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We had great hot water when we moved into our house 9 months ago. But around 4 months ago, our hot water started running out after a few minutes. Now, only the first person to shower in the morning gets hot water. Called an appliance repair service, but they said there probably isn't anything they can do.
So we are thinking of replacing the water heater, but we are not sure whether to go tankless or not. We have a traditional tank water heater right now that runs on natural gas. My understanding is that the tankless will provide unlimited hot water and will save money on electricity. But I also have read that the savings are illusory because they cost so much more up front to purchase and install. Also, I've read that the tankless heaters wont work when the power goes out, which is a big issue on LI given our terrible power infrastructure.
I was wondering where other people have come out on this issue.
The other option you may want to consider is an indirect HW heater. It's basically just a storage tank that you place on a separate zone and your gas boiler (if you have one and not a hot air furnace) heats the water. We did this a few years ago and like its recovery time. Depending on the size of your family, you can get 30, 40 or 50 gallon units. We did a 30 and its more than sufficient for showers, dishwasher and laundry for 2 people.
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"Let this year be over..."
(set 22 days ago)
Location: Where my bills arrive
19,219 posts, read 17,091,524 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jkg6411
So we are thinking of replacing the water heater, but we are not sure whether to go tankless or not. We have a traditional tank water heater right now that runs on natural gas. My understanding is that the tankless will provide unlimited hot water and will save money on electricity. But I also have read that the savings are illusory because they cost so much more up front to purchase and install. Also, I've read that the tankless heaters wont work when the power goes out, which is a big issue on LI given our terrible power infrastructure.
I was wondering where other people have come out on this issue.
I would go tankless and probally will the next time we replace our HW Heater. How would a gas HW Heater save on electricity as you stated?
There are two things I love about tankless: unlimited hot water
No upleasant surprises when the hot water tank decides to die and leak two inches of water all over the first floor of your condo... and invade the condo next door. .. leaving your HO insurance carrier and the condo insurance carrier fighting over who is NOT responsible.
True.. no electricity.. no hot water with tankless. Though LI is so bad with power infrastructure... I'd get a natural gas generator.
I did look into the tankless water heater .. the unit size I was looking at which was for a normal 2 bath house needed a 60 amp breaker . My 200 amp breaker panel is full with most of the breakers doubled already . So in my situation I would need a electrician to add a sub panel , which means more money added to my cost ... Just a thought people need to know ..... ..all my appliances are electric is the reason for a full panel ..no gas ..
If I chose a tankless heat I wold go with Rinnai.....very good unit.
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..all my appliances are electric is the reason for a full panel ..no gas ..
