mwlogs wrote:
Hi Group,

I did some Googling, and read a bunch on the issue of tankless water
heaters but didn't get a good feeling for whether one would be the
right choice for my brother and sister-in-law. Here's their
situation:
Live in Ohio (USA)
All electric home, probably 10-15 yrs old.
Three sons ages 2yrs to 8 yrs
2.5 bath home, normal laundry, DW, etc.

I'm feeling that the initial cost of a 'whole house' unit large
enough to support them, coupled with the fact their actual hot water
use is probably going to be high enough that the heat loss of water
just sitting in the tank will offset the savings offered by 'on
demand'. It seems the real savings of on-demand is in the low usage
level. Am I wrong here?
Additionally, with the fact that in mid winter the incoming water
temp here in Ohio would be around 50 degrees and they may not get
the desired hot water when they want it most.

Finally, the overall electric requirement seems it could be an issue
as well. The larger whole-house models seem to require 150 amps. I
couldn't find a rating for a standard electric tank (all gas in my
house, so nothing to look at to compare), but I didn't think a tank
was more than 50-60 amp.
Any advice appreciated!

Mark

Well, IF you get sufficient capacity to handle the load, you will have
lower electric bills. However you are likely going to need more than one
unit or you are going to need to manage the usage so you are not letting
anyone shower during laundry or you will not be able to wash dishes while
someone is showering etc.

Considering your household and the likely use of hot water in the coming
years, I would go for conventional tank type heater. You will save on the
installation and on the likely need for a new higher capacity electrical
supply.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit