Anyone using a tankless water heater?

[newsong]

We need to get a new water heater and we're also looking to cut down on our ever increasing electric/natural gas bills. My dh was reading about tankless water heaters last night and ask me to inquire if any of you are using these and what your experience has been with them. He was looking at the Titan brand.

 

The tank heats up 3 gallons at a time. We wondering how much energy would be used in the periodic spurts of heat needed versus the continuous heat used with a conventional water heater. We have a large family (10) so the number of showers/baths and laundry cycles are pretty high. Any insights you can offer would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Sandy

[Spy Car]

We need to get a new water heater and we're also looking to cut down on our ever increasing electric/natural gas bills. My dh was reading about tankless water heaters last night and ask me to inquire if any of you are using these and what your experience has been with them. He was looking at the Titan brand.

 

The tank heats up 3 gallons at a time. We wondering how much energy would be used in the periodic spurts of heat needed versus the continuous heat used with a conventional water heater. We have a large family (10) so the number of showers/baths and laundry cycles are pretty high. Any insights you can offer would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Sandy

 

Sandy we have a "Takagi" brand tankless and LOVE IT!

 

The energy savings are considerable. And with a family of 10 you will never need to worry about "running out" of hot water. You will need to make sure the unit you are considering will meet the "flow" requirements of your peak demand (or the flow rate gets cut).

 

Many people with high demands use more than one tankless and split the plumbing into "zones". This can help in getting hot water to the tap quicker as it reduces "travel time". Otherwise, there is "instant" hot water.

 

Once installed, you won't notice any "differences" other than the bills should be lower and you never have the hot water run out.

 

If you depend on the shower getting "cold" as your "rationing plan" then you could fall victim to the "law of unintended consequences". Outside that, these are a good thing.

 

There was another thread on this subject recently. You might try a search. IMS, all who have them are very positive about "tankless" and can't understand why someone would choose anything else.

 

HTH

 

Bill

[Melissa in CA]

We don't have one but we plan to eventually get one. My husband's parents and sister both have them installed in their homes and absolutely love them. Our home is 6 years new, with a now 6 year old water heater. When this thing dies, and I know it will because it's a cheapie, we will replace it with a tankless.

 

I say, go for it! :thumbup:

[sdWTMer]

I've heard that the Rinnai one is really, really good!

[G5052]

DH is a former commerical air conditioning/power guy and has done a lot of plumbing over the years. He researched it when we had some extra funds and want to replace our contractor-grade one two years ago. He talked turkey with several plumber friends and went to the local "for the trade" plumbing supply store, and we decided not to go that way. Here's a good summary article: http://www.keidel.com/mech/water-heater-tankless.htm.

 

We bought a larger one with a much better energy rating and have been happy with it.