[Muncle]

I know previous threads have discussed the merits of tankless heaters, and several folks have said they installed them up north. However, I could find no comments by anyone who's put one in here.

So has anybody installed a tankless water heater in TV?
Approximately what was the cost, including installation?
Who did you use to do the work (a dealer or independent plumber), and were you satisfied?
What make/model did you decide upon and does it provide enough hot water in a timely manner?

Any help/advice appreciated.

[bimmertl]

The latest issue of Consumer Reports (Oct 08) has a two page article on tankless water heaters. Quick summary is that they are efficient but not necessarily economical as the pay off might take years (up to 22 with one model tested)

Probably worthwhile to wander over to Barnes and Noble and check out CR if thinking about one.

[aln]

Check out this link

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/sm...ic,3147.0.html

a very VERY ........ long.......... . discussion on hot water

[ejp52]

I've been looking into this system Muncle,the company that put my solar tubes in sell them.
http://www.grundfos.com/Web/HomeUs.n...ag/PAVA-53MKRN

[thegreenerside]

We priced a tankless water (gas is far more efficient) and based on the our water usage the cost of $2500 was not worth the expense. Our breakeven would be in 16 years and frankly I will never be alive to see that happen.

[Sidney Lanier]

We would not consider one for the very reasons cited, compounded by our being snowbirds. I won't live long enough to see the payback....

[Ooper]

There is a long payback period for tankless heaters, but what you are paying for is not economical payback... you are paying for convenience... the convenience to have relatively quick hot water at the point of usage since they can be installed in closets or under sinks. You do not have to wait for the hot water to travel from the garage to the opposite end of the house. This is assuming you install the heater near the point of usage and not in the garage. Installing it in the garage is really self defeating the purpose.

[WLAN56]

One thing to keep in mind is that each of our showers, has a regulator in them to make sure that we don't burn ourselves by accident. My hot water heater is about 20 feet from the shower. It still takes several minutes for the water to get hot. Even if you put the tankless system right next to your bathroom, it will still take some time before the regulator lets the water get hot. I don't think you are gaining anything by putting a tankless system in, IMHO. Also, as mentioned previously, the payback time is long after most of us will be here. :'(

[sneese]

Should you decide to get a tankless water heater, beware. I had one in my home and when it broke down, we had a devil of a time finding any plumber to fix it. When I did find one, they had to call to Houston, TX in order to find parts to fix it. It lasted less than six months and broke down again. At that, we went back to a conventional gas water heater.

So.....If you do decide to get one, make sure that the company you purchase it from and who is the installer of said water heater, that they are also able to have parts readily available, and can indeed fix it.

Good Luck

[diskman]

TOTV is just the greatest. u learn something new everyday! :bigthumbsup:

[Barefoot]

For $2500, I can wait a few minutes for my morning shower. After all, we're retired!

[CTgolfer]

ejp52,
Have you been given an estimate on the cost of the Grundfos hot water recirculation system (parts/labor)? Very much interested...

[ejp52]

Originally Posted by CTgolfer

ejp52,
Have you been given an estimate on the cost of the Grundfos hot water recirculation system (parts/labor)? Very much interested...

$585 installed.

[golfnut]

Biggest user of hot water has to be the daily shower, if you want to save $, only run water in shower when you need it, if you know what I mean, now figure how long it takes to pay back the tankless water heater.

[retiredguy]

Gas tankless water heater - $1,300 for everything, installed (inside garage).