Anybody have any experience with a tankless water heater? Is this the same thing as on demand hot water? What are the advantages and disadvantages compared to regular hot water tanks? Thanks and have a good one.
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It works well, if it is used within the specs of the unit.
You need to pay attention to the flow rate (GPM) and the temperature rise. Most tub fixtures will flow more water than the unit can heat for a "hot" bath- unless you restrict the tub spigot or buy a bigger GPM model. Things like showers and sink faucets are not a problem within the flow specs.
You can get fancy with them and use it as a small boiler feeding an indirect fired water heater and storage tank.
You also need to ensure that the existing flue is propely sized if it is to be vented with your other appliances, otherwise you need to use the manufacturers venting kit.
Lack of combustion air could be a serious problem- medium sized gas fired units are 190+k btu compared to the typical 40k btu water heater. Manufacturers tankless flue kits usually include provisions for a combustion air intake pipe.
Gas piping also needs to be properly sized. A 1/2" drop at the end of the run isn't gonna cut it for a 190k btu tankless heater.
If your hot water usage habits change with the limitless hot water, you will not see any savings on the utility bills... the bill will go up :)
Manufacturer websites usually have install suggestions, piping diagrams, etc.