By: hoosierm

hoosierm — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:28:53 +0000

They are more efficient because they heat the water ‘on demand’ as it is being used. They require less space and are state of the art. They do use a computer control so an extended warranty is often required as this part is very expensive to replace in case of a sudden power surge, etc. I converted a 30 gal gas tank water heater over to a 50 gal electric tank water heater that is powered by 220 volt. The problem with most gas water heaters is that the burner is under the tank and as sediment builds up over time inside the tank it settles on the bottom (unless you have an ‘agitator rod’ type of gas water tank). Additionally, most gas water heaters will have to heat the entire cold water contents of the tank if all the hot is run out and a 30 gal heater can run out fairly quickly. With the 50 gal. electric heater we always have ready hot water and since it has two elements (one upper and one lower) it heats the water as the upper element senses the tank water is losing temperature. Additionally, the 220 volt hookup uses less amps than a 110 volt setup so I don’t see a drastic spike in my electric bill even if the water heater is used frequently. I have the water heater on a heavy duty stand in my basement and have insulated it with a jacket and the pipes with foam pipe wrap. The water heater was less than $100.00 and is a top brand and has paid for itself many times over. I have hot water all the time and have never drained all the hot water in the tank even with multiple showers, etc, due to it being a 50 gal. size. It also has replaceable limit switches and electrodes so I should never have to replace the tank as long as I drain it once every year or so. I have a small garden hose attached to the drain petcock whick runs to the floor drain in the floor. Hope this info helps. Good luck.

Comments on: Electric Tankless Water Heater?

By: hoosierm