does a gas tankless water heater also "go out" (not provide hot water) when there is a power failure because

Question

it has an electric pilot?

Answer 1

Yes. That's one of the disadvantages of a tankless water heater. At least with a tank water heater you have some reserve hot water to get you through a power outaage.

That said, though, I still think a tankless water heater is much better than a tank heater. You literally never run out of hot water.

Answer 2

Tankless Water Heater Power Outage

Answer 3

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The savings are hard to gauge without knowing how much hot water you intend to use and how much of your present bill goes for making hot water now. All other things being equal and based on average costs for natural gas and electricity in the United States, it is typically four (4) times more expensive to make hot water with electricity than with gas. So, if $15 of that $60 belongs to hot water, your payback will be 900/(15 x 0.75) or 80 months (6 years, 8 months). Given that your present water heater is 8 years old, you can expect it to be near the end of its typical service life (about 10 years). So a good part of that $900 (figure about $400 to pay someone else) would be required to replace (shortly) it in kind - in reality the payback is much faster based on lifetime cost. Now, some things to understand about tankless units: a) They require some level of flow to operate. This is adjustable but only within a narrow range. So, if you usually rinse dishes with a trickle of water, this won't work anymore. So there will be some adjustment in your life-style. b) When properly adjusted they will provide a continuous amount of hot water without variation. So if you are given to very long showers, this will be nirvana for you. c) The savings are in the fact that there is no continuous maintenance of the tank temperature - you are making water only when you need it. d) A modern unit made by a reputable firm will have an expected service life far beyond the typical tank-type. Because you have electric hot water already, the fact that most (but not all) of these units require electricity to operate is less of a concern. But you might also look into the self-powered systems that do not require electricity - Bosch, for one makes such a unit. This will allow you to have hot water even if there is a power-failure assuming you are on city water, not a pump. We have been on a Bosch Aquastar for nearly 15 years now at our summer house - it has performed flawlessly. There are several other equally reputable companies.

Answer 4

There are three types of ignition systems. I installed a standing pilot light so I always have hot water (cheapest and it cost about $15/yr to stand by. You can also get a pizio electric ignitor that is powered by the water passing through the system. An electronic ignition system is most comon but does not work durning a power outage.

If you loose power and are on a well your electic pump will not have pressure so you will not have any water any way.

Answer 5

You can still by pass the electrical ignition and light it off by hand. This has to be done each time the hot water is needed. If the power is going to be off for a while once it's lit every one can shower, maybe not at the same time, but it would be interesting

Answer 6

That is one of the drawbacks with tankless water heaters, whereas with the traditional water heater you do have some in reserve. I still think that there is a significant savings with them, in fact you can save over 50% on your water heating costs.

Answer 7

If it has an electric pilot then yet it will stop working, however if this is a concern for you then you might explore putting a UPS (Uninterupted Power Supply) on it. UPSs are usually used for computers and the such but we have put one on a few items around our house that are low power (florecent lights, cordless phones) so that we can keep some services going.

Answer 8

Yes it does. But you can power it through a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). The draw is typically very minimal.