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Tank Water Heaters: Better Than Ever

By Propane.com • October 24, 2019
Tankless water heaters get a lot of well-deserved press for their ability to provide nonstop hot water, but don’t dismiss the traditional propane or gas storage tank unit. This proven technology delivers the same amount of hot water in the first hour as larger electric units, and the latest models offer lower energy use and more control options than ever. Energy-efficiency improvements are thanks in part to ever-tightening regulations. In 2015, the Department of Energy raised the minimum Efficiency Factor from .58 to .60 for a 50-gallon propane or gas storage tank water heater and from .56 to .75 for a 60-gallon unit. “There were a variety of technological adjustments made to increase efficiency,” says Carl Pinto, senior director of marketing communications with Bradford White. “These included structural changes such as increased insulation and, in some cases, adjustments to venting, blowers, and controls.” Bradford White’s eF Series residential water heater is one of a new generation of ultra-high-efficiency storage units. It’s Energy Star–qualified and includes two internal heat exchangers. Plumbers have registered the improvements. “Ten years ago, there was a fair amount of heat loss out the top of a typical storage water heater,” says Mark Neld of Home Plumbing Service in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, who installs storage tank units from Rheem and Bradford White. “The newer high-efficiency atmospheric units have a [flue] damper that closes the top of the water heater off so there is no heat loss. They’re also better insulated. If you put your hand on the side of a tank full of 140-degree hot water, the shell feels cool to the touch. This equates to higher-efficiency storage.” Efficiency and recovery time A propane or gas unit will cost more than an electric one, but in cold climate zones, propane storage tank units offer a 10 percent lower annual cost of ownership than electric storage tanks. And Phoenix, Arizona, plumbing contractor George Brazil makes the case that a propane unit will offer a more satisfying experience. “If comfort is more important, gas is your best option since it has a higher recovery rate.” To make the point, he compares gas to electric heat pump water heaters. While heat pump units are very efficient, they may not keep up with households that use lots of water at once, such as when running the dishwasher and clothes washer while showering. “Say the family is drawing hot water from a 40-gallon tank,” Brazil says. “With a heat pump, once the tank has been depleted, it could take up to eight hours for it to recover and provide a full tank of hot water. On the other hand, a gas or propane water heater could recover a depleted 40-gallon tank in less than an hour.” Recovery time will be fastest with a condensing unit, which uses a heat exchanger to capture some of the heat from the exhaust gas and reuses it for water heating. With more Btus available, the water can be brought up to temperature faster. “A 100,000-Btu condensing unit will fully heat a 50-gallon tank in 20 minutes or less from a base temperature of around 70 degrees [Fahrenheit],” says Jeff Haney, residential gas product manager for Rheem. “You can start taking a shower after the first 10 minutes.” In fact, Haney says, a condensing unit will recover fast enough that most users won’t have to worry about running out of water. But others think that may be optimistic. For instance, Pinto says that while the hot-water delivery of these units will be sufficient “for most residential scenarios,” he cautions against claiming tankless-like performance. As for efficiency, Haney says today’s condensing storage units offer Uniform Energy Factors (UEF) of .85 or even .9. That’s nipping at the heels of the .95 UEF offered by some tankless water heaters. Installation and control options Condensing units also offer installation advantages. They’re called “condensing” because as exhaust gas cools in the heat exchanger, any water it contains condenses and is drained away. What’s left is cool enough — in the 125-degree range — that you can use a less expensive PVC exhaust flue, rather than a metal one. Another advantage of the best storage units is that, like tankless models, they can be controlled remotely. According to Haney, many storage units integrate with an Amazon Alexa voice controller, which will warn the homeowners if there’s a leak. And Rheem’s EcoNet mobile app lets the homeowners choose modes, such as energy-saving vacation mode, remotely from their phones. And with a condensing unit’s fast recovery time, a homeowner who cancels vacation mode when they park in the driveway should have enough hot water for a shower before they even unpack the car.
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Propane Safety FAQ

  • What Should You Do If You Smell Propane?

    On its own, propane gas is non-toxic. It produces minimal emissions and is not harmful to soil or groundwater. It also is colorless and odorless, but many propane suppliers will add a chemical compound to give propane an unpleasant smell. By doing so, propane suppliers help alert customers if a propane tank leaks — which can be a major safety hazard.


    A residential propane tank that leaks may emit gas quickly. Fortunately, the following steps will ensure you are fully prepared to handle this scenario:

    1. Extinguish all open flames and smoking materials immediately.
    2. If possible, turn off the valve on your residential propane tank by turning it to the right, or clockwise.
    3. If the odor worsens, cover the residential propane tank with a wet cloth, exit the area and call 911 or your local fire department.
    4. Don't just reuse the propane tank. Instead, have a propane supplier inspect the tank to ensure it is safe for use.
  • How Should You Handle a Propane Gas Appliance?

    You should handle a propane gas appliance with care, and here are several tips to help you do just that:

    • Use Propane Grills Outside Only: Never use a propane grill indoors — without exception.
    • Avoid Space Heating Propane Grills or Ovens: Although space heating propane grills and ovens may seem like viable options at first, they can be dangerous.
    • Avoid Using Portable Electric Generators Indoors: Keep a portable electric generator outside of a building at all times.
    • Work With a Qualified Propane Service Technician: A qualified propane service technician can connect an appliance to a propane tank and perform the necessary assessments to ensure you can maximize the value of your appliance.
  • How Should You Maintain a Propane Gas Appliance?

    A propane gas appliance requires maintenance, and some of the best ways to ensure your appliance will maintain its quality and performance include:

    • Inspect Old Appliance Connectors: If an appliance is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician assess the appliance connector. If you try to do this on your own, you risk damaging the connector and causing a propane gas leak. If you work with a service technician, however, you may be able to avoid risk and bolster your appliance's performance for years to come.
    • Check the Appliance Vents: Let the vents on your appliance breathe and ensure flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors. Remove any insects, bird nests or other debris from the vents. Clear the area around the appliance to ensure plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.
    • Don't Repair or Modify the Appliance on Your Own: If you attempt to modify, repair or replace an appliance connector, control, regulator or valve on your own, you risk causing a gas leak.
    • Propane tank safety extends beyond the tank itself, and those who focus on finding ways to take care of their propane gas appliances can manage risk like never before.

    Of course, working with a qualified propane appliance service technician can help you keep your appliance in working order. This technician possesses the training and know-how needed to fix or upgrade an appliance safely.

  • What Should You Do If There Is a Problem With Your Propane Tank and/or Outdoor Appliance?

    A propane tank is complex, and you should never modify a propane tank on your own. If you believe your propane tank is defective, don't try to modify or repair regulators, valves or other propane tank parts if you lack the proper training and expertise.


    On the other hand, you may believe your outdoor appliance is problematic. Like propane tanks, outdoor appliances are intricate, so you may want to get expert help with appliance repairs.


    Sometimes, the pilot light on an outdoor appliance may go out. If the pilot light goes out periodically, you should follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions to reignite it correctly. Follow the instructions closely and review any safety warnings before you attempt to reignite the pilot light.


    If an outdoor appliance's pilot light goes out frequently, it likely indicates there is an issue with the appliance, and you should avoid the temptation to reignite the pilot light on your own. In this case, you should get expert help to reignite the pilot light.

  • What Should You Do With a Leaky Propane Tank?

    If you find a propane tank leaks, you should never refill it. You’ll need to get the tank inspected by a qualified propane gas technician before it can be refilled.


    It is against the law to refill a tank if it’s out of date. The most recent inspection date of a propane tank is printed on the side of the tank, and you should review this information before you try to have your tank refilled.  


    The law requires periodic inspection of propane tanks, and you should evaluate a propane tank at least once a month to identify any leaks. Remember, a diligent approach to propane tank safety can make a world of difference. If you allocate even a few minutes each month to inspect your propane tank, you can manage propane tank safety risks effectively.

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