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Tankless Water Heater Recs

Posted on 9/2/20 at 8:36 am
Posted by greenwave
Member since Oct 2011
3878 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 8:36 am
Having tank issues and might have to make the switch. Would be moving to gas tank-less so looking for recs.



I know there have been a few threads on this but most look to be over a year old.

This post was edited on 9/2/20 at 8:36 am
Posted by Ziggy
Member since Oct 2007
21508 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 8:54 am to
Rinnai
Posted by UltimaParadox
Huntsville
Member since Nov 2008
40831 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 8:54 am to
We switched from two tank electric heaters to one tankless gas Rinnai and the savings on electricity was fairly substantial.

PROS:
Endless hot water
Easier maintenance
Saves money over electric tanked

CONS:
Takes some time to heat up, not instant
Needs to be de-scaled every year

If I had a gas tanked heater, dont know if I would make the switch unless I needed the endless hot water.
Posted by nerd guy
Grapevine
Member since Dec 2008
12701 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 9:04 am to
quote:

switched from two tank electric heaters to one tankless gas


How much does this switch run? Our tanked electric is pushing 30 years old and i'd like to switch it to gas tankless.
Posted by lsujro
north of the wall
Member since Jul 2007
3919 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 10:00 am to
Cost depends on how far they have to run gas and/or other lines. The gas tankless requires a larger than standard gas line (3/4" I believe), so they'll have to run as far as they need to get a 3/4 inch source. I replaced a gas water heater with gas tankless for about $2000 for 7 or 8 gpm. That price was for unit + install, which took all day due to running gas line and power (needs electricity for the computer system on the tankless - it won't run without power).

I will say the tankless is definitely worth it. Tanks cost more now with the added efficiency, so the price difference is not as great. They are a bit slow to get hot water to you, but some of them have built in recirculation so it is instant (I think this is more common on the bigger 9gp_+ sizes). If you are going from 2 tanks to 1 tankless, definitely spring the extra couple hundred bucks for one that recirculates.
Posted by Jimbeaux28
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2007
4051 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 10:57 am to
quote:

Rinnai


I have 2 of these and love them! Better than the Rheems I had at my old house.

Units are more expensive but don't require stainless steel vents that others require.

Total cost is about the same as the Rheem and a far superior product.
Posted by UltimaParadox
Huntsville
Member since Nov 2008
40831 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 11:29 am to
quote:

. If you are going from 2 tanks to 1 tankless, definitely spring the extra couple hundred bucks for one that recirculates.


Our unit supports the recirculate option, but wondering if that kills all the efficiency. Or do you have the type that only recircs at certain times of the day

Posted by UltimaParadox
Huntsville
Member since Nov 2008
40831 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 11:30 am to
quote:

How much does this switch run? Our tanked electric is pushing 30 years old and i'd like to switch it to gas tankless


Cost us a little over 3K for removal of both old tanks, plumbing for gas and connecting the two "hot water" areas together.

We have very cheap electricity here due to TVA, but i am still saving on average 40/month. Even with the increased gas usage.
This post was edited on 9/2/20 at 11:31 am
Posted by NOFOX
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2014
9933 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 11:42 am to
Get one of the Rinnai condensing units.
Posted by tigers win2
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2009
3837 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 12:01 pm to
quote:

CONS:
Takes some time to heat up, not instant
Needs to be de-scaled every year


Have one of my tankless out right now. $2200 to replace it.

The De-scaling annually (or even every few years) is a cost that offsets any energy savings. I was quoted around $500 per unit for annual cleaning and de-scaling.

I’m not convinced they are worth it.
This post was edited on 9/2/20 at 12:05 pm
Posted by UltimaParadox
Huntsville
Member since Nov 2008
40831 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 1:12 pm to
quote:

I was quoted around $500 per unit for annual cleaning and de-scaling.


Assuming your tankless was installed with the proper valves and connections. This is really really easy.

Just need a small sump pump
4 gallons of vinegar
2 washing machine hoses

Takes about 45 minutes total once a year. Maybe out a hundred bucks for the initial purchase then just the cost of vinegar after that.

Quick Youtube video on descaling yourself

I know the video says to use that aftermarket solution stuff. But Rinnai manual says just use straight vinegar once a year.
Posted by lsujro
north of the wall
Member since Jul 2007
3919 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 2:26 pm to
quote:

ur unit supports the recirculate option, but wondering if that kills all the efficiency.


I don't know the answer to this, but I don't think there would be a significant difference. I didn't go tankless for efficiency, I wanted endless hot water
Posted by greenwave
Member since Oct 2011
3878 posts
Posted on 9/2/20 at 8:00 pm to
Thanks everyone. Plumber just left. Tank gotta be replaced, Tankless would be 3000 vs 1500 for new tank and install. Sounds like tankless it is. We are on TVA too so that’s nice to hear about the energy savings.

He also saw mold under the house so on to the next house issue..
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
81604 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 9:34 am to
quote:

Needs to be de-scaled every year

I am going to pretend I did not read this.
Posted by UltimaParadox
Huntsville
Member since Nov 2008
40831 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 10:15 am to
quote:

I am going to pretend I did not read this.


Lol how long ago was it installed? If you have water filtration you might be fine.
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
81604 posts
Posted on 9/3/20 at 10:24 am to
quote:

Lol how long ago was it installed? If you have water filtration you might be fine.

No idea. I bought the house in May 2019 from a widow who knew nothing about it. This is my first rodeo with a tankless.

It's in the attic, so I ain't doing shite until the temps get lower. That video didn't look terrible, so I may tackle it in December.
Posted by LSURN98
Jupiter
Member since Oct 2019
448 posts
Posted on 9/5/20 at 9:58 am to
Interesting.

Initially had Rinnia and they were junk. Had to constantly replace fuses and crap on the “motherboard” etc.

I now have two Rheem tankless that run together, indoor units that vent with PVC not stainless. Have had them for 10 years and have never de-scaled or had any issues. Only thing I will buy from now on.
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