Your take on tankless water heaters - DIY Chatroom

NowItsShowtime · 10-05-2009, 12:20 PM

I seem to get a lot of mixed reviews. Lets hear some opinions.

I was going to go with a high efficiency 40-50 gallon unit to begin with. Space is a big issue. I could make the 50 gallon fit, but if anythign needs to be serviced on that wall or with plumbing, uh oh. There is also a nice tax rebate avail with the tankless unit, and all plumbing needs to be re-done anyway whether its tankless or tank unit. New gas line is also being brought in regardless, so the increased BTU/pipe sizing is not an issue.

Still any reason I should avoid the tankless?

zootjeff · 10-05-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NowItsShowtime

I seem to get a lot of mixed reviews. Lets hear some opinions.

I was going to go with a high efficiency 40-50 gallon unit to begin with. Space is a big issue. I could make the 50 gallon fit, but if anythign needs to be serviced on that wall or with plumbing, uh oh. There is also a nice tax rebate avail with the tankless unit, and all plumbing needs to be re-done anyway whether its tankless or tank unit. New gas line is also being brought in regardless, so the increased BTU/pipe sizing is not an issue.

Still any reason I should avoid the tankless?

Be weary of the "Cold water sandwich". Other then that, they're great.

Viper16 · 10-05-2009, 02:53 PM

since you are going with a gas unit I would recommend it. the electric ones depending on the demand can cause the house lights to dim...it can be prevented with additional equipment...but that is just more to go wrong.

bob22 · 10-05-2009, 09:04 PM

I've heard of hard water scaling build-up issues; would depend on the mineral content of your local water.

concretemasonry · 10-05-2009, 09:14 PM

Just make sure you have a tankless unit that is built according to the European standards where they have been using them for many years because of the economy (including the high initial cost) and function. - Cheap knock-offs are becoming too common and some of the good suppliers are not interested in the U.S. market.

Dick

plumber Jim · 10-06-2009, 11:52 AM

Just be sure you get a good install and the right heater for your needs. as far as mineral buildup, Make sure you have the isolation valves installed that let you clean the heater exchanger easily.

vsheetz · 10-06-2009, 05:01 PM

I have Bosch tankless heater now for a few years - my wife and love it. Endless hot water for long showers or to fill the soaking tub. And the space savings in the garage / workshop is a good thing.

The unit does not have a standing pilot light, which I like - rather a pizeo electric gizmo ingites the burner when water flows.

It's just the two of us, so I feel we save a goodly amount of energy and cost by not keeping a big tank of water hot for occational usage.

Red Squirrel · 10-06-2009, 05:28 PM

I like tanked heaters as if the gas/power goes out (some gas ones still require power) at least I still have hot water for a while.

Ex: you're in the shower, power goes out, at least you will have remaining hot water to finish up.