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ironmanstan · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 5:29 am Post subject: Tankless "gas" water heater 101

Which one do I choose? Is there a tankless expert outhere. I have read and read and still can't make up my mind. No I'd rather not pay $2000 just for a name brand name. I do have 2.5 rest rooms. I know I should look at one that will provide for 2 showers at once that way there will always be plenty of hot h20. I will be checking all avenues as I have 3 days to come up with a final decision. thanks...IMS
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2salty4U · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:28 am Post subject:

IMS - I'm no expert on tankless water heaters, but expert enough to know that sizing for two showers at once is a good domestic choice!

Good that you would choose gas. I wouldn't do that any other way. Rheem is a recognizable brand name, and a reliable brand that engineers in my office have confindence in. But from what I have looked at those tankless water heaters aren't $2000. Under (or closer to) $1000 I think.

Now the price difference might be because we're not comparing apples to apples. Since this is 101 and not 201, a low flow shower nozzle is rated at about 2.5 GPM. A kitchen sink faucet about 2 GPM. And a bathroom lavatory faucet about 1 GPM. So for two showers at a time a 5.3 GPM tankless would work, but without much extra wiggle room for other simultaneous uses. That's the size water heater I was talking about being under $1000.

It will take a 3/4 inch feed, unlike what the comparable water heater tank would require (1/2"). Hope that's not already installed at the smaller size.
There are types for outdoor installation that require no combustion vent or exhaust vent, and they're not that unattractive, but I suppose where you are you'd prefer installation in an interior closet. Then you need the combustion air vent and the exhaust vent. And of course electrical for the controls in either installation.

Hope this helps.

Let's see some pictures!

Uncle D · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:47 am Post subject:

ironmanstan · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:49 am Post subject:

thanks ...great information. Currently I'm looking at the Rinnia at 9.4 gpm

I need to check on my plumbers rough in I think its 1/2 in and it needs to be 3/4. price is ballpark..900.00. Very Happy

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snakecan2 · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:01 am Post subject:

ims... 9.4 gpm.. that is a lot of water flow..
as 2salty mention on the gpm on shower heads.. also consider that is just straight hot water..
the mrs likes her shower hot.. but hot is 105* for me.. what is the water temp coming out of the heater, then mixed with cold water for your ideal temp... 9.4 gpm can supply both showers, dish washer and washing machine at the same time.
and yes.. you do want to have filtration before the heater... DAMN good filtration.
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fishinglady · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:20 am Post subject:

In Europe, tankless water heaters are the norm...in fact I think that is pretty much all they have, but then they are way ahead of the US when it comes to energy conservation.
As far as reliability or affordability of various brands, I'd suggest checking out Consumer Report; the library has these books.

ironmanstan · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:23 am Post subject:

so maybe I don't need to go so big on the gpm maybe 6. whatever. I'm down on the filter and the softener before the heater. No problemo there. Size for just me and the wife mostly with an occasional visit from the family. Now i'm looking at the Rheem also.
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ironmanstan · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:25 am Post subject:

Mansfield Mauler · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:27 am Post subject:

talk to Jeremy Salinas at Moore Supply...He will steer you straight..361.855.5449

5moreminutes · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:21 am Post subject:

I checked one out at Lowes and there is also a kit you have to buy that runs another 100-200 bucks. Considering its 20% of the tankless waterheater its worth mentioning.
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ironmanstan · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject:

Ok , heres the scoop I will go with the rinnai r94slen outside gas unit at the request of my plumber. I get the unit myself. Yeah it comes with a kit 89.00 so you can flush the unit out once a year. I'm planning on installing a whole house filter. We'll see if being a gas model home is a good thing . So far the rebates are good.
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Nova · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 6 Location: CC, TX

Don't forget about the 30% tax credit. It applies to the unit and the labor. This with the possible combination of your insulation, roofing, and some other little things you would get a credit of as much as 1500 bucks come tax time.

I'm getting a gas tankless installed this week in my new house. Had 2 electric tankless in my last house, they are awesome and save a heck of a lot of space.

Skipper · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:41 pm Post subject:

Hey IMS, check with your home owners insurance too. Sometimes they give discounts for that kind of stuff as well ( no house flooding if it breaks ). I got a discount for installing a new A/C, go figure...Adios

Skipper

mudmauler · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 5:16 pm Post subject:

Hey IMS, have you put in PEX Tubing for your plumbing needs!

I was just wondering if people use the stuff down here!

What about insulation. . . Spray in?

What about any other GREEN products you have used on your new crib!

Just trying to get some feedback for future use!

chuck · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:12 pm Post subject:

PEX is an awesome product but has not caught on here like other places.

Tankless are good but you gotta have the water filtration, but is sounds like you already got it going.