MegaViper said:Funny noone out of all these post mention that if you actually CLICK the site and read it says you have to have a licensed contractor do the install for another $400 and you have to send in thier federal ID # on the receipt.

Did you read the other post? The need for a licensed contractor was covered in several post already....I don't see where it needs to cost 400.

Here's a question for someone:

How does the tax credit work?

If you make $30,000 do they deduct $300 off your taxable amount or do they give you $300 after.

Reason I ask is because of the EIC I will not be paying out any tax/$'s, so if I'm right this wouldn't work or me at all.

Gladiator99 said:Here's a question for someone:

How does the tax credit work?

If you make $30,000 do they deduct $300 off your taxable amount or do they give you $300 after.

Reason I ask is because of the EIC I will not be paying out any tax/$'s, so if I'm right this wouldn't work or me at all.
This is a tax credit, not a deduction. It will either reduce the amount you owe by $300 or increase your refund by $300.

kenmarks
The thermal efficiency is 85% and there are no losses from storing the water (which is not minimal as "someone who is in the industry" stated).
Here is a good question. Why do Americans use tank-type heaters and many other countries use tankless? Do you think it might be because status quo is the norm here and saving energy (which is more costly elsewhere) is more important in other countries? Kind of like 14 mpg SUVs versus 60 mpg Polos..[/Q said:

What is your definition of minimal? Water heaters are very efficient at keeping the temp of the water when the water is not in use. They use to sell (and be useful) thermal blankets to put on water heaters to prevent the loss of heat. Today they are all but worthless. Just go and touch your water heater, it should feel room temperature (except for the line coming out).

Think how well a cheap thermus works at retaining heat...or a simple styrofoam container

It's not rocket science to realize that the costs associated with tank/tankless heaters really isn't the tank, rather its the method of heating, and the distance from the tank/heater to the outlet. A 100' run's savings from your basement to the 2nd floor bathroom is going to be negligeable regardless of the method to heat the water. You will still have 100' of cold water in those pipes to bleed off.

There is something to be said for at-site heating methods (small electric heater at the outlet), but this is for conservation of WATER, NOT $$$ savings.

And this is probably why other contries rely on these methods, they are trying to be frugal on water usage.

I have already used up my $500 tax rebate on windows, doors, and a new A/C unit. Good deal either way. Just a most of these units come with a warrenty but only if you have a professional certified install the unit. As well these units kick on everytime you use hot water so I would recommend a storage tank to assist the unit.

An interesting discussion..... something to consider for electric water heaters, even though their efficiency is very high as compared to like gas water heaters, that doesn't mean they have less detrimental effects on the environment or they are cheaper to operate. Effects on the environment for electric heaters are very dependant on the source of the electricity. If it's a fossile fueled generating facility, the cradle to grave efficiency of an electric water heater is very low. On the other extreme, if the source for the electricity is wind, solar, etc., it's efficiency is very high and has little impact to the environment.

Whether gas or electric should be used and economics of operating is the overall determining factor, don't consider efficiency alone, the unit cost for gas and electric as well as their efficiencies need to be taken into account. It's possible to have a less efficient heater that operates on energy that costs less, to have an overall cost that is less to operate than possibly something more efficient.

There are many more things to consider in which type of heater is best..... electric vs gas, tanks vs tankless, each have their application.

It was mentioned before that people in other countries use tankless water heaters and it was compared to the reasons why they drive small vs large cars....... if you've been to many countries that use tankless technologies, in many of those countries you'll find the main reason why they use tankless technology is they simply don't have the room for a tank style heater.

One thing to consider about installation: Most, if not all, states require by law that your plumbing contractor must be licensed. You can't and shouldn't get just any old Joe-Schmo with a ladder and a white van to install this. An improperly installed water heater can cause you some serious problems down the road. Please get a licensed plumber to do your install if you decide to go for this deal.

$598 in Austin, Texas Gas Service has a $300 rebate.

So this is quite tempting.

No idea how much install would cost.

I'm concerned 4.3GPM is too restrictive for a Shower I just added.

I have a water recycling pump already on it -- so that helps.

thanks,

M

seningen said:Anyone know how/where this has to be installed, noticed it has to be vented,
how close to the consumption source?

m

Tankless water heaters need to be vented straight up while most water heaters don't. Also tankless vents are typically bigger than water heaters. If these conditions aren't met, it means adding holes and closing old ones. Fun Fun...

nycll said:coolT said:farcrazy said:Kind of off-topic, but there is a misconception that these tankless water heater is a lot more efficient. The only thing that it saves energy is the stand-by loses and piping loses. The stand-by losses for water heaters these days (assuming good foam insulation) are pretty minimal, and the piping loses will be about the same if you place your unit at the same location as before. The gas energy that it takes to heat the water comes at a lot higher BTU and definitely special venting and other installation is required.

For people who are really concern about saving money from water heating (like I am)- they should take a look at solar heating and/or heat-pump technologies that has been around.

I disagree. Tankless water heaters are more efficient than conventional gas water heaters. Electric heaters are more efficient but cost more per year to operate (electric more expensive that gas). Tankless water heaters also last longer. I agree strongly that heat pump and solar technologies are good for the enviroment and should be considered.

I guess the pilot light is the culprit.

I'd think that the heat from the pilot light would end up in the water anyway, so it's not wasted.