:On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 16:17:19 -0400, Jim wrote: : :> Since I'm faced with the strong prospect of replacing my failing water :> heater I'm curious to learn what others think of the tankless variety :> compared to the contemporary water heater tanks. Single homeowner not :> having to deal with others showering, etc. Might be inclined to use the :> shower while a clothes or dishwasher were operating though. :> :> Although I'm leaning towards gas fired, electric could be considered as :> an option if cost effective. : :From what I've read here tankless heaters aren't held in high regards.
I have a tankless, but I didn't have to pay for it. If it were on my dime I would have installed (personally) another gas powered tank, probably 40 gallons like the last. I'm also a single homeowner, in a similar circumstance.
I just don't see the benefit of spending so much more money. Besides, I don't like the fact that every time I turn on some hot water, the fan goes on in the unit. I can hear it, and it IS annoying. I find myself not using the hot water at all when I can get along with using just cold. Honestly, I don't recommend them. At low flow rates, the temperature is generally a LOT hotter than it's supposed to be. I have it set to 110 or 115 when taking a shower, at 100 (the lowest setting) otherwise (I have the remote control). It comes out 120+ at low flow rates. I called their support and was told this is normal.
Dan