Tankless Water Heater

[Kojak]

I am condsidering a new tankless water heater. Anybody have any experience with these that could offer a recommendation on brand?

I see alot of good info on SETS.

BTW - I am looking for electric, not gas. Seems like the choices are limited with electric.

Thanks.

[Alli]

Why electric? (just wondering) I remember seeing something on tv about having tankless water heaters.. i'd do it if it saves up some space.

[Kojak]

Well, it primarily has to do with the cost of operating. The cost of gas has risen dramatically and I think it will continue to go up. It is getting to the point where electric is more cost effective. 20-30 years ago when tankless heaters came out gas was significantly less and that is why most manufacturers went this direction.

This from what I've read recently, but what do I know ?

[Joe]

I plan on going tankless when I get my standby generator installed. Since I am installing a 500gallon LP tank, I might as well switch the appliances to use LP that can... since LP is more effecient and it will not add drain to the generator... :)

As far as electric tankless water heaters, do they REALLY save that much? I found that I saved a decent amount just by insulating the tank. The heating element would have to heatup the water passing over it pretty quick thus it would have to burn some current... I wonder what the real difference is in savings?

[Kojak]

I plan on going tankless when I get my standby generator installed. Since I am installing a 500gallon LP tank, I might as well switch the appliances to use LP that can... since LP is more effecient and it will not add drain to the generator... :)

As far as electric tankless water heaters, do they REALLY save that much? I found that I saved a decent amount just by insulating the tank. The heating element would have to heatup the water passing over it pretty quick thus it would have to burn some current... I wonder what the real difference is in savings?


I have read claims of up to 50% on electric, but I haven't seen any "real" data on this. The technology has improved greatly on the electric side over the past several years, from what I've read. I think in another year or two we'll see more electric units avaliable. I need to analyze the difference between electric and gas, not sure which would be better.

Also, I think in a larger home maybe a gas unit would be better (water has farther to travel and more time to cool). I am in a condo and don't think that should be an issue. The water has literelly 15 ft to travel to the shower/kitchen, etc.

[Charles]

I'd think if your hot water heater is insulated well and not in need of major repairs(faulty coils) etc, there isn't much to be gained going "tankless". Last I looked those things are $$$$ too.

The days it's hit the mid 90's here, I haven't even had any cool water in the house.......just warm and hot :lol:

[1BADP71]

just buy a timer and put it on the heater .

[Billy]

We've sold some and have heard from the installers that the people liked them....personally I probably wouldn't do anything bigger then a small point of use tankless heater sinkside.

[The Latin Spice]

i hated my gas heater in south america. that think burned me alive everytime. talk about insta-hot

[Aharon]

I have a tankless gas water heater. Works great. If I ever built a home, I would probably do a bunch of small ones. One for the kitchen, one for the master bath, and one for the rest of the house. This way I am only paying for a small amount of gas directed towards the area in which I am using it.

[oh1coupe]

I have a tankless gas water heater. Works great. If I ever built a home, I would probably do a bunch of small ones. One for the kitchen, one for the master bath, and one for the rest of the house. This way I am only paying for a small amount of gas directed towards the area in which I am using it.


I think that type of installation is the best application of the concept.

[ItsYaBoyIan]

i hated my gas heater in south america. that think burned me alive everytime. talk about insta-hot
I've personally never seen a tankless hot water heater without a temperature dial.



I've installed 3 tankless hot water heaters, myself. Very easy to do if you know what you're doing with copper.
I've noticed an increase in the electric bill, slightly though.. nothing worth getting your panties in a bunch over.
Personally, i love them.. the conveinence of having endless hot water is what i love.

As for brand, Powerstar AE115's are what i've dealt with. Lowes (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&Ne=5000+300&category=PowerStar&N=0+1000092+4294964747) sells them.

[oh1coupe]

I.....
I've noticed an increase in the electric bill, slightly though.. nothing worth getting your panties in a bunch over.


Is yours in series with a tank, or is it a stand alone unit?

[ItsYaBoyIan]

Is yours in series with a tank, or is it a stand alone unit?
Stand alone.

Love it. :)