Hot Water Heating - electric v gas?

I was wondering about installing a tempering tank, (an unisnsulated water storage tank). In the winter the water coming into the building is literally freezing. If the water was already warmed up to basement temperature, the increase in temperature needed to heat the water would not be so great.

Shamrock

in General Discussion 2 years and 5 months ago

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dubaivinylflooring | 2 years and 5 months ago

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In the midst of a reno and trying to determine what type of hot water heating we should install. I’d prefer electric as I’m considering solar (future plan), but worried that it may not be as effective and without solar to offset, costs could be high. Anyone have any experience with electric hot water solutions? We have a 4 floor 2x family home. Ideally we can make some space by going tankless as well. Anyone have any experience? Would welcome anyone thoughts. Thanks!

Guest User | 2 years and 5 months ago

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While a tank type electric water heater can run on something as low as a dedicated 20 amp 220 v line if you wire it for nonsimultaneous element heating, a tankless electric hot water heater may well require a three pole 60 amp line….

lkrshacmzcy | 2 years and 5 months ago

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Tankless is not meant to save “space” as everyone in the city seems to think. It is meant to run efficiently by not having to keep a constant storage tank heated.
Most companies can give you a breakdown of Utility cost by use of appliances.

lkrshacmzcy | 2 years and 5 months ago

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Tankless is not meant to save “space” as everyone in the city seems to think. It is meant to run efficiently by not having to keep a constant storage tank heated.
Most companies can give you a breakdown of Utility cost by use of appliances.

lucie | 2 years and 5 months ago

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If you go with tankless, I would go with electrical.
It does require electrical service upgraded but considering you go through renovation, you probably doing this anyhow.
Chris Petri is right:
Tankless is installed to heat water when you need it and close to the place where it is consumed, so, it does not heat water in the tank and electricity is used mostly to heat what you use now. Probably you would need more then one tankless water heater.
One for laundry room and one for each floor.
Installation is more expensive but as a result you will use less energy.
Also, if heater is close to the place where you use it, you will end up wasting less water waiting for the hot water when you open faucet.

lucie | 2 years and 5 months ago

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If you go with tankless, I would go with electrical.
It does require electrical service upgraded but considering you go through renovation, you probably doing this anyhow.
Chris Petri is right:
Tankless is installed to heat water when you need it and close to the place where it is consumed, so, it does not heat water in the tank and electricity is used mostly to heat what you use now. Probably you would need more then one tankless water heater.
One for laundry room and one for each floor.
Installation is more expensive but as a result you will use less energy.
Also, if heater is close to the place where you use it, you will end up wasting less water waiting for the hot water when you open faucet.

jimhillra | 2 years and 5 months ago

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What about electric versus condensing?

Guest User | 2 years and 5 months ago

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I really like the idea of hybrid water heaters…they use standard electric 30 amp two pole single phase breakers that most properties should have available. That said I have come across a couple of issues when installing and servicing them…. they require either a nearby drain or condensate pump hooked up to a drain…and there are some issues with the sound level (especially Rheem)… I’ve also had a couple of fairly new installations with failed temperature sensors needing replacement so make sure that there is ample space around the unit for servicing. Also, they are way more expensive than a conventional gas hot water tank, but so are the tankless units..