Tankless Water Heater

4 Responses to “What Residential Water Heater (50 Gallon, Gas) Is The Best?”

1. poppyman
   December 14th, 2009 @ 11:46 am

   The problem associated with converting to a tank less heater is the B.T.U. rating of the heater. The standard 50 gallon gas water heater has a BTU rating of 40,000-50,000. A tank less has a rating of 400,000-500,000, so your existing gas lines won’t provide enough gas to run the system. Also, since you have a larger burner, you will need to change your flue pipe, or the existing flue will melt from the intense heat. The manufacturer requires a triple wall stainless steel flue pipe, from the unit, all the way out of the building. Depending on the location of the new tank less heater, the new flue pipe could easily cost more than the water heater. Also, if the water pipes aren’t sized properly, the water may not get hot enough, as too much water is moving across the heat exchanger, too fast to heat up. Finally, if you have any type of plastic pipes, the manufacturer will not warranty the system, because they clearly state that no plastic pipes are to be downstream of a tank less water heater. I hope this helps in your decision!

2. I am, I said
   December 14th, 2009 @ 3:58 pm

   I understand it is very expensive to retrofit a home for a gas tank-less water heater…requires a larger gas line service be installed into your home. The cost of doing so could never be recouped in lower water heating costs.
   My AO Smith 50 gal. gas heater costs about $250 a year to operate for a family of three.

3. vincent s
   December 14th, 2009 @ 7:29 pm

   bosch tankless very efficent
   also install tankless instant electric water heaters the best when on vacation a lot

4. Sreengo
   December 14th, 2009 @ 11:07 pm

   A O Smith, I used these for many years in my home and for customers.

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