[J S Machine]

Over the last couple of months, I have been researching ways to reduce energy consumption. One of the things I hear mentioned on occasion is a inline water heater system or continuous heating system. I figured I'd ask the guys here that install these systems for recommendations, or advice on which way to look.

Right now I have one of the 100 gallon or so water heaters. It is about 2' in diameter and maybe 5-6' tall.

If I really can save money with a continuous system, what type should I look at and expect to spend?

 

[Bondo]

or advice on which way to look.

Ayuh,.... Google up, "On Demand" water heaters,...

Mixed feelin's here, had 2, Great when they worked,....

 

[beenthere]

Does your area have a lot of power outages? If so, keep in mind that a continuous/tankless will need power to give you any hot water. Where as a tank will have its gallons stored.

 

[joecaption]

May want to check out the cost to install first.
I most cases what you have there not for wiring or gas piping in not going to work and have to be all redone.
Factor that in, and the cost of having to have it back flushed about every year.

 

[J S Machine]

Can I not do it myself? For what it's worth, we don't have gas anything. If we ever did, I assume it would be propane, because we don't have natural gas piping. I'm not sure if natural gas can be stored in a tank?

Either way I was assuming an electric thankless system.

 

[Bud9051]

If your water heater is currently located within your conditioned space, basement or other, then most of the heat that is lost is contributing to heating your home. Summer is the exception.

Heat pump water heaters would offer more in savings and reduce summer humidity and do some cooling.

In general, going from a large heated storage tank to an on demand system doesn't save a ton of money thus the money you would spend might yield better saving in other places.

Bud

 

[J S Machine]

Water heater is currently in the garage in it's own closet type room, which is not heated and cooled like then inside of the house. I'd assume it is also on the garage side of the fire rated sheetrock that separates the garage and house. It is wrapped in insulation about 1.5" thick.

 

[Bud9051]

Do Check out the heat pump water heaters. In your warmer climate they should use half or less electricity. Have you determined how much your hot water is costing currently?

Bud

 

[J S Machine]

No I guess I need to get an amp clamp meter. I'm not sure exactly how to tell how much it is using. I have also never hears of a heat pump water heater.

 

[Ghostmaker]

http://www.rheem.com/product/water-heating-heat-pump-professional-prestige-series-hybrid-heat-pump

Your state or local utility may have a program to encourage you to switch.