Let's talk about tankless water heaters.

[talisman]

There are a couple of threads already with some info, but they aren't thorough enough to really answer a few of my questions. I've got a small ranch style house that was built in 1966. It's 1465 square feet, with 2 full baths, and has both gas and electric hook ups.

My water heater is located in the middle of the house, right next to the master suite bathroom. Since I bought this place I've been worried about that thing letting go one day, so I'm thinking about solutions. It's a 50 gal. What should I look for in a tankless system? Awhile back I remember everyone saying you need auxiliary units at other points in the house, is that still a thing? If it is, would the size of my house figure into it? I would like this to be as simple, yet as efficient as possible. Any specific brand to look into or avoid?

I think I'm going to make this a top priority on my project list once the backyard is done in the next couple of months.

[bird_dog0347]

So I just had to replace my water heater a few months ago (in garage, started with a slow leak that I caught early) and considered going tankless. I got some different opinions on it but it was going to cost roughly $4-7K to do it in my house. I've got 2400sq-ft 1 story. I was "planning" to do it next year as it would have been 10 years old (house built in 05) but since I "planned" on it next year it had to go out this year. In your case, with the heater being in the house, if it's more than 5 years old I'd look at doing it pretty soon. You don't want that kinda damage.

I realize it's not a lot of info, but at my house it would have been 4-7x the cost for tankless. I've also been told by every plumber I ask about it, avoid electric tankless at all cost. Gas only!

[Scott Mc]

From what I been told the gas system is the one to go with. Mine went out on me early too but is in the garage so I put a 50 gallon back in. I hope there will be some good info posted here.

[yellowstang]

Is your current water heater gas?

[talisman]

I believe so.

[yellowstang]

Believing so, and are, are 2 different things! You thought you had a gas oven, at one time...

[Scott Mc]

LMAO! How did you think you had a gas stove?

[Chili]

I believe so.

Just open the closet with the tank and see if there is a gas line.

[yellowstang]

LMAO! How did you think you had a gas stove?

Gas cook top, oven is electric, as most are. He assumed the oven was also gas. In his defense, he probably never uses it!

[jluv]

Gas cook top, oven is electric, as most are. He assumed the oven was also gas. In his defense, he probably never uses it!

Interesting. I've never seen an electric oven with a gas stove top.

[yellowstang]

Interesting. I've never seen an electric oven with a gas stove top.

A bunch are that way, especially if they are separate units. Now, if it one of those 1 piece stoves, it usually is all gas, or all electric. Ours, similar to Eric's is a gas cook top and an electric stove underneath it, but 2 totally different units.


Also, I shouldn't have said "most are", but maybe "many are"...


one unit, all gas (or electric)


gas cook top with separate oven (could be gas or electric)

[jluv]

A bunch are that way, especially if they are separate units. Now, if it one of those 1 piece stoves, it usually is all gas, or all electric. Ours, similar to Eric's is a gas cook top and an electric stove underneath it, but 2 totally different units.


Also, I shouldn't have said "most are", but maybe "many are"...


one unit, all gas (or electric)
[img]http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/e3/e3f8e900-77da-49b0-a5bb-39279eda7692_300.jpg[/img

gas cook top with separate oven (could be gas or electric)

Ya, I'm used to seeing the single unit that is all gas or all electric. The place we are in now is gas for everything. I prefer electric, but my old lady prefers gas. She doesn't really cook anything though, so...

[Baron Von Crowder]

Ya, I'm used to seeing the single unit that is all gas or all electric. The place we are in now is gas for everything. I prefer electric, but my old lady prefers gas. She doesn't really cook anything though, so...

you like an electric stovetop?

[talisman]

Just open the closet with the tank and see if there is a gas line.

No, dude. That's like, 5 feet away and I would have to get up.

Ya, I'm used to seeing the single unit that is all gas or all electric. The place we are in now is gas for everything. I prefer electric, but my old lady prefers gas. She doesn't really cook anything though, so...

Except for the awesome Queso she makes.

My oven is actually built into the cabinets at chest level separately like a lot of older homes. I like it that way. I pretty much use it to reheat Mr. Jims and make turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

[black2002ls]

We install a few tankless units. We don't do any separate tanks or units. I think rennai (sp?) Has a remote control unit that you can mount inside the house.