Water Heaters - Tankless Electric Whole House Water Heater
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n1ml
06-22-09, 08:19 PM
We live in south Florida. The house is a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath 2500 square foot house for just the two of us. We have guests a few times a year. I am looking to replace the 1990 50 gallon tank with a new tankless. I have 2 40 amp slots and the wiring is a breeze for me. I'm very well trained on the copper, too. Here's my question. Is a Powerstar AE-115 or a Titan N160 a good choice for us? Is there a different unit I should be looking at? Any other advice?
Thanks
Thanks
chandler
06-23-09, 05:00 AM
Others will have different viewpoints, but here's my take. The electric units will have a slower production rate than will the gas units. I am in the middle of a basement remodel, and the owner had a gas Rinnai unit installed and runs off propane. You may not have that option. When a demand is made, it fires up and runs until the demand is released. They will only run out of hot water when they run out of gas. Let's wait on the take on the electric ones from those with experience with them.
ZL700
06-25-09, 08:59 AM
Electric may work fine for you, especially living in Florida with higher inlet temps. You must just pay attention to required/desired GPM against the performance of unit selected.
I would strongly consider a better made unit such as a Striebel, Dolphin or others as they are better made without plastics.
I would strongly consider a better made unit such as a Striebel, Dolphin or others as they are better made without plastics.
ray2047
06-25-09, 09:37 AM
The gas units cost more and require costly special venting because of the high heat. Also you may need to run a larger gas line.
Electric units generally cost less to buy and no costly special venting of course. One that requires only a single 60 amp feed may not require upgrading your electric service. I installed a 60 amp unit for a friend and she was very happy with the results but we are talking a one person household and in a warm climate.
Electric units generally cost less to buy and no costly special venting of course. One that requires only a single 60 amp feed may not require upgrading your electric service. I installed a 60 amp unit for a friend and she was very happy with the results but we are talking a one person household and in a warm climate.
594tough
06-28-09, 05:33 PM
If you are talking 2 single slots available, that would be 40 amps/240. I don't know if you would find a tankless that would run on that. If you have a pair of 40 amp double pole breakers available, that would run one that would give you enough water for one shower at a time. Remember to size the wire to the breaker you use.