We shopped the tankless hot water heaters about 3-4 years ago for our home in OH. I passed on them, primarily based on two things:
- A flow rate (gal./hr.) capability issue
- Cost versus return of investment.
We've got a large garden/soaking tub in the master bath that is supplied by 3/4" supply lines.........and the flow rate for the faucet is pretty high (I don't remember the exact figure). If we were to try to install a single tankless heater for the entire house, it potentially wouldn't have been able to keep up if the tub was being filled at the same time as other hot water items in the house were in use. To go to a second heater just to supply the tub/master bath........the costs started getting out of hand.
If you do decide to go the tankless route, make sure the specs for the unit will accommodate the estimated flow rate for your house - what hot water items could you potentially be using at the same time (and for what length of time).
Bill
