We are considering a tank-less water heater for many reasons. What I'd like to find out are peoples experiences , opinions and knowledge of them .

Craig

I had one of the early ones, in the early 80s, in another house. It worked fine. It was an Aqua Star by Bosch. The hot water had to travel far, however, so that meant a lot of waiting with the water running. The hot water doesn't circulate until the water in the copper pipes just above the flame is hot. It's not much volume, but it does take time.

I bought another one recently, also a Bosch. Now there are condensing v non-condensing, and some building codes require condensing, which recycles exhaust and costs a lot more. Also now most codes require an exhaust fan, not just an vent. I found out that the fan kit cost a ridiculous $350 so haven't bought one or had any of it installed.

Minimum flow requirement (the amount you have to open the faucet to activate the flame) is a key consideration, especially if your faucets are far from the heater, and you'll be wasting water. You'll have to run your kitchen faucet before you run your dishwasher, and figure out something if you want hot water in the laundry right from the start. The other key is output - how much maximum, how many valves can be open at once. The manufacturers tell you how many showers, tubs, washing machines, dishwashers, and faucets each model can handle, or they just suggest based on family size, number of rooms, etc.

I'm assuming gas. There are also electric ones.

They are not quite as simplistic as the manufacturers suggest. While they do supply "instant" hot water, they consume a lot of power. You need to run gas lines and separate exhaust vents. If electric, Many older home do not have adequate wiring for their use. Unless you have a lot of unprotected piping, I believe a newer 40-50 gallon heater does just as well without long term recovery costs.

You've really helped me decide on the next water heater I will be buying. I was considering the tankless, but it sounds like more than I want to get into. My house was build 35 years ago and my 90 gallon water heater just went out. It sounds like there is too much to consider for a tankless and the fact that you have to let the water run to get it to the appliance you want to run, plus the fact that I may have my washer and dish washer and a shower going at the same time, who knows if it can handle it. Thanks for your perspective on the tankless. You've made my life much easier. Best regards.

I use the tankless here in China, that is the type they use in most new construction now. I love mine. With that said, the heater is on the wall in the kitchen and the bath is normally close. So there is no distance between .