High Efficiency Condensing Gas Storage Tank Water Heaters

[john_ertw]

I'm wondering if anyone installed a condensing gas storage-type water heater and got a rebate through the ecoEnergy program. They offer $375 which is matched by the Ontario government for this type of tank. The brochure states it must be 94% or better.

So far the only tanks I found that meet these specs are either commercial units or meant for space heating. They are more expensive than tankless units.

[bririp]

These are quite expensive and are usually ment to be paired with a heat exchanger to act as a heat source. I have installed them in a few communities with coach houses where they are the source of potable water as well as heat.

[john_ertw]

Thanks for the info.

It boggles my mind that we are not all installing condensing hot water tanks since the technology has been around in furnaces for over 25 years.

I want to replace my tank with another tank, but feel silly putting in something that is only 80% efficient or less.

[rf134a]

I have a direct-vent ultra high efficiency unit. I can't compare the savings since I bought it new with the house alongside a 90% furnace. Temperature recovery is pretty quick, though.

[pluto]

Thanks for the info.

It boggles my mind that we are not all installing condensing hot water tanks since the technology has been around in furnaces for over 25 years.

I want to replace my tank with another tank, but feel silly putting in something that is only 80% efficient or less.

Hi John, just wondering what you ended up deciding on for a new water heater?

I'm renting a conventional 40 gallon tank from Reliance at the moment, costs me $11 a month.
I called them to see what my options are, they said the condensing tank would cost me around $60 a month which is just insane - the tankless units only cost $40 a month.

They also said the Direct Vent and Power Vent units are the same efficiency as the one I have now but they cost $20+ a month to rent. The only reason anyone would use them is if there is no chimney available (newer construction I guess?)

I had a couple quotes for tankless a few months ago and they were really high due to the location of my utility room and the size of the exhaust pipe needed, issues with clearance from doors/windows etc. I thought perhaps condensing tank would be a little cheaper but achieve similar gas savings.