tankless hot water - Gas

DaveH

DaveH

Joined
Dec 2, 1999
Messages
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I'm looking at getting a tankless hot water heater, hot water on demand, blah, blah blah.

Anybody have one or have some recomendations?
 
DaveH said:
I'm looking at getting a tankless hot water heater, hot water on demand, blah, blah blah.

Anybody have one or have some recomendations?
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I've installed sink dispensers and whole house units, when they work, they work great, but they are more expensive to replace or repair.

Why are you considering changing over?
 
Basically, when you turn on hot water, the burners come on on the tankless heater, heating a pipe which in turn heats the water. In a way, you only make what you use. It is a pretty good idea.

I have heard of one downside, and that is if you are using a lot of hot water at one time, like more than one or two showers going at the same time. I don't know if it is always an issue, or if there have been advancements, but that's the only one i know of.

I think it's a great idea for people with gas heating, but I have electric.

BTW, I got this info from an episode of Tis Old House or something liek that on a sunday morning...just me, Norm, a box of frosted flakes, and a gallon of 2% milk.
 
They use them in Taiwan a lot and they're not good for guys (or girls) who like high volumes of very hot water. The hotter you want it, the slower the water will flow. I don't know if newer models will have that problem...
 
The idea is not at all new ,it was made for at least 60 years.It's used in applications where there is occasional demand. It eliminates the storage tank of course.I saw the This Old House segment and did some research. If the incoming water is 70F as in Florida, it's not too bad but if it's 55F as from my well you have to put huge amounts of electric power [or gas ] into it in a short time.
 
Yeah, at first I thought they'd be just the ticket, then what I'd like is 4+ gallons a minute with 80 - 100 degree rise (for winter) time. What I've see so far can't get above 2 gallons (or less) with that kind of rise.
 
MelancholyMutt said:
They use them in Taiwan a lot and they're not good for guys (or girls) who like high volumes of very hot water. The hotter you want it, the slower the water will flow. I don't know if newer models will have that problem...
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I have a 3F house with the bathroom on the 3rd floor. The shower head is off a 'Power Shower' and the water is pumped from a 500L reserve tank outside. I get it to 43C without any loss of flow. It all depends on how big the boiler is. Mine measures about 2' x 20" x 8" The maker is Rinnai. These are great if you guys have a cabin or similar. A pal of mine is thinking of buying them to export to Canada. Just get a propane tank and you are set.

Currently its about 10 C out side and the tank is above ground, so the water will be the same as the ambient. No loss of performance at this temp. If you live in such a cold place how about fitting a second smaller one just before the shower to give it a boost? :D
 
DaveH said:
I'm looking at getting a tankless hot water heater, hot water on demand, blah, blah blah.

Anybody have one or have some recomendations?
Click to expand...
I've got one in my condo in Beijing. They're quite common there. It functions well and we have hot water when we need it. It's some local brand. I can't recall what but I'm sure it's not available on this side of the Pacific.

I wouldn't hesitate to get one if I were considering options for hot water in my abode.
 
You may want to check out a Cirulation Pump on the Heater. I have a large house and its pretty far to the rear (and the upstairs) bathrooms from the Heater so the Circ Pump keeps the Hot Water available to all areas (no more waiting 3 or 4 minutes for the hot water to arrive), it may also help to increase your pressure. As the water is heated it is automatically pumped into the lines, which I think allows for longer shower times at the same Hot Temp (not sure about this). My pump is made by "Grundfos".

I'm sure it is not as efficient as the On Demand type but it is very nice! :D
 
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