Tankless water heater

[codfish]

Looking at tankless water heater, wanted to know if anyone has used them.

Heard some have had water preasure issues. House has three full baths two could be in use at one time.

What model to stay away from, what models to look for or scrap the idea all to gether.

[PREDATOR27]

Tank less water heaters come in different BTU sizes and flow rates. The larger flow rate heaters may require more gas pressure from your provider than you currently have. You may need to figure the cost of this upgrade into your project. I prefer the models mounted inside. The out door models are subject to freezing in a power outage. Unlike a standard gas water heater you will not have hot water in a power outage unless you hook a generator up to the tank less. It truly is endless hot water. I hope you don't have any teenagers.

[LineC]

Not entirely true. Also it is not completly endless. If you have a Jacuzzi tub that flows at 18gph then you will have problems if you try to fill it up full blast. Big units I think are rated so you can run two big things but just for figuring sakes faucets are around 2.2 GPH and showers without a water saving head are around 4GPH ,(can't remember off the top of my head). Just remember that it can supply enough hot water for most normal things if the restricters are still in place.

Some on the Bosch's have a ignition that is controlled by water flow. No electricity needed. The water flowing across is the ignition. Also I (hampton) is close to where they draw the line of having a outdoor unit. I could get away with it but farther north it is too cold. I studied this a lot and this is what I did.

If you are converting from electric to gas tankless the gas company will give you a 300 dollar rebate. If you make sure you get one with an Energy Factor rating high enough uncle sam will give you a 300 dollar rebate. I spent 850 on a Bosch unit on ebay and after all the rebates I cound't have bought a tanked one for the price.

Whoops the Uncle Sam credit was just for 2007, sorry just looked it up. Here's the website,

Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Tankless Water Heaters (http://www.cpotanklesswaterheaters.com/tax_credits_for_energy_efficient_tankless_water_he aters.html)

I like mine but it is just me and the wife. I also have heard of 5 gallon expansion tanks in line with them to reduce the pressure problems. I converted from boiler heat to tankless so I was really moving up and have no room to complain.

[codfish]

I should have mentioned the unit I'm looking at is an electric one. It would be mounted inside.

I did find one made by Stiebel Eltron, model Tempra 36.

The flow rate depending on the incoming water temp goes from 3.8 gpm @ 40F to 8.2 gpm @ 75F. It does take a min of 300 amp service to the house which is no problem but takes up 3 60 amp breakers in the panel.

Those of you that have them does this sound like it should give me enough presure and flow rate if two showers are going? And has any one heard of this company?

[LineC]

Wow thats a lot of power more then most stoves. When that things kicks on it probaly will dim some lights. Might need to balance the panel out while you do it.

The flows look normal but I don't have any experience with the electric ones.

[CSLUG]

My first question is why are you interested in tankless?

Because if it's an endless supply of hot water or energy savings there are 2 totally different answers.

[codfish]

More for the energy savings, but the wife likes to take long showers so endless hot water would be a plus.

The reason for the questions are to make sure we can get both if we pick the right unit. Your experience on this would be great.

[CSLUG]

Since the wife takes long hot showers saving money is not in your future.I'd recommend getting a 10 gallon heater, she'll learn to take shorter showers then in a couple of years go for the tankless.