...or what is the real cost of ownership over 20 years*

¹ Stiebel Eltron Model 180 Electronic Tankless Water Heater vs. GE SmartWater 80 Gallon Electric Water Heater.

² The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 25% of the average household's monthly electric bill is spent to produce hot water using a conventional tank-type electric water heater. NASA'S Transfer of Technology and Success Story web sites state that the component that NASA engineers designed for the Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater, which was patented by Stiebel Eltron Systems, will allow it to reduce what the average household spends to heat water for the home by 50%. This translates to a 12.5% (50% of 25%) reduction in your total monthly electric bill. If your monthly electric bill averages $200, your savings would amount to $25 per month or $6,000 over 20 years! A family whose total electric bill is just $100 per month would save $3,000 over the same 20 year period. Factor in the cost, the potential damage from leakage, and the resulting aggravation of replacing the conventional tank-type water heater midway through the 20 year period and you can see that there is no reason not to own the Stiebel Eltron Electronic Tankless Water Heater!

³ A conventional tank-type water heater will need replacement about midway through the 20 year analysis period. There is no way to avoid the inevitable corrosion that will eventually  cause a conventional water heater to rupture. The process of re-heating water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year causes sediment to collect on the bottom of the tank. This sediment is composed of calcium, lime and other corrosive materials. The Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater has no tank and only heats the water once, when you use it.

⁴ When the tank ruptures and water leaks into your garage, its not so bad. However, many  conventional tank-type hot water heaters are located in cloStiebel Eltron or laundry rooms inside homes. A leak can cause damage to wood floors, carpets, drywall, baseboards, furniture, and clothing. How much? Until it happens, no one can say. But do you want to find out?