Tankless gas hot water heater

[tankless]

Hi,
Just joined as I am looking to replace my gas hot water tank with a tankless. The tank I currently have is rented and was red tagged by the rental company saying that I have back draft. They want to charge me $550 to install a power vented rental. I figure this is a sign that I should make the move to a tankless and stop renting.
I have been searching on the internet for the code specifications to install the new unit, but have not been able to find the code specifications, such as how far from a window, dryer vent, basement or first floor window, how far off grade, etc.
In Ontario as a home owner, I can do the installation myself, but need to have it inspected, so I want to install it to code, just need to find where it is hiding...
Thanks in advance,
Gilbert

[jonnyb]

The tankless unit will have all of these specifications when you buy it. It still needs to be vented and the necessary clearances are provided. Other than that you may be required to put a test on the gas piping but asides from that there's not much to them as far as installation goes.

[Drthorne]

Some Home Depot pricing

Bosch Aquastar 6.4gpm $1498 (http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=943926&Ntt=943926&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=112188&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber)
http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/39e70d9e-f90f-44fb-9012-952c766652a9_4.jpg
Bosch AQ3 vent kit $298 (http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=939720&Ntt=939720&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=112188&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber)
http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/31ed61e1-4294-4e9b-a418-75a25158032b_4.jpg

Paloma 4.5gpm $960 (http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=903019&Ntt=903019&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=112188&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber)
http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/21484.940023_4.jpg
Paloma 3" vent kit $372 (http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=903022&Ntt=903022&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=112188&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber)
http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/21484.RTG20010_4.jpg

[Kreative]

I am in process of buying the Paloma 7.4 Series [PH28RDVS]
The cheapest price I found on the internet is @ Low Energy Systems

[patrob]

I am in process of buying the Paloma 7.4 Series [PH28RDVS]
The cheapest price I found on the internet is @ Low Energy Systems

We have the same unit :D Also bought it there...speak to Chris, very helpful & knowledgeable www.tanklesswaterheaters.ca

[applejuice]

just moved my furnace and need to move the hot water tank..but am going to upgrade cause 40 gallons doesn't do my 3 rental units...

would this $1200 US Paloma 7.4 do 3 units well you think?

[jonnyb]

just moved my furnace and need to move the hot water tank..but am going to upgrade cause 40 gallons doesn't do my 3 rental units...

would this $1200 US Paloma 7.4 do 3 units well you think?

You'd have to let us know how many bathrooms/appliances may be using hot water and the amount of people in each unit.

[applejuice]

2 x 2 bedroom apartments
1 x 1 bedroom apartment

so max would be 3 showers at once....
one of the apartments has a dishwasher..the other 2 do not as of yet....

I know the specs say 2 showers can be run at once...

[applejuice]

supposedly this can do 2+ showers at a time and has no cold water sandwich?

http://www.cozyworld.ca/tankless-gas-hot-water-heater-navien.html

thoughts?

[antman59]

Hi,
Just joined as I am looking to replace my gas hot water tank with a tankless. The tank I currently have is rented and was red tagged by the rental company saying that I have back draft. They want to charge me $550 to install a power vented rental. I figure this is a sign that I should make the move to a tankless and stop renting.
I have been searching on the internet for the code specifications to install the new unit, but have not been able to find the code specifications, such as how far from a window, dryer vent, basement or first floor window, how far off grade, etc.
In Ontario as a home owner, I can do the installation myself, but need to have it inspected, so I want to install it to code, just need to find where it is hiding...
Thanks in advance,
Gilbert

I recommend getting some technicians in to give you a quote. From what I know their is a lot of work with installing one, and you need to make sure that your current piping can accomodate one. I have a brand new house and because of the distance from my gas metre I would'nt be able to go with a tankless unless I had my pipe replaced with a bigger one (not cheap or easy). You can still do the job your self afterwards, but get that quote so that you can properly asses the job.

I spoke to a guy who installs these and he says as far as time goes, he could install 5 regular tanks in the time it takes to install 1 tankless.:eek:

[redac]

I recommend getting some technicians in to give you a quote. From what I know their is a lot of work with installing one, and you need to make sure that your current piping can accomodate one. I have a brand new house and because of the distance from my gas metre I would'nt be able to go with a tankless unless I had my pipe replaced with a bigger one (not cheap or easy). You can still do the job your self afterwards, but get that quote so that you can properly asses the job.

I spoke to a guy who installs these and he says as far as time goes, he could install 5 regular tanks in the time it takes to install 1 tankless.:eek:

Interesting... any reason why it would take so much more time as compared to a regular water heater? I suppose it has to do with moving gas lines?

[nornet]

Interesting... any reason why it would take so much more time as compared to a regular water heater? I suppose it has to do with moving gas lines?

I too find it difficult to believe that the difference is that great. Both require attachment to the water piping, attachment to the gas piping and venting. The tankless system requires fitment to the wall and as antman points out may require a gas line upgrade.

[Djayjay]

Hi,
Just joined as I am looking to replace my gas hot water tank with a tankless. The tank I currently have is rented and was red tagged by the rental company saying that I have back draft. They want to charge me $550 to install a power vented rental. I figure this is a sign that I should make the move to a tankless and stop renting.
I have been searching on the internet for the code specifications to install the new unit, but have not been able to find the code specifications, such as how far from a window, dryer vent, basement or first floor window, how far off grade, etc.
In Ontario as a home owner, I can do the installation myself, but need to have it inspected, so I want to install it to code, just need to find where it is hiding...
Thanks in advance,
Gilbert

Your best bet would be to get Reliance to come in and give you a free quote. Just ask the Installer where they have to put it and why.

[Pete_Coach]

I too find it difficult to believe that the difference is that great. Both require attachment to the water piping, attachment to the gas piping and venting. The tankless system requires fitment to the wall and as antman points out may require a gas line upgrade.

Why would you find this hard to believe? Relocation of the heater from a place in the basement to a wall requires work. Finding a suitable place on the basement wall, installing the anchor bolts, additional water piping, gas piping, drilling through the foundation after finding a suitable location for the intake and exhaust and last but not the least, any electrical work that may need to be wired and connected. This all takes time.
Replacing a tank with a tank is just disconnecting and reconnecting a few connections and away you go.

[time space]

Why would you find this hard to believe? Relocation of the heater from a place in the basement to a wall requires work. Finding a suitable place on the basement wall, installing the anchor bolts, additional water piping, gas piping, drilling through the foundation after finding a suitable location for the intake and exhaust and last but not the least, any electrical work that may need to be wired and connected. This all takes time.
Replacing a tank with a tank is just disconnecting and reconnecting a few connections and away you go.

So are you saying that installing this new type of water heater is a tankless job?

[jonnyb]

So are you saying that installing this new type of water heater is a tankless job?

:rolleyes:

[gman]

So are you saying that installing this new type of water heater is a tankless job?

Scroll up and read the title of this thread.

[redac]

:rolleyes:

lol

[MrDisco]

Scroll up and read the title of this thread.

The joke flew right over your head...

[Pete_Coach]

So are you saying that installing this new type of water heater is a tankless job?
:lol::lol: Good one! :lol::lol:
Did you read the one in the travel forum of where the guy wants to know if the security folks at the airport will look at you funny at him if he has condoms in your carry on?
Scroll up and read the title of this thread.
If ya gotta explain......
The joke flew right over your head...
A bit higher than that I think:lol:

[nornet]

Why would you find this hard to believe? Relocation of the heater from a place in the basement to a wall requires work. Finding a suitable place on the basement wall, installing the anchor bolts, additional water piping, gas piping, drilling through the foundation after finding a suitable location for the intake and exhaust and last but not the least, any electrical work that may need to be wired and connected. This all takes time.
Replacing a tank with a tank is just disconnecting and reconnecting a few connections and away you go.

To start the conventional tank installation requires 2 people for some of the installation. The tankless can be done with one. I know how many hours the last two conventional installations took and I find it difficult to believe that a that a tankless install is five times more.

[antman59]

Probably has to do with the differnt lines that need to be run Gas water and venting. The venting is a bit different. Just want to say that I have no experience with any of this I am just going by what people have told me. A friend of mine had one installed for about $500 and that was a good friend as a favour. I think standard is over $1000. Like I said though the best thing to do is get someone to do an assesment. If you have to change your gas lines ourt it might not be worth it.

[KSYC]

Has anyone considered the tankless system rental from Direct Energy? I called them today and they said the rental is $33.50/month. I would assume there is an installation charge on top. Does anyone here have experience with this service?

[bririp]

The rental system is good for those who do not wish to pay up front. I charge $500 up front to install a rental unit from reliance. If the gas line has to be upgraded, I charge extra. You need minimum 1" gas line to your furnace to be able to handle a tankless unit in most houses.

[Eddsky]

Your best bet would be to get Reliance to come in and give you a free quote. Just ask the Installer where they have to put it and why. Direct Energy is installing tankless now,,

[Eddsky]

Has anyone considered the tankless system rental from Direct Energy? I called them today and they said the rental is $33.50/month. I would assume there is an installation charge on top. Does anyone here have experience with this service?Hi KYSC,.. yes Direct is renting these units now.Installation starts @ $150.00 You get up to 10 feet of hot and cold line(3/4")and 10 feet of gas line. There is a 10 dollar per foot after that. You must have someone out to assess where the unit can be installed. Here is what they look for. The unit should go on an outside wall ( a wall that is on the outside of home) the vent must terminate at least 3 feet from doors windows, dryer vents furnace vents. There is a 10 foot clearance required from any HRV intakes. The tankless require at least 6 feet of 3/4 " copper in and out. the Gas line in the home needs to be checked for proper sizing. Enbridge has just announced a $300.00 credit on gas bill if you switch to tankless. So a install of say, $200.00 + 300.00 credit = good price for endless hot water!!..The Enbridge offer is only until August 2009.. (I work in the industry)

[Ockham]

Do the math on rentals. Assuming no rate increase (cough) at $33.50/m you will start losing money after eight years ($3400 purchase). If you are only staying in your house a little while it may make sense, but keep in it goes against the house and many potential buyers aren't receiptive to assuming rental contracts.

[mikep]

I bought a reconditioned Bosch Aquastar. Saved quite a bit of money that way. I had it shipped to the border, and picked it up there.

http://www.cpotanklesswaterheaters.com/?ref=bhwrecon

[NCHC James]

I bought a reconditioned Bosch Aquastar. Saved quite a bit of money that way. I had it shipped to the border, and picked it up there.

http://www.cpotanklesswaterheaters.com/?ref=bhwrecon



One concern i would like to point out for over the border purchases. Check to see if it has the CSA or ULC on the unit. it is REQUIRED in Canada, and not in the USA. meaning, that if you are purchasing over the border you may get the person there stating it is on it, and when in fact once you receive it, it is not on the unit.

Although for example Rinnai offers the exact same system in the USA for less than a local dealer here can purchase the unit (substantually cheaper). however the USA model does not have the CSA and ULC label on the unit.

what does that mean to you?
Well, if someone installed that in your home not noticing the missing approval's for here in Canada. If anything was to happen in your home related or unrelated your insurance will NOT cover it, nor will the contractor's (if that person had insurance, as a properly lic'd person/company would not touch it). Ending up to be a civil matter to be fought in courts.

As for renting, there are a lot of companies offering renting. Rate does vari, what is most important, who are they using for installation? Does the install properly know how to install tankless? if not installed correctly you will find it to be the worse product, if installed correctlly you will wonder why you never had one before and why doesn't everyone else?

how to know if the person installing is trained correctly? Rinnai for example gives each tech their own lic that has a registeration number, along with that they are listed on their website (dealer search option).

hope that sheds some light.

[Keigotw]

Do the math on rentals. Assuming no rate increase (cough) at $33.50/m you will start losing money after eight years ($3400 purchase). If you are only staying in your house a little while it may make sense, but keep in it goes against the house and many potential buyers aren't receiptive to assuming rental contracts.

How about getting it installed, rent for until you get the $300 credit
then buy your own tankless and DIY install / or have professional install
it would be cheaper now since it would go on same place..

[bririp]

How about getting it installed, rent for until you get the $300 credit
then buy your own tankless and DIY install / or have professional install
it would be cheaper now since it would go on same place..

You would be in a contract for your rental, I would guess for 7-10 years. To Remove and then re-install a unit is almost as much work as installing one from scratch so don't count on it being too much cheaper. The other side is what if the venting changes to a different size you will have a hole that is too large/small...etc.

Do it once, do it right. you will still get the $300 rebate if you purchase the unit.

[NCHC James]

You would be in a contract for your rental, I would guess for 7-10 years. To Remove and then re-install a unit is almost as much work as installing one from scratch so don't count on it being too much cheaper. The other side is what if the venting changes to a different size you will have a hole that is too large/small...etc.

Do it once, do it right. you will still get the $300 rebate if you purchase the unit.

I concur.

[roger12]

We are doing a group buy in ECO section incase anyone is interested. 8 RFDers have confirmed, we need 2 more to proceed.

It is $2,099 for Rinnai 7.5GPM unit with basic installation:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=728025

[astroboi]

I currently rent my tank and I had done some comparisons with my summer gas bill and realized that it would actually cost me more to rent a tankless as the effiency savings would not overcome the increase in the monthly rental fee ($34 vs. $21).

This may have been debated elsewhere, but must question the long term cost benefit of purchasing a tankless water heater, specifically the initial cost and long term maintenance costs. Also, the study below revealed that the tankless water heaters were more succeptable to efficiency decreases caused by hard water (scale). I guess that there must be some sort mechanism that allows the owner to descale the coils.

http://www.pmengineer.com/CDA/Archives/8cf9e86f7c298010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0

[roger12]

I currently rent my tank and I had done some comparisons with my summer gas bill and realized that it would actually cost me more to rent a tankless as the effiency savings would not overcome the increase in the monthly rental fee ($34 vs. $21).

This may have been debated elsewhere, but must question the long term cost benefit of purchasing a tankless water heater, specifically the initial cost and long term maintenance costs. Also, the study below revealed that the tankless water heaters were more succeptable to efficiency decreases caused by hard water (scale). I guess that there must be some sort mechanism that allows the owner to descale the coils.

http://www.pmengineer.com/CDA/Archives/8cf9e86f7c298010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0

You will be saving $21+tax /month plus the most conservative estimates say $50 to $100 gas savings per year.

Until the Enbridge rebate expires, you get over 1000$ back when you buy it. So you cost is only ~$1200.

Atleast this is how I convinced myself to get it....

[whodaphucru]

Here is the math I have used to think about this decision:

Unit Installed - $3000 (if you get it for cheaper then payback will be lower)

Ecoenergy Rebate - $625 ($750 if it is a condensing unit)
Enbridge Rebate - $300
Home Renovation Tax Credit - $405 (assuming 13.5% of installed price so this will go down if price goes down)

Out of pocket cost - ~$1670

Currently annual rental cost - $240 + GST ($19.99/ month from direct energy)
Gas savings - $60 ($5/ month)

Total Annual Savings - ~$300

Payback - $1670/$300 = ~5.5 years (lower if gas savings are greater or natural gas costs increase over time)

If you are not renting currently or are planning to switch from tank rental to tankless rental it is much harder if not impossible to establish a payback period even with the rebates.

[astroboi]

Here is the math I have used to think about this decision:

Unit Installed - $3000 (if you get it for cheaper then payback will be lower)

Ecoenergy Rebate - $625 ($750 if it is a condensing unit)
Enbridge Rebate - $300
Home Renovation Tax Credit - $405 (assuming 13.5% of installed price so this will go down if price goes down)

Out of pocket cost - ~$1670

Currently annual rental cost - $240 + GST ($19.99/ month from direct energy)
Gas savings - $60 ($5/ month)

Total Annual Savings - ~$300

Payback - $1670/$300 = ~5.5 years (lower if gas savings are greater or natural gas costs increase over time)

If you are not renting currently or are planning to switch from tank rental to tankless rental it is much harder if not impossible to establish a payback period even with the rebates.

Thanks for the summary. One thing you should note is that the home renovation tax credit is 15% for amounts greater than $1000, with a maximum of $10000 ($9000x15%=$1350).

Another factor to consider in my decision is the fact that my house is partial rental (plan to become full rental in future), so the cost of the rental water heater is shared. If I were to purchase one, I would be removing the burden of the rental from my tenants, but also exposing myself to potential maintenance costs of the tankless unit, whereas the rental tank is covered. I could install a rental tankless and claim the rebates, but then my tenants would be stuck with a higher rental fee that doesn't seem to offset the savings in natural gas...sigh.

[whodaphucru]

Thanks for the summary. One thing you should note is that the home renovation tax credit is 15% for amounts greater than $1000, with a maximum of $10000 ($9000x15%=$1350).

Another factor to consider in my decision is the fact that my house is partial rental (plan to become full rental in future), so the cost of the rental water heater is shared. If I were to purchase one, I would be removing the burden of the rental from my tenants, but also exposing myself to potential maintenance costs of the tankless unit, whereas the rental tank is covered. I could install a rental tankless and claim the rebates, but then my tenants would be stuck with a higher rental fee that doesn't seem to offset the savings in natural gas...sigh.

I use 13.5% in my calculations for all improvements I am planning to factor in the $1000 with no tax credit ($1350/$10000) and not count on an extra $150 at tax time but close enough.

[JWL]

You will be saving $21+tax /month plus the most conservative estimates say $50 to $100 gas savings per year.

Until the Enbridge rebate expires, you get over 1000$ back when you buy it. So you cost is only ~$1200.

Atleast this is how I convinced myself to get it....

Here is the math I have used to think about this decision:

Unit Installed - $3000 (if you get it for cheaper then payback will be lower)

Ecoenergy Rebate - $625 ($750 if it is a condensing unit)
Enbridge Rebate - $300
Home Renovation Tax Credit - $405 (assuming 13.5% of installed price so this will go down if price goes down)

Out of pocket cost - ~$1670

Currently annual rental cost - $240 + GST ($19.99/ month from direct energy)
Gas savings - $60 ($5/ month)

Total Annual Savings - ~$300

Payback - $1670/$300 = ~5.5 years (lower if gas savings are greater or natural gas costs increase over time)

If you are not renting currently or are planning to switch from tank rental to tankless rental it is much harder if not impossible to establish a payback period even with the rebates.

If you are including the rental cost savings as part of the equation you really including the benefits of buying (whether it is a tank or tankless) vs. renting in your equation. Since buying is a lot cheaper it is masking the actual incremental benefit of the tankless.

Regarding the buy vs. rent decision: In rough terms if you bought a normal tank and it was $1000 installed, your payback would be just over 4 years (1000/240). I think my 60gal tank was $850 installed.

Spending the extra $670 ($1670 - 1000) for tankless saves $60 per year so the payback on buying tankless (vs a tank) is about 11 years (670/60). Note that this is concurrent with the buy vs. rent time, not in addition to it.

More accurate accounting of GST in these calcs will provide more accurate numbers.

[whodaphucru]

If you are including the rental cost savings as part of the equation you really including the benefits of buying (whether it is a tank or tankless) vs. renting in your equation. Since buying is a lot cheaper it is masking the actual incremental benefit of the tankless.

Regarding the buy vs. rent decision: In rough terms if you bought a normal tank and it was $1000 installed, your payback would be just over 4 years (1000/240). I think my 60gal tank was $850 installed.

Spending the extra $670 ($1670 - 1000) for tankless saves $60 per year so the payback on buying tankless (vs a tank) is about 11 years (670/60). Note that this is concurrent with the buy vs. rent time, not in addition to it.

More accurate accounting of GST in these calcs will provide more accurate numbers.

This was not meant to be a detailed business case just a rough calculation of my thought process (GST was meant to be included in the $3K) and yes the extra $100 dollars or so in GST will increase your tank vs tankless energy calculation by ~1.5+ years.

I totally agree without the rebates there would be no point in getting a unit based on energy savings alone as I mentioned above. Given that there are rebates and the difference between getting a tank and tankless unit installed after all of that is ~$670 (using the rough numbers above and likley less) and you could actually save more than $60/ year depending on the situation I would go for the tankless unit hands down.

My only concern is less about the cost and more so with the low gpm rates these units get in Canada. For example the 7.5 gpm Rinnai will only operate as a 3.8-4.0 gpm (look at spec sheet on their website) unit during the winter months if you have it set between 115-120 degrees F and incoming water is between 40-45 degrees F. That means it will struggle to provide for 2 showers at the same time. I am waiting to get a condensing unit instead as they have higher gpm output during the winter months due to higher efficiencies.

[JWL]

Kinda sounded like cost was a concern, but if not no worries. Just wanted to clarify the math so another RFDer didn't misunderstand the cost dynamics.

[kasm]

Wanted to share my experience getting my Rinnai R75LSi Tankless Installed.

I have been renting a Bradford White 50 Gallon tank for 10 years from Direct Energy for $20 a month. Decided with the Government rebates (that went up 25% on Mar 31) and Enbridge $300 credit (expires end of Aug) and the Home Improvement Tax Credit (2009), it was a good time to make the switch. On top of the fact that it's better for the environment and my 2 girls will start to appreciate long showers in the next few years.

I selected Coretemp (http://www.coretemp.ca/) after getting quotes and on site inspections from 4 companies, and I was not disappointed. I selected them for the following reasons:

on the Rinnai site (http://www.foreverhotwater.com), under dealer locator, they were top rated with 5 stars and had the most positive feedback.
on http://www.homestars.com they also have a perfect rating. Customer testimonials are a big factor in selecting a contractor for me.
They price was reasonable and though you may find a cheaper installer, I believe Coretemp had the best value.
The owner, Richard, was always available by phone to answer my question, even on Sundays and I never had to talk to an answering machine. He even had a story on citynews (do a google search).

I did the home energy audit from Amerispec and found that an excellent experience. They spent 2.5 hours doing it and explained where problem areas in my house are. They provided a government folio with dozens or pamphlets illustrating where home owners can reduce energy and make their house more efficient and comfortable. Their report should come in the mail shortly (2 weeks after the inspection).

Coretemp came in the next day at 8:00am and did the install. Richard, the owner showed up with 2 Rinnai installers. The installers took 6 and a half hours to do the install. I like that they did not rush the job and took their time. Typically they only book one install a day so that they do it right. They removed the old tank and reused the existing venting hole, just made it bigger. They took the time to redo my water and gas pipes to put them out of the way, which was not part of the contract but very much welcomed. I have a 3/4" gas pipe feeding a 10 Year old high efficiency Bryant furnace (90% efficient and max 80,000 BTU). Also have a gas fireplace which is not used. Richard explained that because my line from the meter was under 10 feet, I would not have to upgrade to a 1" pipe (other installers said I needed to - it would have required busting through part of a finished ceiling). Richard also showed me the numbers to prove it.

After the install, they guys explained the general maintenance of the unit, demonstrating cleaning the trap and using the shut offs to delime with vinegar to avoid build up (once every year or two depending on the water hardness). They cleaned and swept up and moved my old tank to the back. I called Direct Energy and I could either drop it off in Brampton myself or have them pick it up for $75 because the unit was less than 15 years.

I have since been enjoying unlimited hot water. I did a load test and had my furnace on full and 2 showers and a tap on full and was quite satisfied with the water flow and temperature. Out of the box the unit is limited to 120 degrees F. There is a jumper to allow you to go up to 40 degrees. I'd recommend getting the installer to set that in case you need it. I actually have set the temp to 110 degrees, which is hot enough for my showers. I now shower with the temp almost at full hot - why set a higher temp just to mix it with cold water and waste energy? I couldn't do that with my tank because I read that at lower temps, a tank water heater can breed bacteria, which is why most are set to 160 degrees - another reason to go tankless.

I do notice that it takes a bit longer to get the hot water to the tap (about twice as long), but it's not a big deal. With any house there will be some time delay while the stagnant water in the pipes that is not hot drains. I have found though that the water is a more consistent temperature with fewer fluctuations compared to the tank. Also with the tank, once I filled my master ensuite tub once, that was it. If I wanted to add more hot water, there wasn't any left. Now I can have as much as I want.

The final bonus is that I have a ton more room in my furnace room for storage.

Overall it was a good experience. I still think the payoff will be around 5 years after the rebates depending on how much energy I am saving. I don't have any plans on moving anytime soon, I believe I'm helping the environment and if I do eventually resell, I think it will be a selling feature instead of giving the new owners a $20 a month rental.

I would suggest doing your homework and going with a contractor that you feel comfortable with and that you know has been in the business for a number of years and will be there in the future if you need them.

I will try to post pics of the install when I have time.

[roger12]

Thanks for the detailed post Kasm. It reinforced my decision to go with Rinnai tankless.

Wanted to share my experience getting my Rinnai R75LSi Tankless Installed.