|
wasabi
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/12/02
|
|
Posts: 84
|
|
Loc: Carolinas
|
|
On-demand water heaters
09/25/02 07:37 AM
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
In anticipation of breaking ground on our mountain home, I'm trying to define and nail down as many specs as possible (it would probably be easier to nail jello to a wall). I've been looking into water heating methods.
What think you all about on-demand heaters? Pros and cons? Elec or Gas? Up front costs are clearly higher....are they worth it?
Post Extras:
|
|
Mike_Dumond
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/11/02
|
|
Posts: 60
|
|
Loc: Fort Kent, Maine
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: wasabi]
09/25/02 07:56 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
How many people in the house, and their ages?
So others may live
Post Extras:
|
|
wasabi
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/12/02
|
|
Posts: 84
|
|
Loc: Carolinas
|
|
|
How many people in the house, and their ages?
What a curious question. 
My wife and I are in our early fifties. We will live there part time, with perhaps summer residency and occasional visits from our various six children (blended family), ages 21, 20, 17, 16, 12, 9. Of these, my stepson Tripp loves to take long showers in case that is a factor. In case you are wondering, the rest of the time the children are with their other parent(s). We also have extended family that may visit. My mother is 82... I have two brothers, one of whom lives close by, is married to a 39 year old beautiful wife with two children, ages 4 and 3 mos. Jake, the 4 year old, informs me he doesn't like to take showers or baths. My other brother is 49, but single. He likes to bathe, I think, as he is generally squeaky clean. My sister is 55...she and her husband have five between them. I won't deliniate their ages because I think this thread may get long and boring if I do. The only other factor I can think of would be potential visits of our numerous friends and their clans...I think you get the picture....sometimes it will be two of us or me by myself....sometimes it will be a crowd. I assume we size heating capacity for the crowd?
Post Extras:
|
|
Mike_Dumond
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/11/02
|
|
Posts: 60
|
|
Loc: Fort Kent, Maine
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: wasabi]
09/25/02 10:41 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
Actually, I wasn't looking for the capacity as much as the cost. From what you've told me, I would go with the 'on demand' system.
Now, if you would have told me that it was your primary residence, and that you were in your early thirtys, with two teen-agers, then my recomendation would have been oil-fired, 50 gallon tank.
So others may live
Post Extras:
|
|
DUMBDOG
|
|
Gold Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/11/02
|
|
Posts: 286
|
|
Loc: North Dakota, Florida
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: wasabi]
09/25/02 10:54 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
One thing that I would look at with the gas on demand systems is how well the area is going to be sealed where the on demand water heater is going to be located. If I remember correctly the air demands are quite high and quite specific on the area to be installed for the available air supply. You may have to put in an air supply if you go gas. On the electric models there no requirements such as this.
Post Extras:
|
|
wasabi
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/12/02
|
|
Posts: 84
|
|
Loc: Carolinas
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: DUMBDOG]
09/26/02 10:23 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
That makes sense. Haven't nailed down that detail yet, but will probably locate it in equipment room off of service yard.
Thanks for the insights, Mike and DD!
Post Extras:
|
|
Carl
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/11/02
|
|
Posts: 76
|
|
Loc: Rocky NH Coast
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: wasabi]
09/26/02 10:46 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
Wasabi,
In addition to hot water propane, some more thoughts and comments about gas/propane.
Gas Stove, Gas Dryer, Space heater (Rinnai or similar - venting type) or fireplace for those cool mornings/evenings, and even refrigerators on propane.
Of course by the time you buy the space heater, hot water system etc. you may be able to get a gas boiler for heat and water..
Have fun planning.
Carl
Post Extras:
|
|
RJohnson
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/12/02
|
|
Posts: 36
|
|
Loc: Texas
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: wasabi]
09/26/02 04:39 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
wasabi
I looked at the electric on demand water heaters and the biggest draw back was it took a 100 amp line just for it. Which meant you would need a 200 amp service meter. Since you are looking a new construction that should be no problem but for remodels most older homes do not meet the service requirements. Good luck.
Randy
Post Extras:
|
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: Buster57]
09/28/02 11:15 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
Buster, how is the circulating circuit plumbed? Is there a return line back to the water heater, with the pump on that line? If so, where is it plumbed back into the heater? I'm thinking that if this is the case the drain valve could be removed and the loop plumbed back in there, with a valve added in that line for the drain. I don't think you want to just hook into the cold water line, at least not without adding a check valve-which in itself is a bad thing to do in a hot water circuit due to thermal expansion of the water.
I have heard of this setup, but never done it or seen it myself. I plan to do something like this on my next place-it takes a long time to get hot water to my upstairs bath now.
Thanks in advance.
Brian
Post Extras:
|
|
Mike_Dumond
|
|
Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/11/02
|
|
Posts: 60
|
|
Loc: Fort Kent, Maine
|
|
|
Brian, you can return thru the drain opening.
it takes a long time to get hot water to my upstairs bath now.
Just remember, that with a loop system, it will cost you more to keep the water hot. Personally, I don't mind waiting the extra minute or so, as opposed to paying for the extra energy and set-up cost.
So others may live
Post Extras:
|
|
GaryM
|
|
Veteran Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/12/02
|
|
Posts: 1212
|
|
Loc: Warrenton, MO
|
|
|
I'm having a Metlund D'mand system installed in my new home. Basically at the end of the run the hot/cold lines are tied together with a set of tees and a small pump. There is a temp sensor on the hot side. Press a button and the pump draws from the hot side and forces it back into the cold side. When the sensor detects a temp rise on the hot side, the pumps shuts off.
It's not a water heater in itself. All it does is eliminate the water from doing down the drain while the hot side is filled from the water heater.
More information is available at www.gothotwater.com
Gary
----------------------------------------------
Hey! Aren't you supposed to be working?
Post Extras:
|
|
farmhouse
|
|
New Member
|
|
|
|
|
Reged: 09/13/02
|
|
Posts: 23
|
|
Loc: East Texas
|
|
Re: On-demand water heaters
[re: wasabi]
09/29/02 03:42 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
|
|
We built a small (2 bedroom, 2 bath) farmhouse about six months ago. My wife and I are the primary, part time users. We have a 40 gallon electric water heater and even when we have guests (up to 4 additional people) the hot water just keeps coming! I don't know how old your primary residence might be but we were amazed at the advance in the efficiency of this vital appliance. When we leave, we turn the hot water heater off at the breaker panel. The costs have been modest. Best of luck on your construction.
Romans 8:28
Post Extras:
|
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
Threaded