How to Measure the Value of Propane Tankless Units vs. Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
September 29, 2011 by kginsberg
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
How to Measure the Value of Propane Tankless Units vs. Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
New research will compare systems under a comprehensive set of performance and economic standards.
Both propane tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are considered to be high-performance systems. But research compiled recently by Newport Partners, a building-industry research firm in Davidsonville, Md., shows that in five significant areas—energy source, economics, installation requirements, hot water delivery rates, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—propane tankless water heaters are the better option.
According to the Department of Energy, residential water heating is often the second largest user of energy in the home and can account for up to a quarter of all household energy consumption. Given the significance of this energy load, for something that homeowners use every day no matter what the climate, construction pros should train to know what the different systems have to offer. Here are some highlights from the Newport’s research compilation:
Energy Source
•Even though HPWHs, which typically run on electricity, might have high efficiency ratings, the upstream electricity that powers them results in significant CO2 emissions. Comparable propane systems emit less than half the greenhouse gases as systems running on electricity to produce the same amount of energy.
•Understanding the true meaning of an appliance’s Energy Factor (EF) is crucial when making comparisons. EF is a standardized measurement of a water heater’s ability to convert incoming energy into hot water. Using EF to compare propane vs. electric systems doesn’t work; it’s like predicting fuel costs for two identical trucks, with one running on diesel and the other gasoline. The comparison doesn’t work unless the price of the energy is factored in.
Economics
•Installed first costs for HPWHs in new construction are nearly 34 percent higher than costs for installing a propane tankless water heater. In a replacement scenario, HPWHs are at least 18 percent more expensive to purchase and install.
•On average, running an HPWH costs about $40 less per year than a propane tankless water heater. But that $40 difference doesn’t take into account a complicated installation that can cost $400 to $650 more.
•It’s important to calculate a water heater’s Annual Cost of Ownership (ACO), which is the cost for buying a unit—spread out over the system’s rated service life—and its annual energy bill. The ACO for a propane tankless unit’s service life 18 percent lower than for an HPWH in new construction and 13 percent lower in a replacement scenario. Another factor: The service life of a propane tankless unit is five to seven years longer than an HPHW.
Installation Requirements
•A propane tankless water heater can be located inside or outside, and can be used as a central system or point-of-use. Their compact sizes saves 16 square feet of space compared to HPWH units, which require at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around the appliance. HPWHs require installation in locations that remain in the 40- to 90-degree F range year-round, eliminating garage locations in many climates.
•A tankless unit has a dedicated air intake and exhaust; an HPWH exhausts cool air into the home, which can add to the heating costs.
Hot Water Delivery Rates
•Tankless systems deliver triple the hot water flow rate, on average, compared to HPWHs. Even the Energy Star qualification requirements show this difference in delivery rates.
CO2 Emissions
•The CO2 emissions for a propane tankless unit are 39 percent lower that for an HPWH.
The full study by Newport Partners is due to be published later this year. In the meantime, learn more about the advantages of water heating with propane by taking the free online CEU courses available at the Propane Training Academy.
Sportsman GEN154 2,000 Watt 80cc 4-Stroke Portable Generator
July 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
Ideal for camping trips or as a backup power source at home, the Buffalo Tools 2,000-watt portable gas generator features a 4-stroke, 80 cc engine for easy starts. It has an automatic low-oil shutoff mode to prevent engine damage, and with a 1.32-gallon fuel tank, the unit will run 9-hours at a 50-percent load. The generator is EPA approved, and comes backed with a 90-day warranty.
Midwest U013C 30-Amp RV Box with 30-Amp Breaker
July 7, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
Midwest 30-Amp RV Box with 30-Amp Breaker is a portable equipment requiring electricity and it continues to increase steadily in both number and variety. This creates the need for conveniently located receptacles.
ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt 7 HP 207cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator
July 7, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
ETQ 207cc 7 HP OHV engine with low oil shut off protection Easy pull recoil start ETQ′s Sine Power delivers clean and steady current ideal for sensitive electronics ETQ′s Sine Power delivers clean electricity with low THD waveform Large muffler ensures quiet operationWheel kit with handle included. One year manufacturer’s warranty. The TG4000 is a heavy duty, gasoline powered generator. It has a surge rating of 4000 watts and a continuous rating of 3250 watts. Fuel tank capacity: 4 gallon rate
Coleman 1-Burner Dual Fuel Sporter II Liquid Fuel Stove
July 7, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
The Coleman Duel Fuel Sportster II stove offers 10,500 BTUs of cooking power in an economical, compact package. Coleman’s Duel Fuel engineering gives you the convenience of filling the fuel tank with either cleaning-burning Coleman Liquid Fuel or unleaded gasoline. A full 2.1-pint tank runs approximately 2 hours on High. The stainless steel Band-a-Blu burner is fully adjustable for optimal cooking control. Coleman’s WindBlock system shields the burner from wind, for maximum heat and reliable ope
Generac 5735 GP17500E 26,250 Watt 992cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator With Electric Start
July 7, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
Heavy-duty generator is easy to use in a variety of applications. The 50 Amp receptacle is located on the underside of the unit. Surge Watts: 26,250
ETQ TG72K12 8,250 Watt 13 HP 420cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start
July 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
ETQ 7,250 – watt Portable Generator. Power where you need it, when you need it! Be ready for anything with this heavy-duty Power Generator. A huge 7,250W peak power juices up a jobsite and will keep essential systems running in an emergency. Hours of power: Easy push-button ignition Patented Sine Power delivers a clean, steady current ideal for sensitive electronics 14-hp 4-stroke OHV air-cooled engine; 8,250W peak watts, 7,250W continuous; 6 1/2-gallon fuel tank for 10 1/2 hours operation at
Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 30470 8,750 Watt Briggs & Stratton 2100 Series OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit
July 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
Briggs & Stratton manufactures small engines and outdoor power equipment. For 100 years, we’ve been building the engines that power the equipment people use to get the job done. That’s the reason consumers look for the Briggs & Stratton brand when they shop for power equipment. Hurricanes. Ice storms. Wind storms. You′ve seen the after-effects, entire communities without power. A generator will ensure your family has the power needed when faced with unexpected outages. Two types of generators ar
DuroMax XP4400E 4,400 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit And Electric Start
July 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
The XP4400 Features:? Durable DuroMax 7.0 Hp, air cooled OHV engine with low oil shutoff .? Heavy duty steel frame with four point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation.? Wheel kit w/ front handle for easy transporting.? Full power panel with engine shutoff switch, volt meter, circuit breaker and power outlets.? (2) Fully protected 120V outlets & (1) 120V/240V twist-lock outlet.? 8 Hour run time. ? All steel 3.2 gal. fuel tank with ez-read gauge..? Low oil shut-off prote
Sunsei 71015 SE-24000 400-Watt 16.5-Volt Solar Panel Generator
July 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Propane Fuel and Products
A perfect match for back-up power in cabins, cottages, RVs and boats, the Sunsei Solar 400-watt 16-1/2-volt charger provides reliable, renewable energy as an alternative to noisy and expensive diesel, propane and gas generators. Giving power all year round when exposed to daylight, this solar charger produces 400 watts of high-efficiency polycrystalline charges for multiple batteries at once. With an aerodynamic design, it’s specially engineered to reduce drag and withstand high vibration on mob
