I'm temporarily in a rental that is a large
one-story house with an
ancient gas fired water heater. The pilot light is
very large and
it alone uses about $8/month. In addition the
heater is about 30'
from the main bathroom.

A plumber came by one day and I asked him whether
an electronic
ignition could be fitted to the heater to
eliminate the pilot light. He said no.

I am now considering installing a tankless
electric heater in the
bathroom under the sink.

Experiences appreciated.