New hot water heater regulations could put you in a bind
Posted by richrobinson 10 years, 1 month ago to The Gulch: General
I had to replace a hot water tank recently and the plumber told me I was lucky. Next month when the new regulations take effect water tanks will cost about 30% more. He has been told about $1,000.00. In addition to that the new tanks will need an outlet installed so the cost of installation will be higher. If you have an older tank you may want to replace it now. Thank you Energy Department.
Now, looking for a new house, I intend to install the same system, and add some amount of photovoltaic panels as well. I'm not comfortable if a government-controlled entity is supplying my gas and electricity - or my hot shower and my coffee.
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Gatsby
Sounds to me like these regulations could get you into hot water.. :)
I replaced my electric tank heater with an on demand gas unit (Rinnai) about 5 years ago. I did not see as much savings as I had hoped for and it takes a bit longer for the hot water to reach the faucet. The upside is that it is an endless supply.
Just more busy body bureaucratic nonsense, although not as bad as low volume flush toilets...
Regards,
O.A.
This article sounds like industry reps trying to get suckers to buy existing models now so the industry doesn't have to eat the cost themselves when the new regs are applied. Granted the new regs are economically foolish and unconstitutional (for unconsenting sovereign people.). Don't fix what isn't broken.
I bought tankless for one reason. I have two teens that both love to use up the hot water in the morning and I got sick of taking a cold shower after my morning workout.
I also have not seen an energy savings. Its about the same (5 months in now) but I never have to take a cold shower now. Purpose achieved.
Did you install a gas or electric unit? Are you happy with it in terms of performance?
Overseas many hotels have electric tankless hot water systems in each room, and they appear to work well.
The hot water is not instant to the tap with the gas as the water does have to travel through the pipes just like a water tank.
As far as energy savings I have not seen much of a difference (5 months now with the new system) so I would not buy it for that reason. I am seeing about a 2% decrease in the gas usage bill compared to last year. Not enough to pay back the difference in cost for the life of the unit.
The savings are in the fact that the unit has a warranty of 24 years rather than 12 years. Wont have to replace it for a long time. Its about 50% more to put in.
Overall I would recommend it (when your current system fails). I like the fact that you can set the temperature of the water. It no longer burns me if I do not mix in some cold in the shower because its at 110 degrees all the time. I also like the extra space in my home to store stuff. The water tank is pretty large, my new water heater is about 2 feet wide by 1 foot tall by 6 inch think hanging on my wall.
I would not replace it till your current system fails. No fixing what is not broken.
I now have an area where I can put furnace filters and other stuff that I would like to store in the utility room rather than having it somewhere else because it does not fit.