When considering a new water heater, there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account. Not all water heaters are made the same, and many are designed to perform in specific conditions up to certain thresholds of functionality. Some water heaters are designed for houses with only a few residents, while others are built to accommodate larger groups in a shorter period. Two of the most trusted names in water heaters, Rheem and Navien, produce water heaters in a range of styles. Let’s take a look at an example from each manufacturer to compare them against one another.

Rheem Professional Prestige Series: High-Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent Water Heater
This tank-style water heater produces up to 93 gallons of hot water during the first hour of operation after a full recovery. Most showers use about 2 gallons per minute, so the average shower should consume no more than 20 gallons. That means this water heater can hold enough hot water for nearly five showers in the morning without losing heat. The system uses natural gas to heat water at a maximum rate of 48.5 gallons per hour with a rise of 32 degrees Celsius for a max recovery time of about an hour from full depletion.
 
 
Navien NPE-240A Water Heater
Homes with greater hot water needs would benefit from the power of a tankless system like this one from Navien. It produces up to 5.6 gallons per minute with a temperature rise of 36 degrees Celsius, so it can produce enough hot water for the continuous use of two showers. The heaters can also be installed in series to produce even higher flow rates of hot water if your needs are exceptionally great. The system also takes up less space than a traditional tank-style water heater, and it can be wall-mounted for even less obstruction to the space.

There are some significant differences between these two units in terms of performance, but the tankless systems aren’t necessarily the better option for everyone. For instance, your household might often require three or more showers running at once. A single tankless system would not be able to accommodate this, but the tank-style system can. However, the tankless system can provide longer utility at a lower pace. No matter which system you choose, ProGas will be able to help you professionally install the unit to ensure optimal performance.