Big_Hitter
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
My water heater replacement strategy is, when the water heater stops working, I replace it.
that's what we do
My water heater replacement strategy is, when the water heater stops working, I replace it.
For us the extra 2-3 inches diameter and height will make a big difference. We don't have a basement, and the utility closet is so small that putting anything bigger in the space would require realligning the plumbing pipes, gas line, and exhaust.
Also, many natural gas water heaters (the most popular type in MN) are now power vent, so they require air intake be installed to get combustion air to the burner.
Our last replacement 5 years ago was just under $800. Estimate for a new install now would be $1100 to $1200 (non-power vent) to $1500 to $1600 (power vent). Of course inflation accounts for some increase, but higher product cost and more labor definitely affect the total.
I don't buy extended warranties on anything.
Tankless electric water heaters to provide a reasonable stream of water need a very large power supply. For example assume 4 l/min flow (i use metric because it is easier here), and a 33 degree C rise in temp. 1 l is 1000 g and takes 1000 calories to raise 1 degree so you are talking about 33,000 calories per min of heat input or to use proper metric units 132,000 joules per min or 2,200 joules per second, which works out to 2.2 kw Now many appliances need more than 4 l per min (typically 11 l/min, which i will make 12 because it makes the math easier) meaning 6.6 kw or 27.5 amps minimum. Implying at least a 40 amp circuit to make it work. So you have to check the size of the service entrance, and also ask what other electric devices need to be on in the house at the same time. You might have to put a new service entrance and panel in.I'll need to replace my 15+yr old gas water heater but like a few other neighbors was thinking of upgrading to the small instant electric ones. I can free up room for more tools in my garage.
If your utility rates are typical, it costs a lot more to heat water with electricity than it costs to heat it with natural gas. And, as mentioned by meierdle, a "full-flow" whole-house tankless electric water heater takes a sizeable electric circuit/panel capacity.I'll need to replace my 15+yr old gas water heater but like a few other neighbors was thinking of upgrading to the small instant electric ones. I can free up room for more tools in my garage.
My water heater replacement strategy is, when the water heater stops working, I replace it.
+1. Also, more stuff to go wrong (flow switches/sensors, etc), and a higher upfront cost as well.Not a fan of tankless...the savings seem very overstated, and being in a cold climate, the "wasted" heat is not wasted half of the year as it helps to heat the house.
Wow, our water heater is 21 years old - could we be living on borrowed time?
+1. Also, more stuff to go wrong (flow switches/sensors, etc), and a higher upfront cost as well.