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OT - Tankless water heaters?

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Walter White.sixpack

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
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Some friends are building a new house and they told me they are putting in a Tankless Water Heater instead of the traditional 40 gallon most homes have. They say it's the new, efficient way to put hot water throughout your home.

How well do they work?
Are they really more efficient over time?
He said they should save $$ over time after buying it on the front end.
Is it better to go with an electric or a gas one?
Or is it all a sham and folks should still use the "tanked" heaters?

Anyone have any first hand experience with them?
 
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Lasagna Moustache

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Feb 6, 2014
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I just installed a gas one in my house. I love it. I can't comment on savings yet, but as far as performance, it's great. Mine has a recirculating pump that gets the hot water to the faucet faster than normal too. It's not instant, but it's better than the old tanked heater.
 
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DerHntr

All-Conference
Sep 18, 2007
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Father in law lives out in the sticks and has one. Said he hasn't had to refill his gas tank nearly as often and that he is certain it has saved much more than the difference in initial cost. Add in the fact that gas and electricity prices are much more likely to increase over time and it is a no brainer.

The thing I like about it the most is you don't run out of hot water, ever.
 
O

Optimus Prime 4

Redshirt
May 1, 2006
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my tank sounds like it's full of rocks, so I need a new one too. How much are they? I was quoted $800 to install a regular tank version. I already have gas in there so it should be easy. I live alone and don't need much, but I should probably buy big enough in case I sell the house. 3br.
 
seshomoru

seshomoru

Junior
Apr 24, 2006
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DerHntr said:
The thing I like about it the most is you don't run out of hot water, ever.
Click to expand...
This. Especially if you are the one that showers last in the house. There will be a day when after the wife and kids are done showering in the morning that I will be extremely happy I have a tankless.
 
FISHDAWG

FISHDAWG

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Dec 27, 2009
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not sure about this but I have heard from more than one person they only last about 5 or 6 yrs ... curious as to what the manufactures warranty is
 
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starkvegasdawg

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Dec 1, 2011
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I put one in my house when I built it six years ago and love it. Knowing I could take a three hour shower if I wanted to makes it worth the money. I honestly haven't noticed having to refill my propane tank any more than normal either. I am not sure on the savings but to be honest I don't care. Just having hot water as long as I have gas in my tank makes it worth the cost up front.
 
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crushing

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Aug 29, 2012
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If you get an electric one, I would assume that you would lose your hot water instantly should the power go out. Where as with gas, you wouldn't lose your hot water.
 
HD6

HD6

Sophomore
Apr 8, 2003
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The irony of a poster named Walter White asking about tankless water heaters is not lost on me.
 
The Peeper

The Peeper

Heisman
Feb 26, 2008
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For what its worth, I asked the plumber I use for my job (I spend a ton of $$ every month w/ him) and he said he would rather not put one in my house for me and wouldn't ever have one himself, he says they are not worth it when you look at initial cost, longevity (or lack of) and cost of repairs. Don't shoot the messenger, only passing along info...........
 
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StillTbonewannabe

Junior
Aug 22, 2012
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crushing said:
If you get an electric one, I would assume that you would lose your hot water instantly should the power go out. Where as with gas, you wouldn't lose your hot water.
Click to expand...

My dad is an electrician and he said electric one wouldn't run a whole house. It pulls too much power and doesn't heat up the water very hot. I have a natural gas one and love it. It cost about $1200 and wasn't anything to install. Basically just had to change the vent from my tank one which was natural gas.
 
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dickiedawg

All-Conference
Feb 22, 2008
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I put one in my house and love it. Not having to worry about running out of hot water makes it worth it- I think you'll find they're not that much more expensive.
 
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Curby

All-Conference
Aug 23, 2012
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I have propane tank and plan to go tankless soon, but I have to change out the gas line, because I'm told the system requires 3/4" pipe instead of 1/2".
 
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GreaterCowbell

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May 3, 2011
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Go with the Rinnai and don't 17 with the Bosch water heater. The Bosch will crap out 1 month after the warranty date.
 
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dawgpound11

Redshirt
Jun 4, 2003
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Definitely go with the Rinnai and get gas. I paid about $1,200 for mine back in 2007...13 gallons/minute I think. Have NEVER run out of hot water. We love it.
 
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drail14me

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Jul 20, 2008
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I've got two that run off propane. One on each end of the house. Two is over kill but having one at each bathroom means almost no wait for hot water for the shower and and endless supply. Love them and would NEVER go back to a tanked water heater.
 
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