by request, a thread about "On Demand" or Tankless hot water heaters

[NMDemDist2]

Yes I have one, yes I've had it for about 18 months now in Phoenix Arizona

Mine is electric, but gas are available

Pros:

Lower energy bills since you only heat water when you need it
It's HOT
and it never never runs out (30 minute showers anyone?)

Cons:
Not suitable for families (usually) as it only will feed one outlet at a time (some folks add under sink heaters to assist)

Lower water pressure (you actually have to dial down water pressure so the heaters have time to heat the water)

Higher install/initial costs


Ok here's my review:

I LOVE the darn thing! But it's only Hubby and I so we only need one spigot at a time. We shower together or one after another. I only do dishes once a day and laundry once a week.

As far as the lower pressure thing, it never bothers me. We have low flow shower heads and the water is so HOT we mix in enough cold water so I never notice the lower pressure.

As far as "how fast" it takes less time to get hot water in the far bath than the old tank system did. So on that I'd don't notice a difference.

here's a website with more info, ask me questions if you need to and I'll do my best

http://www.controlledenergy.com/#

[eleny]

1. Dialing down?

Do you mean at the sink or tub? You just don't crank open the hot water to the force you did with the tank heater?

I read that there are water heaters that will feed two spigots. Not that we'd need it since it's just us two, as well.

I appreciate your mentioning that you don't notice the lower pressure since you need to add more cold with this type of heater. My dishwasher requires no more than 120 degrees temp water. if the water is too hot it's supposed to affect the detergent performance. What's your take on this?

I'm still interested in getting one. In a house with no basement to hide the "hideables", this system could be our solution. Hubby might finally be able to take a long shower that he loves once in a while.

[NMDemDist2]

2. you actually put a restricter on the water supply going into the heater

I would think with the Dishwasher the amount of cool water that comes in before the heater comes up to full strength it would be about the right mix

as for space, it takes about the size of a 12 pack of toilet paper hung on the wall, but I have the two heater one. If you live in a really cold climate you will need a 3 burner unit.

[eleny]

3. I looked at the one that allows for 2 showers at a time

It's also quite small and would fit well. It's smaller than I thought it would be and almost resembles a medicine cabinet on the wall.

That's interesting about lowering the water pressure. It gives the heater a chance to do it's thing! Whenever I think about these heaters I'm reminded of coffee maker technology.

[NMDemDist2]

4. unless you really need that much capacity it might give you sticker

shock.

my unit with two burners was comparable in price to a 40 gallon tank model.

the newest "Cadillac" may be a bit pricier LOL