Electric HW: tank or tankless?

Patchogue Phil_26

Friend lives in an all electric development in Plano TX. No nat gas, no LPG, no oil. Old, short stubby water heater under the stairs is showing it's age (9yrs). I think it is the original builder installed.

Given the height requirements and a desire for efficient and long lasting, what would be better: another electric tank or an electric tankless?

I figure the tankless would have no standby losses but I have no idea on operating costs as compared to a tank. Nor of which costs more to buy/install. Nor of longevity.

The home is 2 bath, 1 kitchen, laundry. Existing tank of 40 gallons. 1 person occupancy.

Any recommendations?

hr

Depends somewhat

on the amount of HW they need. More importantly how much they need at what rate. Smaller tankless probably peak out at 2-3gpm.

Can't imagine the incoming water temperature gets real cold in Texas? That's a consideration when sizing.

You may need more than a typical 30 amp 240V circuit to drive one, however. Any way to upsize the circuit easily?

hot rod

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Patchogue Phil_26

tankless

> on the amount of HW they need. More importantly

> how much they need at what rate. Smaller

> tankless probably peak out at 2-3gpm.

>

> Can't

> imagine the incoming water temperature gets real

> cold in Texas? That's a consideration when

> sizing.

>

> You may need more than a typical 30

> amp 240V circuit to drive one, however. Any way

> to upsize the circuit easily?

>

> hot rod

>

> _A

> HREF="http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=

> 144&Step=30"_To Learn More About This

> Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in

> "Find A Professional"_/A_

Patchogue Phil_26

tankless wire size

Good point about the existing wiring limitations. I have not seen the house, just talking with my friend and it came up in conversation that the water heater was acting up, might need replacing and I was asked if I could recommend a good brand or features to consider. I am just thinking out loud about *maybe* a tankless would be a good replacement given the usual small selection of large capacity short stubby electric tanks.

The house is in one of those newer developments north-east of DFW. Not too cold in winter (lowest low typically 40* +/-). But wouldn't underground temp still be around 55* +/- typically down there the same as in NY/NJ?

I am sure everything is finished with drywall in and around the elec panel and garage. I've seen other of these cookie-cutter type developments in DFW area. Running heavier wire would add much to the cost.

Thanks for your input.

DaveGateway

Forget elec tankless

Gas tankless units can product over 100K of heat to instantly heat water. Electric units can use up to 80 to 90 AMPS of power for a residental size unit. Many only offer 1/2" piping. The electric WH works well since the slower/lower amp heating elements heat up a buffer of water over a longer period. They all have a life span of only 10 yrs. Maybe just try to find a 50 gal low-boy (tough) if they're running out of hot water.

hr

This 14 KW

Seisco uses two seperate 30 amp circuits to power it. About 1.5 gpm at 69° rise. Enough for a low flow shower head

Fun to watch it modulate the current draw as it runs up to temperature.

Made in Texas, too!

I didn't have much luck using it on a small radiant though.

hot rod

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

hr

Actually made just

south of Texas

hot rod

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"