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Tankless Gas Water Heater - Exterior Mount

FirePlugDawg

Considering installing a tankless gas water heater mounted on the exterior. Interior is an option too. Read of several problems with tankless, most of which the manufacturers have solutions to now, Have not seen much commentary/issues about mounting the unit on the outside. Other interest is in the recirculating loop. Furtherest distance with the new configuration would be the master bath. Also, not sure I have a feel for the pricing. I heard they cost about what a high efficiency tank model costs, but ??? Mine would be about 190,000 Btu. Rheem is in the ATL, but there are a few other brands including one in Mass, something like Ecosmart or ?

Would/will value any constructive (pun unintended) thoughts on this matter. Thanks.

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DawgBiscuit

FirePlugDawg... I've had my gas Rinnai tankless water since 2004. It has performed flawlessly and I highly recommend them. Stay away from some of the other brands sold by Home Improvement stores due to lots of problems. RinnaI has a plant in Peachtree City area in Georgia. FYI... tankless water heaters have been around in other countries since mid 1900, but just caught-on in America in the last decade. I researched them for about 2 months before choosing Rinnai. Ours is mounted inside the basement of 3-floor home to reduce the length of vent pipe (expensive). You'll never have to worry about flooding due to burst water tank, just keep them maintained annually. I do the maintenance myself. I don't use the expensive citric acid to run through the Rinnia. I use distilled vinegar. My research said tankless water heaters last aprox 20+ yrs if maintained properly. I understand that gas (LP or natural) tankless water heaters are highly recommended, NOT electric models.

Go for it!

FirePlugDawg

Thanks, Biscuit. Yes, I have seen the Rinnai listed. I'll look into it more. There is a treatment cartridge that I will use. I saw where there are sets of fittings that have the service valves/bypasses in one package. I'll also need a water hammer, if not for this, then as a general thing. Home is about 30 years old and looks like code was not a top priority in several areas.

Edit: How did you find the plumber?

Casanova_Flatulence

I looked into the same thing about 4 years ago. Went with a larger and improved standard water heater. Never looked back.

FirePlugDawg

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/270412#Comment_270412

Was it cost or something else? I don't expect to stay around long enough to fully recover the added cost, but might help on re-sell. Plus there's the "new shiny thing" factor.

DawgBiscuit

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/270411#Comment_270411

Here's how to find APPROVED Rinnai PLUMBERS: https://www.rinnai.us/find-pro

FYI... The plumber I used was an individual approved by Rinnai. He's retired now :( Also, I use RS Andrews for HVAC service, and they are Rinnai approved, but likely more expensive. However, so far they do the job right the first time after 3+ years.

Hope this helps...

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Bankwalker

@FirePlugDawg Probably not much help but I'll say I know many people with tankless water heaters. Don't know anyone who doesn't like theirs except for the cost.

@dawg1111 I thought part of the selling point for the tankless is the instant heating and faster delivery. Not the case?

I've been in a house before where cold pipes **** the heat out of the water before it reached the faucet. There was a delay on getting actual hot water until the pipes were warmed by the water. That house had a crawlspace, which is why the pipes would get cold in Winter.

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MarkBoknecht

From my limited experience working at a Home Improvement center, tankless has a steep initial investment and a payback of at least 10 years as I recall it. And yes, the st. steel vent pipe is expensive. Also, there's a recirculating pump that works with a small bypass to enable "on-demand" hot water.

If you go tankless, make sure it's sized right for larger households.

But being the more conservative type, I like a good tank model. Any project who's payback is greater than 5 years seldom made the cut.

tfk_fanboy

I have tankless. 7th year, last month

zero issues so far and love it. I can't imagine going back. I like long showers

WCDawg

FPD. Through my limited research and feedback from people with real experience in the field my impression is waterless tanks yield best results when installed as small capacity units on site. So a small one in a bathroom where water flows through the unit and travels a very short distance to its use point vs a single whole house unit might be more efficient.

ghostofuga1

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/270480#Comment_270480

Older article but an interesting read regarding cost and savings.

https://activerain.com/blogsview/2297270/the-fabled-tankless-water-heater

destindawg1

I'm a home builder/developer in Destin/30A, been in the business 30 years both here and formally in Atl. The photo is what's in my garage. Navien. We buy 10/12 of these a year for houses we build. Used to use Rinnai until 3 years ago. I like the inside installation better if you have a choice. We are within a block of the Gulf so it was necessary for us to protect from the salt air. Highly recommend you look at this brand, inside or out install depends on your climate.

MarkBoknecht

@ghostofuga1 Thanks for that article. When I last worked at a Home Imp. Cntr., we had a 40 gal basic unit for around $300 plus an estimated $200 or so installation. $500 total. But I never like to go cheapest. Go with a better or best model for an extra 100-200 dollars.

For $1800 you're probably getting the best of the best in tank models. And if any of those rebate programs offerred by the state or feds still exist, this one probably qualifies.