New Water Heater

John_11

I am looking into getting a new water heater. I currently have a 10+-year-old 40 gal gas unit. I MUST replace it with a gas unit (Propane), I do not want electric and oil is too expensive. The new unit must provide hot water to two adults and 2 children. I am not sure if I should go with a 50 gal or stay with a 40. It seems like once in a while we do run out of hot water (when the wife wants to take a long bath). This might be due to an inefficient unit we currently have. I would like the new unit as efficient as I can get it. What is the general rule of thumb in buying a new unit? Should I just look at the energy Factor? What is a good EF number? Any help is greatly appreciated. PS I have also seen the hot water on demand units are those any good, and would they keep up? Thanks again. John

ed wallace

water heater

if you heat by hot water you might look at an indirect storage tank longer warrenty and better recovery it just a thought

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BillW@honeywell

Water heater

If you already have hydronic heat from a hot water boiler, consider an indirect. If not, check the yellow Energy Efficiency tags on any unit you are considering. The water heater is the 2nd largest energy user in your home; it pays to purchase the most efficient unit your budget will allow. "EnergyStar" rated appliances are the most efficient.

Al Letellier

water heater

You must be getting a great deal on propane if you think oil is expensive(just a thought) As to point of use heaters, Rinnai makes a unit called Continuum. It's wall hung, direct vent, variable input 19,000 to over 150,000 BTU"S and can make 8 gallons/minute of hot water. No storage losses and very quiet operation.
We've installed several and no lack of hot water complaints.
We have a job where we installed two unit outdoors(no vent needed), used one of them for radiant heating and the other for domestic hot water and no problems or freeze-ups(and it's been cold here in Maine this winter).
Give this unit a good look!

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