Tankless gas water heater?

[Dieselnut59]

I am considering buying a tankless gas water heater to go in my shop. I am building a 12'x15' office, a 12'x15' guest bedroom and a 5'x12' bathroom inside of my shop. I also have an extra clothes washer and gas dryer I will put in the shop for washing my very dirty work clothes and cloth shop towels. I will also have a washbasin ('laundry') hand washing sink in the shop.

All of these things will need hot water, but not a 40 gallon gas water heater like I have in the house. I don't see the need to heat water that I will seldom use, but will need when I do use it. I have heard of a "Renai" (?sp) tankless water heater that heats water on demand. Do any of yall know about these things? How well do they work? Is the water actually HOT or just kind of warm? Can I get enough flow to enjoy a nice shower with a full-flow showerhead? I know they are pretty expensive, but I think the savings will pay off in not having to heat water when I am not using it.

Thanks for any help!

John

 

[CMNS PWR]

Send a PM to Amish Elegance.

 

[nps]

Don't know about the gas models, but I've had experience with electric models here and abroad. The electric ones warm the water but can neither keep up with the demand or produce HOT hot water.



Many times you'll find one under the sink in office kitchens because they don't have a hot water source and don't want to run 2 plumbing lines through an office.

 

[The patriot]

I was researching this a little while back.

The Takagi T-KD20 came highly recomended.

This unit may be a little on the overkill side for your app.

Eric

 

[ob1kobi]

I have a tankless oil system here, seems they are pretty common up in these parts and I wouldn't be without it. It makes as much hot water as I want, and it makes it way hotter than what I would ever need it to be. I love it and would have a hard time using a regular tank system now.

 

[crabman]

I have had a tankless water system for over 8 years. (Takagi brand-natural gas) Would never have another tank hot water heater.

The tankless models take up very little space and can be mounted high on the wall to take up even less. (another +) One thing is for certain, with a tankless you will never run out of hot water even while doing laundry and washing dishes and taking a very long shower at the same time.

Its worth your time to check them out.

$0. 02



crabman

 

[RandyHamilton]

Anyone Else

Have any experience with an electric model besides NPS? My house is all electric and I can't see bringing in Gas for one appliance. Wondering if there is an electric model that will do the job. I have a 3br/3bath house.



Thanks,

 

[Dieselnut59]

Thanks for the information guys! I will be looking into this more in the upcoming months. I will definately go with gas and tankless.

I have heard there is an electric offering but it requires a LOT of electricity (somewhere around 40 amps) and is still not as fast or powerful as the gas ones. I will use Propane because I want to put a heater in the shop too, along with a dual fuel (gas/electric) heat pump in the office/bedroom. bath area. The tankless water heater is a must since I will be starting this project from scratch.

As a side note, I have never had a bit of problem with my almost 6 year old 40 gallon propane water heater in my house. It heats water fast, never runs out and seems quite efficient. I just want to start with the best and most efficient design in my shop since I have the choice and opportunity to plan.

Thanks again for the info!