Water Heaters - Can I reduce the size of my hot water heater?

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jrschmidt
05-08-09, 02:52 PM
Hi,

I currently have a 120 Gallon electric heater for a 2 bedroom condo. I believe that the reason that this tank is so large is because I have a large jetted tub in the master bath (easily fits two). The current tub does not heat the water, so all of the hot water comes from the tank. I am about to replace the tub and many of the tubs that I have seen have heaters. Are these heaters enough to heat all of the water for the tub (as in could the supply line be cold water)? or will I still need an oversized hot water heater?

TIA,

John

furd
05-08-09, 04:38 PM
The heater on a jetted tub is only to slow the heat loss from the water. It cannot raise the temperature of the water in the tub.

You may be able to downsize the primary water heater if you install a smaller tub and/or run the water heater at a higher temperature. If you choose to run at a higher temperature you should install an automatic temperature control valve to prevent the higher temperature water from being a scald hazard.
plumbermandan
05-08-09, 04:52 PM
this might be a good time to think about a tankless heater since you probably have a large enough gas line feeding that monster and the government is giving a 30% of the cost tax credit (that is not a deduction).

then you wouldnt have to worry about the tub size or running out of hot water while filling it

jrschmidt
05-08-09, 08:44 PM
this might be a good time to think about a tankless heater since you probably have a large enough gas line feeding that monster and the government is giving a 30% of the cost tax credit (that is not a deduction).

then you wouldnt have to worry about the tub size or running out of hot water while filling it

Thank you both for your suggestions. Unfortunately, there is no gas in the unit and I don't have enough amps available to be able to use an electric tankless. I've been looking at them for years. I live in the NE and would need a 200 amp service for the electric tankless that I would need and I can't do that either.

It's unfortunate, but I just may have to go the smaller tub route. :(

Thanks for the info.

John