[ijusluvit]

TECO Gas sent me the FREE tankless water heater notice.

You only pay for installation: "less than $46 per month for 18 months" ($848). That's not an unreasonable installation fee, especially if all hookups, including electrical, are done. The Rannai unit they install will be worth at least $600-700 and will be sufficient for homes like ours with only two people. Since my house is ten years old, it won't be long before I have to spend at least $600 installing a new hot water tank. With a tankless system there would be a savings on my gas bill, and maybe more for me because I'm not always in town. When I'm gone I turn my tank down, but never off.

As I mull this over I think of a two potential issues: 1) The increased cost of water used while waiting for hot water, and 2) The increased inconvenience of the wait. I don't have a water recirculating system so I have to wait for hot water now. Increasing that time would become an issue.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has converted to a tankless system. I'd like to know if it takes considerably longer to obtain hot water with a tankless system, and I'd love to hear the results if anyone has been able to compare the additional water costs with the gas savings.

[Ooper]

If you are replacing you existing hot water tank with a tankless, why would it take a longer wait for your hot water? I would assume that your tankless will be in the same proximitry of your existing tank to utilize the exisitng plumbing and electrics so the wait should be the same. The hot water exiting from the tankless is almost instantaneous as soon as you turn your faucet on and a flow is established.

[pooh]

There are pros and cons to tankless water heaters. Here's a couple of links for you to read....

Common Problems with Tankless Water Heaters -

Articles :: Networx

http://www.tankless-water-heater-buz...-problems.html

You may never have any problems....but then again, water heaters of any kind are delicate creatures...

[Trayderjoe]

My plumber actually advised against installing a tankless hot water heater here in Michigan. He would have been glad to install it, but he said that for 2 people, the cost of purchase and installation was not worth it-even with some tax credits at the time. I guess you need to add up the numbers and see if in the long run you will come out ahead.

[jimbo2012]

A new water heater is about $325 plus about $100 to install, keep it simple.

[ijusluvit]

Originally Posted by Ooper

If you are replacing you existing hot water tank with a tankless, why would it take a longer wait for your hot water? I would assume that your tankless will be in the same proximitry of your existing tank to utilize the exisitng plumbing and electrics so the wait should be the same. The hot water exiting from the tankless is almost instantaneous as soon as you turn your faucet on and a flow is established.

Even if in the same location, tankless heaters have always taken longer to deliver hot water than tanks do. I'm asking my questions of folks who have compared the two, and about the newest tankless models.

[billethkid]

it will not get the hot water to your kitchen faucet any faster....all it does is get the water hot a different way.

$848 is pretty expensive. If you are going to consider spending that much money, be sure to check out GE's hybrid hot water tank. It too is expensive but seems, to me, a little more practical.

Something to consider when my trusty old $300 hot water tank fails....if ever....in the past 75 years I have replaced one hot water tank!!!!!

It just is not on my gotta have list.

btk

[jimbo2012]

To accomplish what you're asking you need what's called instant-on, but you will need several one at each bath, kitchen etc. get ready to spend $$.

The amount of water wasted to get hot is so insignificant, pennies

[ijusluvit]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

A new water heater is about $325 plus about $100 to install, keep it simple.

Thanks for your insight, but let me say a little more to let you know why my question is not entirely trivial.
I installed a tankless heater up North about 4 years ago. Because of tax credits and a manufacturers rebate, it only cost about $300 more than a new hot water tank.

The current TECO offer creates about the same difference in cost as the deal I went for in 2008.
Immediately I saved $15-20 on my gas bill, with no additional cost for water. So I've paid for my additional cost to go tankless and banked $300-400 so far. Big deal? No. Better and greener than simply replacing the tank? Yes. And the life of tankless systems is far greater than standard tanks. I have to wait a little longer for hot water delivery, but it's not aggravating.

But my TV home has the same problem as many others. Hot tank water comes slowly, and water is a lot more costly here. Therefore, I've asked my questions...

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by ijusluvit

Because of tax credits and a manufacturers rebate, greener than simply replacing the tank? Yes. .

I hear ya, that's why I'm installing solar hot water

[rhood]

$848 for an install is crazy excessive. In my case, unit would go on outside of house, right outside the water lines, electric and gas piping. Two hours tops, give or take a few.

[JamesD]

There is good and bad.

Good: You NEVER run out of hot water.

Bad: Don't flush when sweatheart darling is in the shower.

Good: Takes up less space in garage.

Bad: I've worn out two in 12 years. Going back to a tank next time.

YMMV

PS mine is ELECTRIC not gas.

[ijusluvit]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I hear ya, that's why I'm installing solar hot water

So since you have taken the questions in a different direction, why not explain in detail why this is cost effective. Can you cite any actual experience from one or more area users?

[ijusluvit]

Originally Posted by rhood

$848 for an install is crazy excessive. In my case, unit would go on outside of house, right outside the water lines, electric and gas piping. Two hours tops, give or take a few.

Of course it is! But that's not the point. That's the total cost TECO will charge. Compare that to the cost of installing a new standard tank that's not "FREE".
I'ts just a few hundred bucks different. That rather narrow gap is why I'm asking my questions.

[jmd4667]

May want to condsider a solar water heater system when you replace. get tax credit and reduce your elcetrical bills by as much as 30%. Contact SolarRek in Ocala and speak with Pat Altier to help in cost comparison.