• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

in the market for a new hot water heater

sao123

sao123

Lifer
how well do they heat water? Do they get it real hot? How about under load where 2 seperate hot waters are being used (shower + dishwashwer)...
Are they more efficient than a regular tank? Should I go with the Natural gas or Electric one?


any information will be appreciated.
 
I have one and it is loud as fudge when you turn on the hot water. I have a digital control inside my house to turn it on and off and set the temp. The hottest mine will go is 120*F and I have no problems when using multiple hot water sources. Mine is an exterior unit.
 
I briefly looked at them a couple of years ago. I went with a tanked unit, the usual, mostly due to price. I would go tankless next time. The are more efficent, can supply 2 uses(confirm it though), and I would not go electric, only gas.
 
From what I've read, they have a higher initial cost, but cost significantly less to operate because they don't have to constantly keep a tank of water hot.
 
We're looking for one too, and are kind of leaning towards the Rheem RTG-53. I really don't know how this model compares to other brands, but I've dealt with the local shop that sells Rheem before and really like them.
 
Originally posted by: Kenazo
har har. That must be some plumber humor.
Click to expand...
I am sure it is a pet peeve of many a plumber, but saying "hot water heater" is like saying "ATM machine". It is redundant.

I'm surprised I'm the only one to bring this up with all the grammar nazis here.
 
I used to have one, and I loooooooved it. We did go with the one that was supposed to handle two demands at once, such as a dishwasher and a shower. When you run water from one location, it's everything they promise, and it lowered our gas bill by 2/3, when combined with getting rid of our old water tank.

Cons:
1. Takes longer for hot water to reach the tap, so you're running water waiting for it to get hot.
2. It won't let you set the temp higher than 120 degrees.
3. When you're running water from two locations, you get cooler water at both than if you're just running to one location.
 
They are nice, but unless you are building a new house, replacing a traditional water heater with a tanlkless unit can be expensive because of labor costs.

That is unless you are doing the labor and mods yourself.

 
Originally posted by: sixone
I used to have one, and I loooooooved it. We did go with the one that was supposed to handle two demands at once, such as a dishwasher and a shower. When you run water from one location, it's everything they promise, and it lowered our gas bill by 2/3, when combined with getting rid of our old water tank.

Cons:
1. Takes longer for hot water to reach the tap, so you're running water waiting for it to get hot.
2. It won't let you set the temp higher than 120 degrees.
3. When you're running water from two locations, you get cooler water at both than if you're just running to one location.
Click to expand...

Thats not all that hot, i like hot baths!
 
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: Kenazo
har har. That must be some plumber humor.
Click to expand...
I am sure it is a pet peeve of many a plumber, but saying "hot water heater" is like saying "ATM machine". It is redundant.

I'm surprised I'm the only one to bring this up with all the grammar nazis here.
Click to expand...

How about ABS brakes?
 
Originally posted by: Analog
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: Kenazo
har har. That must be some plumber humor.
Click to expand...
I am sure it is a pet peeve of many a plumber, but saying "hot water heater" is like saying "ATM machine". It is redundant.

I'm surprised I'm the only one to bring this up with all the grammar nazis here.
Click to expand...

How about ABS brakes?
Click to expand...
Hmm. That isn't as bad as "ATM Machine", since it isn't actually redundant. But it doesn't roll off the tongue very well if you say it unabbreviated.

It's describing a system within the braking system, so it should technically be "brakes ... ABS".
 
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: Kenazo
har har. That must be some plumber humor.
Click to expand...
I am sure it is a pet peeve of many a plumber, but saying "hot water heater" is like saying "ATM machine". It is redundant.

I'm surprised I'm the only one to bring this up with all the grammar nazis here.
Click to expand...

Well in reality a water heater with a tank, heats hot water still. That is their inefficiency.

A tankless has a lot of variables, some are for a single use (faucet), some are dual...you need a home heater though to do it right.

Many power companies offer rebates for them, esp if using gas.

 
Man, there seems to be more comments about the lack of correct grammar in "hot water heater" than there is about the actual topic... 😉

So. Does anyone actually know enough about these things to recommend a particular brand/model?
 

Low amperage electric is only good for low consumption usage require at least 50 Amp.

90-120 Amp is regularly use for home hot water supply (some can double as hydronic heating system but require higher Amperage or multiple systems).

Gas is the best way to go because it can deliver very high Btu rating instantaneously that rival gallon/minute volume of traditional hot water tank (also can double as boiler for hydronic heat source).

Initial cost is higher than traditional HWT, but there could be a saving in fuel/electricity. Cost of running gas line to the house can be moderately high & same as running new wirings for electricity. Cost will be even higher if the resident require additional electrical service to boost the house service a few hundred Amps to accommodate the electric instant on-demand water heater.

Hard water is harder on tankless water heater than traditional HWT.

My personal opinion is that electric is not worth the headache, and gas is the bee knees (high Btu but will require service after 1-3 years of usage because burner & igniter need to be clean/replace), or stainless steel HWT (HWT has high initial cost, but will save in the long run due to long lifespan that alleviate costly service plumber visits.)

<-- Installs tankless HWT when customer ask for it, but do not know what they are really like. So far no complaint from customer.

 
Originally posted by: sixone
I used to have one, and I loooooooved it. We did go with the one that was supposed to handle two demands at once, such as a dishwasher and a shower. When you run water from one location, it's everything they promise, and it lowered our gas bill by 2/3, when combined with getting rid of our old water tank.

Cons:
1. Takes longer for hot water to reach the tap, so you're running water waiting for it to get hot.
2. It won't let you set the temp higher than 120 degrees.
3. When you're running water from two locations, you get cooler water at both than if you're just running to one location.
Click to expand...
Depends on the make & model but most should let you set to at least 140F....may require internal dip switch adjustment for this option. High Btu electric tankless system can go as high as 180-190F.

Standard factory default for HWT is 60C (140F) to prevent Legionella bacteria growth.

 
We just remodelled and put a tankless in. it takes like 15-20 seconds to heat up the water after you turn on the faucet. A little longer depending on the distance from the heater your faucet is. I didn't really notice any drop off in temperature though. I'd recommend it.
 
Had considered it a couple years ago but decided against it. I had found a few people who had posted experiences on the web and weren't that happy. A couple people said the tankless sellers only talk about the energy savings but neglect to mention that the units need to be serviced every year (another plumber bill).

If your incoming water is very cold, like northern states in the winter, it may not be able to heat the water to the level you want. Tankless heaters can only raise the temperature of incoming water so much.

For us it would have been an expensive retrofit to get the outside venting required and with annual energy savings of only about $40 (gas), it wasn't worth it for us. It never would have paid for itself.

There are situations where it does make sense, but it didn't for us.
 
They need to be serviced every year??? HUH? I have never heard that!

Originally posted by: kranky
Had considered it a couple years ago but decided against it. I had found a few people who had posted experiences on the web and weren't that happy. A couple people said the tankless sellers only talk about the energy savings but neglect to mention that the units need to be serviced every year (another plumber bill).

If your incoming water is very cold, like northern states in the winter, it may not be able to heat the water to the level you want. Tankless heaters can only raise the temperature of incoming water so much.

For us it would have been an expensive retrofit to get the outside venting required and with annual energy savings of only about $40 (gas), it wasn't worth it for us. It never would have paid for itself.

There are situations where it does make sense, but it didn't for us.
Click to expand...

 
Gas instantaneous is okay, especially if you don't use a lot of hot water at any one time. As has been said, electric is a real juice hog, basically steer well clear.

I would honestly suggest solar with gas booster, but i don't know what your hours of sunlight are like (very economical here in Perth, Western Australia 😉)...
 
Originally posted by: NoShangriLa

Gas is the best way to go because it can deliver very high Btu rating instantaneously that rival gallon/minute volume of traditional hot water tank (also can double as boiler for hydronic heat source).

Initial cost is higher than traditional HWT, but there could be a saving in fuel/electricity. Cost of running gas line to the house can be moderately high & same as running new wirings for electricity. Cost will be even higher if the resident require additional electrical service to boost the house service a few hundred Amps to accommodate the electric instant on-demand water heater.

Hard water is harder on tankless water heater than traditional HWT.

My personal opinion is that electric is not worth the headache, and gas is the bee knees (high Btu but will require service after 1-3 years of usage because burner & igniter need to be clean/replace), or stainless steel HWT (HWT has high initial cost, but will save in the long run due to long lifespan that alleviate costly service plumber visits.)

<-- Installs tankless HWT when customer ask for it, but do not know what they are really like. So far no complaint from customer.
Click to expand...

Good post. I am getting mine installed next month to take advantage of the $400 tax incentive in VA. We have sold thousands and have very few problems (gas models).

All the ones I've seen do a max of 140deg.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top