Has anyone bought a tankless water heater system? If so, how do you like it?

Question

The brand you purchased would be helpful, but I want to know if there are any pitfalls I should be aware of...

Answer 1

I have purchased two. Had no problems at all. If I were building another house,I would select the tankless system. We have a couple friends that have also purchased them. Have never heard a complaint.

Answer 2

I got a Noritz 6.9 GPM tankless heater when I remodeled my home last year and I wouldn't want any other kind. I truly get limitless hot water for a 3BR/3BA house. I can run 3 things at the same time (washer, dishwasher, and shower, for example) while maintaining a decent flow of hot water. And, it's great for filling up a jacuzzi with a hose straight from the hot water spigot for the washing machine.

The problem most people have with tankless heaters is that they go with a cheaper unit that has too low of a flowrate for their actual needs. I had a 3.2 GPM originally (came with the house) and it really only ran one thing at a time for hot water (maybe 1-1/2). The previous owner also cheaped out on installation by using 1/2 inch supply and return lines. They require 3/4-inch water lines to and from the units for correct flow. So, I was kind of dubious at first about tankless water heaters.

Also, the flow rate is based on a temperature differential (usually 55 degrees). That is, if the incoming water is 60 degrees and your water heater is set for 115 degrees, you have a temperature differential of 55 degrees. So, you will get a flow rate of 6.9 GPM for a heater rated at that flow rate.

But, if the water coming in is 50 degrees and your heater is set at 115 degrees, you have a temperature differential of 65 degrees. So, you will get less than the rated 6.9 GPM flowrate. That's why you want to get one with a higher flow rate than what you think you might need.

I got the Noritz 6.9 GPM for $1100 delivered off of eBay (new unit). It also required about $250 in ducting materials and labor to install (you also need an electrical outlet near the unit, to run the electronic control panel and electric starter).

But, I highly recommend a tankless water heater. You'll love it, as long as you invest in the right unit up front.

Answer 3

I have tankless system at my house is a 20 YO boiler with a domestic hot water loop. It provides pretty good hot water. If you have a large family it might not have enough for multiple showers, dish washer, what not. Mine has a 30 gallon storage tank. Other tankless systems include point of use electric systems which heat water right before the sink or shower.

Answer 4

I have had a Bosch heater for about 3 years now. I love the thing. I has performed as advertised without giving any problems at all. The only drawback I have noticed is that it doesn't deliver hot water at very low flow rates.

Answer 5

are you talking about a combination boiler or instant hot water boiler. the only pitfall is if the water supply goes off then you have no water at all, where before you would have reserve in the hot water tank. it is much more economical to have and you dont have any massive tanks of water in your loft that could leak, more posotives than negatives

Answer 6

our home in the Caribbean has a shower head that hot water on demand we think it's great

Answer 7

Before you make a decision, go to http://appliancequickfix.com/ and see what they have to say about it.

Answer 8

I recently bought one and I loved it, till it caught on fire burnt my house killing my entire family... I am still ridden with the guilt, its all my fault.

Answer 9

its more efficient and you don't have to worry about running out of hot water.