Tankless - On Demand - Water Heaters

[OrchidIslander]

I'm looking to ditch our old electric water heater replacing it with a propane-powered on-demand system. Looking for a capable whole house system with a piezo igniter - basically no outside electrical source needed.

If any of you have tank less systems that you are happy with, I'm looking for recommendations.

Also looking for someone reliable and expert for installation.

Thanks in advance for any and all input, advice etc.

Mike in HPP

[Norm]

Try Amazon, They have On Demand Water Heaters

[MarkP]

My Bosch tankless works OK for me and I think is the best fit since it consumes zero gas when not in use. However I have read internet rants that claim that tank-less water heaters are over-hyped and I agree. First, they are more finicky and trouble-prone than a standard tank type. Mine works great for a single use such as the shower but the temperature changes when another outlet comes on. I can not mix in too much cold water at the sink as then the hot water flow decreases until the burner shuts off and I get all cold water. Fortunately the shower seems to have enough flow overall that this doesn't happen there. The problem may also be due to my small pump or the 1/2" water piping I went with instead of 3/4", making the system sensitive to flow rate. Nevertheless you just wouldn't feel any of this with a tank type, that is until the hot water ran out. That is one claim that is true. You never run out of hot water with the tank-less unless you run out of propane.

[Seeb]

Make sure you can get parts for whatever it is you buy

[Royall]

I've had my Takagi Jr outdoor gas model for almost 9 years with out a problem. I've installed 4 of them in the last few years and all working perfectly.

[OrchidIslander]

Appreciate the input all. I have checked out Amazon Norm. The reviews for Takagi, along with Royal's input really has me leaning that way. The only problem, so far, is that it doesn't appear that any of Takagi's propane models have the piezo starter. I would prefer to not have to depend upon outside electrical sources at all.

The search continues.

Appreciate you guys taking the time to respond.

Any additional insights, feel free to weigh in.

Thanks!

Mike in HPP

[rainyjim]

There's some French fellow who used to sell tankless at the Maku'u market on Sunday's. Haven't been there for a while but if I were you I'd look they were priced nicely.

[bigseaal]

We have had a Takagi ( natural gas)for over 15 years and never a problem. It runs 2 showers at a time with a few dishes thrown in. It was expensive at the time but is still running great. Uses a small amount of energy for computer but only when it runs. Get one sized for your hot water needs.

[David M]

We have 4 Takagi Jr, 1st one installed 2006. other in 2007. No problems, but don't know if they have a piezo model.

David

Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com

[mmbvd7]

in looking for tankless gas water heaters, all that we saw was those with an electric igniter.

Our last house on the mainland needed a new water heater, went with a natural gas tankless, and never had an issue. It was a godsend....hot water for dishwasher, baths, washing machine, etc.

When we bought our place here, the gas water heater needed replacing. Went with a tankless model again, but propane. Love it as well, except the two times that the propane ran out during a shower. My poor husband was the one to experience that thrill.

We were advised to purchase better quality heaters (more expensive) to avoid the change of temperature during baths/showers. As we have not tried one of the $250 models, cannot tell you if they loose their temperature maintence during use or not. We did find it beneficial to do consumer ratings and reviews. Best of luck on your search!

Best wishes