Electric Water Heaters
Here’s something new: ELECTRIC on-demand hot water heaters. Rumour is they’re relatively inexpensive ($500? Don’t hold me to this). The require a significant electrical load (2, 60 amp circuits for a small house). Nice design!
Here’s something new: ELECTRIC on-demand hot water heaters. Rumour is they’re relatively inexpensive ($500? Don’t hold me to this). The require a significant electrical load (2, 60 amp circuits for a small house). Nice design!
January 6th, 2008 at 8:01 am
These things are common in Asia. I suppose they’re much cheaper in terms of utilities and as an initial investment than traditional water heaters (the large tanks). From personal experience, I’d say the main downside is inconsistent water temperature. I’ve found it hard to keep a specific, constant temperature of water coming out… though I imagine this may also be the result of brands/quality.
January 6th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Good feedback. I’ll have to ask my friend, Jason, about his experience. He installed one last year in his house in Ashland.
The gas models are very popular stateside, and that’s probably my first choice. However, there may be a big cost to getting gas out to the unit. We’ll see!
February 8th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Did you ever ask your friend about his experience with his unit? If so what was his feedback? I’m looking at similar units and it’s always nice to hear peoples real world experiences.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Hey Brandon,
I spoke with my friend about his unit (it’s actually the same one featured in this post!). Here’s what he says:
Pros: No fossil fuels other than the coal they burn at the generation plant (ha hah); instant, on demand hot water; easy to integrate into a future solar add-on.
Cons: Required some serious and expensive copper wire. With the two 60-amp circuits, it meant big 8 gauge stuff; The unit really isn’t powerful enough for their home in the winter - it requires a pre-heat tank to keep up when they are using both a dishwasher and shower, for example. In the summer, pre-heating isn’t necessary.
His system is a bit of a hybrid - he pre-heats the water with a traditional hot water heater set on low (around 90 degrees). This enables him to meet the demands of multiple high-need appliances (dishwashers, washer machines, etc.) but still use the relatively small and inexpensive on-demand unit.
I asked him why he didn’t simply go with a bigger on-demand unit. The reasoning is that, eventually, he’ll add solar hot water and the “pre-heat” tank will be heated by panels on the roof.
He also says that, in general, his electricity bills are lower in his new home, as compared to his old, traditional hot water tank system.
February 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Great post Shawn. Couple questions. Where exactly does your friend live? Is it just him in the house or are there others using hot water at the same time? Thanks!
February 10th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Very interesting. I’m going to be looking to use an on-demand unit for a hydronic radiant system as well as general use (appliances, shower, etc). Not sure if the biggest unit they make would be enough for this or if I would need separate units, one for the system and one for general use. Just something else I’ll have to look into more.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Hi Chad,
My friend lives in Southern Oregon, which has a fairly mild climate year round. It does get quite cold at times in the winter, but nothing like Philly or other east coast cities.
He shares the house with his wife…so it’s just two people. Here’s a photo gallery of the house: http://sdr-llc.com/portfolio.html Click on “recently completed projects” then “245 Mobile Drive.”
I can’t say how large the house is, but I’m guessing over 1700 sq. ft.