On demand water heaters

Jim_64

Am considering going from a typical stand alone gas fired water heater to an on demand type.

The existing heater is approaching 9 years in age and We`ve had issues with it`s ability to keep up during certain usage conditions,ie shower and doing laundry at the same time.

I`m in the trade and have installed them myself so I know the pros and cons of both but i`ll admit i`m leaning heavily towards the on demand type.

Just looking for real world experiences from people who have installed serviced and basically lived with them.

Thanks in advance Jim S

Mark Custis

The only way to go

if budget allows. Watch out for a restored tax credit.

We saved a customer from a disapearing out of work plumber and used his already purchased tankless to heat the floor too.

Jim_64

Thanks for the reply.

Jack Smith

Put one in my house about 7 years

ago and have had no issues. I haven't looked at since I put it in. Mine is a Rinnai.

Jim_64

Thanks, great feedback.

mark ransley

I lived with one for years a small 470$ Bosch battery ignition 117000 btu, it Needs the gas sized right and use a manometer but you know that, im no pro just a HO but I put it in myself, at 35f incomming I never needed it on high to get a hot, hot water only shower my gas bill with Ng cooking all food, gas dryer was 9$ in summer Indiana gas rates, gas bill went down 20 a month. I got a 4 yr payback, Heat up time was maybe a few seconds longer and you cant trickle flow water so there are a few things to get used to but knowing I now only pay for what I use and that tank are 55-65EF I save even more from conservation. The small Bosch is good for one use, it might do 2 but I am optimised for efficency and kept the old tank as a temper tank with bypass valves incase it leaks. Put in a drain valve at bottom and top so you can pour Lime away through it every year, If direct vent and you are in a real cold area dont put unit to close to outlet or coil can freeze, I am 5 ft and go to -15f and have been ok. For about I got a 4 yr payback as I paid a helper and ran 3/4 gas and did direct vent, my chimney went cold since I ditect vent my furnace. It a good investment if you dont spend thousands but the remote thermostat option would be nice. Base EF is 82 and tank base is 55-65 so the design saves money, I would put one in again.