Replies

1. 
   renosteinke | Nov 29, 2006 12:39am | #1

   The acceptability of ventless heaters varies by locale. Some places allow them, some don't.

   Even assuming there is no CO risk, one thing you cannot avoid: burning fuel makes water. In most applications, this water has nowhere to go, and will result in other problems: mold, frosty windows, etc.

   So, perhaps it is better to consider the 'ventless' heaters as 'ones that can be vented indirectly.'

1. 
   user-216907 | Nov 29, 2006 12:55am | #4

   Thanks for the reminder about water.Can you elaborate on "consider the 'ventless' heaters as 'ones that can be vented indirectly'"? PP

1. 
   renosteinke | Nov 29, 2006 02:06am | #11

   By 'indirect venting' I meant that they rely upon the normal turnover of air in a room for their venting. If a room were tightly sealed, the humidity would climb to intolerable levels - long before the oxygen ran out! Now, my house is so leaky, that when the wind blows, my drapes move ... even with the windows covered with plastic. I suspect I would have no troubles usung a ventless appliance.

1. 
   user-216907 | Nov 29, 2006 02:11am | #12

   Got it, thanks.PP

2. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 29, 2006 12:45am | #2

   I have heard of vent-free space heaters, but never a tankless water heater.

   Could you post a link to it.

1. 
   user-216907 | Nov 29, 2006 12:49am | #3

   http://www.excelamerica.com/calentadores_eng.htm

1. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 29, 2006 01:01am | #5

   Yes, I just googled on it and found the ebay listing and the link to the distributor.In addition to any questions about it being "vent-free" I noticed that is it a VERY SMALL unit.38k BTU."Power Rating: 38,000 BtuhHot Water Max Flow: 95 Gallons per Hour ( 1.6 gpm) with a 45°F temp rise "THAT IS NOT VERY MUCH.Look at the chart.What is your inlet water temp. I most parts of the country it will be MUCH less than 60 degrees in the winter.And the standard shower head is now 3.5 gpm flow rate. Hope you like showering in 90* water.

1. 
   user-216907 | Nov 29, 2006 01:20am | #6

   This a 1/2 bath so it would only be for the sink. I think 45 degs. would be enough.I have been brainstorming ways to pre-heat or, at least, temper in the incoming water for all my tankless units- running the incoming water up to the third floor to a holding tank and back down, 100' of pipe in the basement, and more crazier ideas. Do you have any suggestions? PP

1. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 29, 2006 01:27am | #7

   Yes, that should be fine for a 1/2 bath.For tempering I think just a storage tank would be fine.

2. 
   user-216907 | Nov 29, 2006 01:31am | #8

   Is there any advantage to putting the tank on the third floor? My house is gutted and it would not be much of a bother.PP

3. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 29, 2006 01:45am | #9

   It really doesn't matter where it is.But a fully conditioned space would be more effective, but also use more energy, than if you put it in semi-conditioned space such as a basement.If the whole house is gutted you might want to look at using a drain heat recovery system.http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13040Here is one source. http://www.renewability.com/I think that there is another one FX something or another.

4. 
   user-216907 | Nov 29, 2006 01:55am | #10

   Thanks for your input!PP