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They don't impress me unless you have high energy cost Posted by MI-Roger [Email] (#882) [Profile/Gallery] (more from MI-Roger) on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:24:19 In Reply to: Tankless hot water heaters, Herb Hirsch [Profile/Gallery] , Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:00:51 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Investigate the size of the gas line required to supply the heater. It is possible for the higher capacity versions of these heaters to require more gas flow than the standard residential meter can deliver.
Where will you place the heater? Unless it is close to the point of use, you will still be paying for wasted heat to warm the pipes.
All calculations I have done indicate a very long payback period, but some high cost fuels (such as propane) will make the payback much more reasonable. The inconvenience of lugging 100# propane bottles to a remote vacation cabin can also influence the decision.
I had a 50 gallon, high recovery, high efficiency, tank style heater installed a few years ago when my old heater failed on a Sunday morning. Total cost was under $500 IIRC including Sunday delivery and installation, and this heater uses less energy than the 30/40 gallon unit it replaced.
A good quality water heater can easily last 20 years! Periodically clean the crud out of the tank, and replace the anode rod if possible. I think a lot of very servicable water heaters get replaced because the $5 thermocouple fails and the average person is clueless on its replacement.
posted by 24.23.71...
_______________________________________ Saabs owned: 2008 9-5 Aero Sedan, sold at 227K miles 2006 9-3SC 2.0T - Wife's daily driver 2000 Viggen Convertible - Sold May, 2022 1964 Quantum IV Formula Car - Retirement project 2000 9-5lpt Sedan, sold at 318K miles
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