When we had our house inspected, the inspector was almost incredulous at the shape our house was in. The roof was new, the high efficiency furnace was new, the plumbing and electrical had been updated, but there was one thing he encouraged us to fix right away…. THE HOT WATER HEATER.
Cue ominous music. Hot water heaters are supposed to last for 10-12 years, and ours was pushing TWENTY. According to the inspector, the thing could start leaking slowly, or it could have an epic fail. I didn’t want to risk either of them.
If any of you have contemplated hot water heaters in the past few years, I think you know what I’m about to tell you. Replacing a hot water heater is an ethical dilemma of epic proportions…at least if you don’t have a budget of epic proportions.
I can compare my dilemma to an amazing chapter of Neil Pollack’s Alternadad (a crazy funny read, even if you’re not a parent or an aging hipster). In the chapter, Pollack writes about the agonizing decision about whether or not he should have his son circumsized. He didn’t have especially strong feelings one way or the other, but his wife was strongly against it, calling it “genital mutilation”. His Jewish parents, on the other hand (who weren’t even especially observant) threatened to disown him, then lined up every member of the family to harass him.
Maybe my family members aren’t lining up to disown me if I pick the wrong hot water heater, but I feel like the pressure is on, and the stakes are high.
Here’s the deal. GOOD PEOPLE install fancy, efficient, expensive on-demand hot water heaters. BAD PEOPLE who don’t care about the Earth install the same old tank models for a fraction of the price. Ed Begley Jr. shills for a super-efficient tank model called the Vertex that costs even more money than an on-demand water heater.
I want to be a good person. Honest I do. I spent WEEKS combing through the internet, doing research about my options. The internet is filled with happy owners of on-demand water heaters with reduced gas bills. It’s also full of disgruntled owners who installed the water heaters themselves, voiding warranties and creating expensive disasters. Consumer Reports recommended against on-demand water heaters, saying the total price for the unit and installation would be more than the savings over the life of the unit.
Here’s the math. A new water heater with a tank costs around $350, and can be easily installed in place of an old tank unit. A tankless water heater would cost between $1000 and $1200, and would also require entirely new stainless steel venting that would run at least $300. Professional installation is required for the brand our hardware store stocks, which usually costs about two times as much as the unit itself. In total, I was told that I could be looking at about $3000 for a tankless model.
I was seriously confused and conflicted. Help me, Ed Begley Jr.!
I had a plan, though. My parents were going to be visiting us for the holidays, and as I’ve written before, my father is a natural-born handyman. I figured that we could buy a tankless model and install it ourselves. When we wound up taking a look at everything that was involved, my Father wasn’t exactly jumping up and down. We’d have to replace all of the existing venting, replace the gas valve, and tinker with all sorts of other things.
We chickened out.
In the end, I didn’t make the sexy, modern choice, but I did my research and bought a high efficiency Rheem water heater from our local hardware store that got rave reviews on the internet. We brought the thing home, and had the thing hooked up in about an hour. The gas, water and ventilation all hooked up perfectly. We even installed an emergency drip pan in the bottom, which the previous model didn’t have.
We must have installed the thing in the nick of time. After I had drained most of the water out of the old water heater, I put it on a dolly and wheeled it out to our back deck. The bottom of the water heater practically collapsed. I think the outside layer of paint was the only thing holding the mass of corrosion and rust together.
This morning, Claire and I took our old water heater to our local recycling center. We had to pay a $17 recycling fee, but I was able to leave it with others of its kind. They’ll certainly send it to the “hot water heater farm” for retirement, right? I’m trying to be a good person. I don’t think Ed Begley Jr. will stay mad at me for long.
We’re looking at having to do this in the near future as well. Likely this year. I’m terrified. And conflicted as well. I keep reading that the on-demands don’t save you any money over the life of the unit. Grr. I gotta admit I’m intrigued by your, “hooked up in about an hour.”
Oh, and don’t forget the new and additional electrical demands the on-demand tanks have to have installed. That, and the Consumer Reports article, are what convinced us to go with the old-fashioned tank, too. We had THREE dying water heaters when we bought our old farmhouse. One (which was even more rotten than yours!) was in our laundry room, solely for our washing machine. We decided to do without, and just wash with cold water. A bit more eco-friendly, maybe?
suprised you guys didnt go for the solar model- along with the tax rebates the savings are much higher than the on demand system.
Garth, you may have saved me many hours of research on this one! Our water heater is *30* years old, and we’ve been waiting for it to kick the bucket so our home warranty will cover it, but I’m nervous about the impending disaster.
It might be worth it to see what we’ve got locally, but I didn’t even know the tankless heaters were that pricey! Wow.
We have an on demand system, because we had our house added on to, so it actually SAVES money to put one in. In our neighborhood, building costs per square foot run about $200-$300. Figure you need a built space of about 9 square feet, and the decision becomes a no brainer. We have a Noritz model, and I must say I LOVE it!
Well…..you did not research sufficient.
If you go to http://www.omega2000group.com and look at OME 620-D you will see that price of the unit is not $1000+ but a merely $630.00 . With a universal adapter of $59.00 push you to a grand total of $689.00 plus tax (i do not know the tax rate of you neck of the woods!) Require no stainless steel exhaust, require no plumbing modifications and it can be installed on 15 minute (same flex pipes, same location, same everything. That, even if you bring a plumber can not cost you more then $100.00.
On top of that you get $200.00 from Gas company (Sempra i believe!) and 30% federal rebate, which amount to another $300.00. That is a grand total of $500.00 on rebates and your balance remain only $200.00.
That when you take in consideration “Made in USA” , Energy Star, lifetime warranty in heater exchanger and no professional installation required, that really become a no brainier.
George Sararu.
PS: There is one more issue which nobody talk about it: You do not re-heat only the water in the tank 6 to 12 times in 24 hours! By the phenomena of convection you also reheat the water on the pipes, on the entire house (in most of the houses are on the attic!)which just becomes a huge radiator. Then , on summer time , you pay again to cool down your house which you heat with your tank water heater. If you also take on consideration the Legionnaire Disease which primary breading grounds are on water heater tanks, ….well ….you be the judge!
Hey everybody! Do a little Googling, and you’ll see that George Sararu, the poster of the above comment is the “owner” of the company selling the product he’s pushing, and there is a huge list of complaints against him. I’m just sayin’.
Garth,
We were in the same dilemma about a year ago, after our conventional water heater sprung a leak. Our basement location (for venting), and our low-flow gas lines made the choice pretty simple. We have an efficient heater, watch our water use and turn down the water heater when out of town – the bill isn’t too bad. The drawback of the on-demand is that the “Ed Begley Jr” never-ending hollywood shower erases a lot of the cost and energy savings.
PS Perhaps George Sararu should look up the ave. summer temps in Eureka before commenting on how we have to pay again to cool down the house in summer… In Eureka??
Hope the EQ was not too bad for you guys. Let us know if you need help. We are in need of a chimney repair and new ceramic art work
Garth, you disappoint me! You must be one of those who believe Internet start and end with Goggle. I am not the owner, I am the CEO of Omega 2000 Group Corp which is a corporation. I am also one of the company engineer’s and the spook person for the above company. The “huge” list of complaints is from a few “installers ” who “Goggle” which direction a screw should be tighten and did not get a satisfactory response from search engine so …my product is guilty. Or purchase a little OME 506 (point of use!) and expect to heat the water for the entire 3 bath plus auxiliary house and when it does not, lets writhe one article, is free anyway!
The record is clear: In 10 years in business in USA we did not have any forced or voluntary recall or and only one complaint to Consumer Protection Agency which was dismissed as unfounded after investigation. I bet that, you will have a hard time to “goggle” for another company which has such a stellar record. Also considering that we are the only manufacturer of tank less water heaters who sell direct to retail, (therefore all the complaints are direct against us instead against the “BABA the plumber”) …..the picture just changed diametrically of what your Goggle told you . Maybe is time to look at other search engines also?
George
PS: Did you goggle the complaints against the manufacturer of your tank water heater? Fairness …..anyone ?
I’ve always heard you should never reuse flex pipes supplying gas to appliances. I’m rather shocked that George Sararu would suggest it, especially when replacing a 20 year old water heater. New flex pipes are not that expensive when you consider the danger of a gas leak.
I had a plumber replace my water heater a year ago. I really wanted a tankless heater. Our plumber convinced me to go with a tank water heater because of how quickly tankless water heaters can be damaged by hard water, which is a problem in our area. Another consideration was having a reservoir of fresh water in case of natural disaster: our water heater tank holds 40 gallons.
Our new tank water heater is larger than the one it replaced, much more efficient and quieter. Our gas use was never very high, but our bills have gone down since installation. And the Gas Company gave use a rebate for choosing an energy efficient model.
I would encourage everyone with an old water heater to consider getting a tankless model for their amazing efficiency. But if a tankless water heater isn’t right for your situation, you’ll still be doing the right thing by replacing an old inefficient tank water heater with a new efficient one. And then you can start thinking about a DYI rooftop solar water heater to preheat the water going into your tank.
Draining your water heater tank once a year will help extend its life and keep it efficient.
I stand to be corrected and ….make some corrections myself:
1. In a way, she is correct in regard to the gas flex pipes. When i say “no plumbing modifications” and “same flex pipes” i was thinking about the water flex pipes on the top of the tank. I did not refer to the gas lines which in most cases will need to be replaced with a longer flex pipe (normally 36 inch because the unit is much smaller and the gas will not reach up on the wall. ) Also it has to be rated at 125.BTU or larger, so your existing , most of the time 3/8 inch diameter flex pipe will not be sufficient. It is a good practice but is not required and “never” is a too strong of a word. Come on, let’s be practicing good sense. If your tank is 20 years old you probably will also change the water flex pipes on the top and the shut-up valve before the tank water heater who is, (more then sure!) frozen solid. Use commune sense, and not generalize.
2. Again i do not agree with the “hard water” issue. The tankless behave better then the tank on hard water. Let’s get back to “Chemistry 101″ ,(you know, the one they should teach in high school and they omitted lately!)In order to have a hard water deposit you need 2 things: Water stagnation and temperature. You have both on regular tanks, but , really none on tankless. The problem with the older tanklees was with the water pipe in vicinity of the pilot light (AKA your beloved Bosh 125 )That was the point where the deposits where made and pipe got closed off. On the new tankless, no pilot light, (so no continual heat!) and fire only with water circulation. Even more, the new OME 620-DS also come integrated with a electronic de-scaling which actually will clean your entire water system in 30 to 60 days. Try to find that on your tank. If i add that the new units also come with troubleshooting via Internet connection , that again will put our product on the top of the market. `
George Sararu
Solar thermal is the way I ended up going after a similar ethical debate. Here I am in Toronto in January and my hot water is being heated by the sun on most days. How cool is that?!
A solar thermal system actually adds a second water tank to my already full boiler/storage room, but after extensive research it is the route I chose for all its other benefits.
Much of that decision was based on significant incentives (from government, manufacturers and my gas company).
And pretty much any bank will do a low interest loan on these now so the monthly savings on your gas or electricity bill will be greater than the monthly loan payments. That’s hard to beat, I think! The savings are greatest if your current water heater is electric.
Another advantage is the technology is very stable – it won’t be obsolete any time soon.
Creating a group purchase initiative in your community will help bring costs down and accountability of installers up for everyone. Lots of examples of this on-line (see OurPower.ca and others).
Solar thermal systems are super compatible with tankless heaters. They also work great with radiant floor heating systems, swimming pools, hot tubs, etc.
Pretty happy with my new (August 09) system! (and I’m not a manufacturer or installer – just an early adopter, I guess)
Forgot to mention…
A heat recovery system (pretty much a copper tube wrapped around your grey / black water stack – it captures heat from water while you are using it and transfers it back to your standard or tankless water heater) is widely touted as the most effective thing you can do on a budget. And a handy man or woman can do it themselves, apparently.
My stack is too far from the water tank so it wouldn’t work for me, but it is a great step to take while waiting for your old tank to bottom out!
We increased the gas pressure and put pressure reducers everyplace else so that we would have adequate gas to fire our heater.
I would recommend at least two or more controls for the heat so that when running water for the laundry or kitchen sink you can ask for hotter water than for a shower.
You DON’T have to install it where the old one was, it takes up very little room, it never comes on in the middle of the night, nor in the middle of the day when all are at work or school, nor while gone away on vacation. It only comes on when you ask for it by turning on a hot water faucet.
If you happen to have many guests over, one after another after another can take their showers without ever running out of hot water. Try to get six adults out of the house in the morning with a tank heater…somebody is going to have to wait for the tank to recover…the larger the tank, the longer the recovery time.
I have had a completely electrical tankless water heater for the last two years and it has paid for itself in electrical savings. It cost $5oo at Lowes
and required an additional 220v line to be wired with the existing 220 line and was the only additional cost of installation. I am very happy with this tankless water heater.
Good person?! You are a good person. This whole eco guilt thing is just getting out of hand. You made an excellent choice, a high efficiency tank heater. Tank heaters are a great piece of engineering–a very simple design with no moving parts and pretty much maintenance free. You might have to drain a gallon or two of water every year or two to remove sediment, but that’s about all. Change the anode in about 5 years and you should get even more life out of it. Tankless water heaters are not a drop in replacement for all situations, you really need to factor in the cost and payback time, not to mention the plumbing layout of your house. Tankless cost more up front, often require additional gas or electrical line upgrades, have a bunch of complex systems that require yearly maintenance (and aren’t as easy DIY fixes), and don’t solve the problem of having to run the tap to drain out the formerly hot water that was already in the pipe between the fixture and the heater. I can assure you that the money you saved in going with a high efficiency tank can be put to good use in other energy efficiency improvements elsewhere in the house. I know, I made the same choice myself two years ago and haven’t once regretted getting a tank instead of tankless.
A couple of things to take into consideration. I have a large whirlpool tub that requires alot of hot water to fill. This required two-40 gallon gas water heaters, standing by to meet the demand, the few times it gets used. Not money smart. Tankless was the obvious way to go. Also when buying a tank type water heater, make sure to check the BTU’s. If you have two 40 gallon heaters on the shelf next to each other, they look the same but the BTU’s are different, your output may be affected. And just to mention water heater requirments are changing in 2010, watch the price of tank type heaters to go up.
We installed a new natural gas on demand water heater in a new construction and I think it is he greatest thing I have done to save money.
First let me state that I think Al Gore is just a self serving showman who has made millions off the phony global warming issue. That being said I do try to keep the planet in good shape for my grand kids.
The one thing I can prove is that my hot water bills are ridiculously low. I had $19 a month bills last summer. The only natural gas I use is heat, hot water and barbecue. We had company all last summer so we had many more showers that my wife and I usually use and still only $19 a month.
We bougtht a 1904 house in 2004. Insurance company made us gut the plumbing, electrical and original asbestoes covered octopus furnace. We decided to replace the old electric water heater in the basement with a natural gas powered Rinnai [Japanese brand, the best] In line on demand water heater with two main living level electronic thermostats to change the temperature. Love this system. Required a new 1″ gas line and added about $1600, installed, to the new furnace system. Always enough hot water at the right temperature. Monthly costs are low.
Apparently, you are not as informed as you thought. 1st, you cannot buy a decent and adequate sized hotwater heater for $350. You must have bought it at one of the big box companies (i.e. Home Depot or Lowes). If you have not already learned, (I did the hard way!), there is no such thing as one small part missing or such, you have to un-install the WHOLE THING and return it. So much for convenience! Also, the cost of a tankless on demand water heater is much less than quoted. I had one installed two years ago for under $1000, and that included the installation by a plumber. There was no special electrical hookup needed. I like being green, and only heating water when it is needed. Also, our school district installed 7 large on demands for the high school and only heat the water when it is needed and it supplies the whole HS. They are saving over $100,000 a year! Pretty impressive. The writer of this article is pretty mis-informed. I am surprized that you bothered to publish her “article>”
Nancy! Don’t go making assumptions about me! We don’t even have a big box company in our area. We bought a very efficient Rheem water heater from our tiny local plumbing supplier. When I did the research on it, it came up as very energy efficient compared to most regular tank water heaters (although not quite as good as the expensive Ed Begley Junior model). Our gas bill has improved.
I can tell you that I did exhaustive research on the options for our house. If we were to have a tankless model installed, we would have to purchase new stainless steel venting, as well as upgrade the gas fitting and electrical connection. There’s no way we could have done it for less than $1000. Every house is different, and every town’s access to equipment and licensed plumbers is different.
Cheers!
Garth
I know how you feel. I’ve been trying to make the same decision after finding out our water heater is pushing 30 years. There is a nice tax credit available which softens the blow a bit on the tankless.
Where did you buy your new tank from?
regards !! really useful article!