I had 3 tankless w/h in my same primary in Ca over 5 years. Between breakdowns, leaking, auto shutoff and program malfunctions it was a thankless experience! (PUN) I had to become the in-house software engineer. Never again. Last house we bought as primary now has conventional water heaters with tanks. I would definitely not recommend them in a rental. Just too many points of failure, temporary or otherwise and tenants would be unable to deal with re-starting them. Hope others have had a better experience, I can only speak from my own.
Do you have hard water? I'd also ask the installer about pricing, longevity and what their experience is with it. Also where is it going and would a tankless free up some room? I just had mine replaced in my own house and went with a traditional one as that is what I already had and we have a bit of hard water (not bad).
I had 3 tankless w/h in my same primary in Ca over 5 years. Between breakdowns, leaking, auto shutoff and program malfunctions it was a thankless experience! (PUN) I had to become the in-house software engineer. Never again. Last house we bought as primary now has conventional water heaters with tanks. I would definitely not recommend them in a rental. Just too many points of failure, temporary or otherwise and tenants would be unable to deal with re-starting them. Hope others have had a better experience, I can only speak from my own.
I had 3 tankless w/h in my same primary in Ca over 5 years. Between breakdowns, leaking, auto shutoff and program malfunctions it was a thankless experience! (PUN) I had to become the in-house software engineer. Never again. Last house we bought as primary now has conventional water heaters with tanks. I would definitely not recommend them in a rental. Just too many points of failure, temporary or otherwise and tenants would be unable to deal with re-starting them. Hope others have had a better experience, I can only speak from my own.
I heard the same issues you mentioned. Thanks for responding. Will go with traditional gas tank heaters
Replacing a water heater at a rental sfh 2bath property in Houston, TX. Any suggestion on if tankless is better or not? Any pros or cons?
Tankless are more maintenance intensive. They pretty much need to be serviced annually and water quality matters alot. Software and remote functions are bells n whistles that add complexity.
Tanks tend to have better longevity, but water quality matters too. FWIW I've got 2 propane 40 gal units that are over 20 yrs old, BUT I drain & backflush, remove and check anode annually. Both are on their 2nd abode. Maintenance matters. Both houses are on softeners using potassium chloride for regeneration.
Historically gas has a lower $ per BTU to gallon ratio.
@Mak J. we had tankless electric was great no maintenance issues. We have tankless gas takes a long time to get hot water to any fixture so it is a pain. We used a heat pump type tank water heater in one property and the biggest issue they forgot to tell me is it is for unconditioned spaces so it is great in summer. Nice AC effect, no need to run the dehumidifier but in winter it is cold in the basement which has a bedroom so a little issue in winter.
Oh. I guess from his thread subject heading, OP was considering between tankless electric vs tanked gas. If OP has gas, i stay stick with gas unless of the mindset that it will be outlawed or something. Thanks.
Tankless are considered 'green' by some, so have some popularity with that crowd...but like has been said they're usually a PITA. That annual maintenance that's being discussed is usually a mandatory thing (to keep warranty in place) and must be performed by a licensed Contr/Installer....
I would always default to a good ole tanked gas WH (or electric if gas is not available on property)
Tankless are considered 'green' by some, so have some popularity with that crowd...but like has been said they're usually a PITA. That annual maintenance that's being discussed is usually a mandatory thing (to keep warranty in place) and must be performed by a licensed Contr/Installer....
I would always default to a good ole tanked gas WH (or electric if gas is not available on property)
Yup, I run a low draw recirc pump, expansion tank and sweat in a line for the pop off to a safe place.
Tankless are considered 'green' by some, so have some popularity with that crowd...but like has been said they're usually a PITA. That annual maintenance that's being discussed is usually a mandatory thing (to keep warranty in place) and must be performed by a licensed Contr/Installer....
I would always default to a good ole tanked gas WH (or electric if gas is not available on property)
Yup, I run a low draw recirc pump, expansion tank and sweat in a line for the pop off to a safe place.
We're two peas in a pod..... That's^^ exactly what I always do.
Tankless are considered 'green' by some, so have some popularity with that crowd...but like has been said they're usually a PITA. That annual maintenance that's being discussed is usually a mandatory thing (to keep warranty in place) and must be performed by a licensed Contr/Installer....
I would always default to a good ole tanked gas WH (or electric if gas is not available on property)
Yup, I run a low draw recirc pump, expansion tank and sweat in a line for the pop off to a safe place.
We're two peas in a pod..... That's^^ exactly what I always do.
And of course pan and straps. And since, well you know how sparkys are, 1 of them shiny blankets for a little bling lol