Posts: 63,479
Threads: 3
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Merryland
All I can tell you is that the install is pricey. Gas or Electric? I put in a Rheem 4gpm (gallons per minute) for a friend and I had to run a 240v #10 wire with a 2 pole 60 amp breaker. 4GPM will barely run a shower and nothing else. I would bet a whole house unit would require a larger electrical service.. And, it can leak too. If you are worried about water heaters leaking, just buy a better water heater and replace it at it's life expectancy. And, install a pan under it. They make them with drain lines. They usually don't blow out all at once, usually you see signs of leaking for quite a while before they go.
Posts: 5,732
Threads: 2
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Fort Worth
Many are made by a company in Japan and just re labeled ie under the Rinna I name which imo is an overpriced name as they spend lots on advertising.
Lots of others out there. I have thought about one as well however they have one major issue and that's increased water and gas usage. When you have never ending hot water the females in our house would never get out of the shower. They need to incorporate some kind of timer that would shut the hot water off for a minute and prompt them to get out of the shower.
Posts: 36,356
Threads: 3
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: RTP, NC
If you want to do your whole house, go gas. I looked at one for my previous house but didn't do it since we were all-electric. Electric tankless will require almost a separate service and won't perform as well as gas.
Posts: 3,495
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Leviathan Moya
We've had a Rinnai since 2004. It's still going strong. It's NG. We can take 2 showers at the same time. It does cool down slightly for about 10 seconds if someone starts a shower when the other person is already in the shower. Not a big deal for us. We'll never install a tank type water heater again.
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