup truck!