We are considering switching our convention hot water tank system over to this "new" tankless system. Has anyone had experience with a tankless hot water system in their homes? If so, please share you experience, thanks!
Here is a link to the company's site we are considering if you are interested in checking it out: http://foreverhotwater.com/index.php
2007-01-28 16:41:10 · 8 answers · asked by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Tankless water heaters have actually been around for decades, and have been used in Europe for even longer. They have received recent attention due to the surge towards sustainable energy systems for residential and commercial construction. This is primarily being regulated by the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system. The more efficient and sustainable a building is, the higher the LEED rating it receives. I am a LEED accredited engineer, and I have researched many sustainable options for homes. Hot water is one of the biggest energy consumers in a home. For how often you need hot water, there are up to 23 hours in a day where you pay to keep hot water waiting in a tank. Tankless water heaters offer reduced energy consumption, and never ending hot water. Both are benefits. The trouble is finding one that is truly energy efficient, and that has the capacity that you and your household need. Check their efficiancy rating and the gallons per minute capacity that they have. I would suggest four manufacturers to research based on efficiency, and local availability.
Bosch
Rheem
Takagi
Noritz
I have not heard of Rinnai before, but that does not mean they are not a respectable manufacturer. Ask a few local installers, and they can give you a heads up. Please note that they will tend to favor the brands for whom they install, but you can usually get a good opinion.
I would also stress the importance of having a certified installer do the work. This will make sure that you have adequate ventilation, and will preserve the manufacturer's warranty.
I hope this helps. Go Green!!
2007-01-28 17:06:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tankless water heaters can be great in the right situation. If you get the biggest size (flow) that you can, you should be able to run two showers and one appliance at a time. This should be enough for most households. If you have three teenagers, and want to run the dishwasher and clothes washer while all three kids are showering, however, you are not going to be happy with it.
A shower takes 1 1/2 gallons a minute. Most appliances fill at about 2 gallons a minute. Ask your plumber what the flow rate is on the unit he is going to install. Then do the math. If you can make the adjustments, then you will save a considerable amount of money. You should recoup the extra cost in about a year in most situations. After that, everything is savings. Plus, a tankless has no tank to rust, so it shouldn't need to be replaced as often as a regular unit.
I have done considerable research on these, and have decided that I will be purchasing one for my house. You have to make the decision for yours. Good luck with it.
2007-01-29 00:52:16 · answer #2 · answered by J.R. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recently read a big article on tankless water heaters. It sounds like a great system. On demand hot water, and no tank to worry about. I was going to do it to my house, but got a divorce instead unfortunately. The heater is a device about the size of a bread box. Good luck.
2007-01-29 00:47:38 · answer #3 · answered by johN p. aka-Hey you. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
for the most part, it's great. but: if the electricity goes out while you are in the shower, the water will get cold almost immediately, which is very uncomfortable and frustrating. but the power doesn't go out very often, so that's not a huge issue. on the whole, i like it a lot better because the hot water doesn't "run out" and 3 people can take a shower at one time if they feel like it.
2007-01-29 00:45:57 · answer #4 · answered by lb 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are really nice. You never have to take a cold shower, and 2 people can shower at once, or you can run the dishwasher/washing machine/do dishes, while showering and it will still be hot. i think they might be kind of expensive tho, and i'm not sure how switching over will effect your utility bills, so you might want to check that out, it might save you money.
2007-01-29 00:47:09 · answer #5 · answered by laura 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We don't have one YET but when our hot water heater decides to break that's what were going with just be sure to have it professionally installed so the warranty is good I have heard they are the best
2007-01-29 00:47:22 · answer #6 · answered by youhoo it's me 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My brother has one and is very happy with it.
It's expensive to install, but so very convenient.
2007-01-29 00:49:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are vary great.
2014-09-20 13:06:39 · answer #8 · answered by nighat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋