On Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 7:58:11 AM UTC-5, trader_4 wrote:
On Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 8:02:40 AM UTC-4, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 6/13/2018 11:19 PM, ItsJoanNotJoann wrote:

I would suspect either one will be better than you had, as the
technology has matured somewhat - but either one is still liable to be
more trouble than "I" would put up with. Cut your losses and install a
tank unit.

Several weeks ago on 'Ask This Old House' Richard Trethewy (I hope I spelled
that correctly) went to a man's house that had one of these tankless water
heaters that was giving him problems. Boy, what a set up he had, but
Richard reminded the audience you WILL have trouble with these type of
water heaters just like you will with a regular tank system. The warranty
is about the same but the expense is terrible considering the length of
service is no better. True, you don't have a standing tank and only use
the water when needed but for that amount of money and set up I'd expect a
25 year guarantee. I guess that's one of the reason I opted for another
regular hot water heater last year.

It is not an option on our new house in spite of other energy saving
options. Gas with regular tank. OK by me.

Big factor for me is with a tank you have hot water during power outages
that lasts at least a day, if you use it reasonably. You could even
take a couple of very quick showers if necessary. And with natural gas
and a basic tank type with a pilot light, you have unlimited hot water.

Years ago, I installed a Bosch tankless natural gas water heater that had its own generator for producing the electrical power for the controls and igniter. It had a little paddle wheel that spun a small generator inside a closed housing that was part of the cold water side of the heater. As soon as the water started flowing, the burner came on and there was continuous hot water. If I had the money, I'd look for a tankless water heater like that. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Gassy Monster