Are propane water heaters efficient?
Whether or not propane water heaters are efficient is highly dependent upon how one defines efficiency. Does the definition pertain to convenience, ease of use, and the certainty that hot water will be available at all times? Or, does it refer to energy costs and environmental friendliness? Propane water heaters are quite efficient under all these criteria, at least as compared to electric water heaters. It is a fact that approximately one fifth of the average household’s yearly energy costs are caused by its hot water heater. The price of showers, baths, hot tubs, and dishwashers do not come cheap. They do however, become somewhat less expensive with propane. Water heaters basically come in two forms. Most heaters are of the storage tank variety. They hold 50 or more gallons of water, and keep it heated at all times. The second type of heater, more expensive at the onset but very cost-effective in the long term, is the tankless water heater. These devices may have a somewhat lower flo
