I have been thinking of replacing/upgrading my water heater for some time now.
I figgered it might be more timely to do research now instead of after my current one fails.
Got an AOSmith that that was installed by prev. owners.
ser. # begins w/ MF96, so I’m guessing it is 9 y.o.
options I am considering:
1. tandem 40 or 50 gallon setup where hot water is drawn from one and cold goes into the other.
(my Plumber really likes this setup as opposed to bigger tanks)
B) On demand heater. Blowes carries a Bosch
Questions:
Comment on these alternatives or any better ideas.
Any reccomended brands for either type?
I have natural gas and so does my house!
Thanx in advance
Mr T
I can’t afford to be affordable anymore
Replies
I was thinking of replacing my tank-type with a tankless until I found out some stuff.
Vent stack has to be larger. Air intake has to be larger (enclosed WH cab). Needs a dedicated gas line (propane) to the unit.
Think I'll go with the tank.....
Depending on energy costs where you are and whether you have room for a subpanel, a Seisco tankless might be an option. Their big one runs about $600, but they claim the return on investment in energy savings is about 18 months. I'm in the process of finding out whether this is true.
The only downside is that the unit needs four 30-amp circuits of its own, which will add to the cost if you're not an electrician. Also, it contains some electronics, so you can't just hang it in a damp crawlspace or an attic. Other than that, it's an excellent product.
If he already has natural gas, why go with an electric tankless? Why not stay with what’s there and consider a natural gas tankless? We have two (not in tandem) and I won’t go back to a tank.
Steel: FINALLY!!!!! Someone else who believes. We put in the largest SEISCO tankless they make and have been using it for 1 1/2 yrs. We absolutely love it. Sucks amps like the Texas State Pen Chair, but it's only for a few seconds right after it goes on. Ours takes 4 60 amp ckts. Man are they big.DonThe GlassMasterworks - If it scratches, I etch it!
What are your needs for hot water that you want to go 2 tanks?
Also if you look at the catalogs you will find that there are units with larger burners and faster recovery.
Yeah, why would you need two 50-gallon tanks? You got sextuplet daughters?
You might ask the guys at http://www.heatinghelp.com for their opinion. You should also check out http://gfxtechnology.com
Its a great idea that will save you energy and increase the capacity so you can spec a smaller water heater. A little bit of an install cost but it saves you money every time you turn on the hot water.
An alternative is the H.H2o heater found at howardharrisbuilders.com. I suspect the reason your plumber likes the tandem setup is that the water entering the second tank isn't cool, thereby diluting it and lowering the temperature much more rapidly. This heater is a 240 volt and retains its heat longer since the cool incoming water isn't diluting the tank as it travels through a finned copper coil inside it. I just bought one and will be putting it in soon. Its suppose to replace a 50 gallon tank. The plumbing supply place said I should be able to take a hot shower for an hour if I wish!
Handyman, painter, wood floor refinisher, property maintenance in Tulsa, OK
Bump.
Thanks all for answers and links.
Those of you who gave pertinent answers that is!
:)
I DON'T want to put in electric, and I want more than 40- 50 gal capacity.
I don't have sextuplet daughers, I am renting some rooms to nymphomaniac nudist supermodels and the like to use the hot-tub alot.
Plus I am always having to lather thier back in the shower.
Makes for alot of HW usage!
But someones gotta do it!!
Mr T
I can't afford to be affordable anymore
If Your waterheater is nine years old it may have a defective dip tube that causes the cold water to not get down to the heater. result is you think you don't have a big enough tank.
Yeah that sounds like it may be true......
BUT!!!!
I am no way gonna start monkeying with a nine y.o. water heater!!!
it will stop working for sure.
Mr T
I can't afford to be affordable anymore