"On Demand" Hot Water Tanks

[Amy]

Ok, you DISers seem to know a little about everything. Our hot water tank (gas, 40 gal) is about 16 years old, so DH figures it'll be giving out soon. We've read about those "on demand" hot water tanks where there's some kind of heating element that heats up the water only when you need it, and theoretically you never run out of hot water. Our DS's are 11 and 13, so we've reached the stage where we're going to have all 4 of us taking showers in the morning (and DH likes his shower HOT and long).

Opinions please: Do any of you have one of these on demand heaters? Are they any good? They cost more than regular water heaters - is the energy savings worth it? Anything special we should look for when shopping for one? Thanks!

 

[helenabear]

bump

 

[Tiggeroo]

We have a small hvac business. DH has put several of these in and been to homes with them. He thinks they are great. Also saving on energy costs. You are not keeping a tank of water warm, sitting there.

 

[tstobb]

There are 2 versions - gas & electric. The electric units can take a long time to get to temperature.

How well these work also depends where you live. In warmer areas, the water coming into the unit is usually warmer so the unit has to heat it less to get to the desired temperature.

In a house with 4 people, you may actually want to consider multiple units (1 for each bathroom & 1 for the kitchen/laundry) as 1 unit won't be able to keep up with larger demands.

Check with your local utility company as they may subsidize some of the costs or offer rebates for higher efficiency products.

 

[Amy]

Thanks! Anybody else?