When I was in Japan, the house we lived in had a tankless unit made by Rinnai. About half the size of the smallest one in your video. It worked beautifully! There was a remote control box installed in the kitchen. It allowed you to turn the unit on and off and control the temperature from inside the house. The water was brought to temperature almost immediately. For me tankless is an easy choice.

Hi Matt. I'm loving your videos. I watched one yesterday and subscribed. I've worked in the building industry all of my adult life. I'm 65 now and want to build a small masonry/framing solar home for myself and your videos have a lot of valuable information that I hope to learn much more from. Thank You

Production quality and depth of information continues to get even better! You're doing a really nice job with this channel.

Thanks for posting this! It's so hard to find unbiased info on water heaters where I live!

Great video for "newbie" in tankless water heaters. Very clear explanation, in simple, plain English. Thanks! 👍 👍 👍

Matt - Your videos have always saved me hours of product research online. I now send your video links directly to my clients. They also love your videos. Thank you and please keep them coming!

I have three electric tankless units located next to each point of use. One under the kitchen sink for sink/dishwasher/washing machine, one in each bathroom for the sink/shower. Not everyone can install smaller units like that, I planned for it during a remodel. When you install one large unit for the whole house there are two issues. By installing smaller units you have several advantages. 1. Smaller units are usually electric. Electric tankless don't need to be vented. Venting cost money to install and maintain, not only that but every molecule of air which is vented out of the house negatively pressurizes the house. Which increases HVAC costs. Electricity cost more than gas, but doesn't require venting, which offsets that difference somewhat. 1a. Smaller units can be installed close the point of use, inside cabinets, under counters, in nearby closets. 1b. Because the unit is installed close to the point of use there is instant hot water. In larger whole house systems, whether gas or electric, tank or tankless, when you turn on the water you have to wait for the cold water to cycle through before you get hot. Smaller systems are installed at the point of use, so the hot water is nearly instant. 2. By having the unit so close to the point of use there is very little energy waste. In many hot water systems, both gas and electric, the water has to be piped 20-50 feet on average. Those pipes need to be installed, insulated and maintained. The longest run from heater to tap is around 8 feet in my house. That's only because I have a shower head in the ceiling, not the wall. 3. Smaller units don't require significant rewiring of the breaker box. They can be connected with a 220V outlet (Some are even 110, but that won't run a shower) 4. If you have multiple smaller units, if one unit fails the entire house doesn't lose hot water. So for instance I have two bathrooms. If one unit has a maintenance issue it is shut down, while the other is still operable. We can get by with hot water in one bathroom until a service can be scheduled. No more costly emergency service calls.

@Painfulwhale360

Жыл бұрын

What small units do you recommend?

@tiffanylocus251

Жыл бұрын

Good idea

@kaylenedowdle1310

Жыл бұрын

Don’t forget the life span of an electric tankless😂😂. And your house electrical amperage needed

@Painfulwhale360

Жыл бұрын

@@kaylenedowdle1310 what’s the average lifespan of a tankless? I wouldn’t imagine it’s worse than traditional tank heaters.

@2Hearts3

Жыл бұрын

Hello, Dawt Calm-- Thank you very much-- this is the best, most concise and helpful information I've seen about tankless. I just bought an old house, vacant for two years. The hot water stinks (due to bacteria growth while idle, i understand), so am planning to go to tankless. Thank you very much. This is what I've been thinking to do-- three small electric units, and your comments confirm the practicality of this. Thanks ✅ Also, from my reading, it sounds like Europe and Asia use tankless water heaters far more than the ol' vat we're used to here in America. I like the idea of getting this 40-gallon hazard out of the house.🙂👍

Just got the largest Navion dual , domistic and water heating boiler installed. Such great technology in the new heaters. To be free of Oil AND 24 /7 240 electric hot wayer , im very happy

My ole water heater is going out after 22yrs.. I am considering installing tankless and watched this video to gain more knowledge. Thanks for the high quality video and simple to understand overview!..

Matt happy new year! I love all your videos! I gutted/remolded my 870 sq ft condo in Florida & ALL your videos helped. I made my handyman look at your pocket door videos before he installed mine. Also your sooo HANDSOME!

Your point on size and regional temperature is spot on. I have a tankless. I live in NY and I totally notice the temp difference between a hot summer day and a very cold winter night.

@rogercalavaro1193

4 жыл бұрын

Qui a Roma e difficile trovare Questo apparecchio perché?

Matt, perfect timing, I’m educating myself now for an upgrade this year. Great stuff!

Right around 5:30, I’m in New York and temps have been colder than normal past couple of weeks. My unit is inside however still getting colder water. I’m sure you already know this but it helped a bunch being able to move the burner temp up a couple degrees to satisfy my needs of hot water. Currently 24*f and I maintain 112 @ the heater and adjust accordingly. Great video, very informative!

Matt, thanks for another informative video. I really appreciate you clarifying the issue of how long for payback on the energy savings of tankless, explaining that the biggest selling point is the unlimited hot water, not saving energy. Ever since I upgraded from a 20 to a 40 gallon water heater I’ve never run out of hot water, so I’m glad to know that there is little reason for me to change to tankless.

@marredcheese

5 жыл бұрын

Tankless also pays you back over the long term in a couple other ways: 1) supposedly, they typically last longer than tanks (~20 years instead of ~10 years), 2) it's much easier to replace one lightweight tankless heater with another than to deal with two 150+ pound tanks, one of which is actually much heavier since it's partially full of water and sludge.

Thanks Matt for a great, and easy to understand, breakdown of these units. I'm currently prepping to install the one in the middle.

Dude you are in my mind....... last few videos have been on subject that I am working thru as we speak.... Keep up the great work!!!

Congrats Matt! You made it over 100K subscribers (like over night?) I swear the count was at 99K just yesterday. Great way to ring in the new year! We love our endless water (Noritz unit, 94 % efficient.) Great comments. Another bonus for the 90+ models in new construction is being able to plan ahead on the gas line needing to be sized to be able to supply the 199K BTU. The only thing I don't like on ours (because I have not installed a circ pump) is the sandwich effect. When turned on, the hot water is warm (from previous water in the line), then goes cold (from the water that has slipped by the heater) then finally gets hot from the unit producing hot water. At least I can plan on that at the beginning of a shower, and not run out of hot water before I'm done!! The more of your videos I see, the more I appreciate the building science approach! Thanks again! - Wally

@gregmaunder6902

6 жыл бұрын

If you want to add an extra return plumbing line from your fixture (back to to the water heater or at least to the last split before the heater) you can install an on-demand recirculation pump (at the water heater or the fixture). Then what you do is open the hot water tap for a split second then close it, then wait 10 seconds for the recirc pump to push the cold water sandwich past the fixture then when you open the tap you get full constant hot water. I don't recommend installing a recirc pump without a return line (unless you like warm water out of your cold tap all the time).

thanks, I am planning on building in the deep south, that was a really solid tip.

Hey Matt, I have owned/installed 3 Bosch tankless and 2 Rheem hybrids, in houses I have owned, with much satisfaction. However!!! Last winter (sometime in April we had a severe freeze. During that freeze, due to a power outage, my most recent RTGH95xlp developed a leak. I called warranty and PG&E. Both told me that I was out $1200 bucks. The small leak is in the area of the top intake tube going into the stainless pre-warmer compartment. I took the heater guts apart from the enclosure (enough to slide the guts toward the top to expose that plastic elbow, p2). I couldn't determine where the leak is (no split or broken on fittings or copper tube). They tell me at Rheem that there are no repair parts available. The woman I spoke with was very cold and unconcerned about my plight. So, I do not recommend Rheem.

You have a well speaking voice for KZread I'm also converting my oil tank at oil burner system to a Natural Gas tankless system

My tank’s lifespan is just about up and it’s in the attic( don’t ask why a builder thought this was a good idea.). This video has really helped on which unit to use.

In a retrofit situation, I often still install the condensing models. I use a condensate neutralizer to correct the acidity of the condensate water, a condensate pump, and the old pressure relief piping to get it to the outside.

I wasn't expecting to learn much but I did! Thanks Matt

Tank Water Heater is very conveniently , I truly recommend !!!

Great explaination. my tank WH is close to replacement so this helps.

Really great, fully integrated video.

I have used a Takagi for 13 years without an issue. Next to the furnace so venting was not an issue. The natural gas input line had to be resized so it could supply both the furnace and the hot water heater. Pumps between the hot and cold water at the end points give almost instant hot water. Gas line and pumps were the major expense not the hot water heater with installation. Also put one in my mother’s house for both hotwater and radiant heat. It works very well doing both functions.

Thanks Matt. That was very comprehensive.

Thanks! My chimney is rusted through. Thinking about getting the one that can use pvc out the side of the house.

We've got a cold stretch here in Boston. You here of any units freezing from the intake? May happen if not used much... I have a hybrid unit so it's always warm. You didn't discuss the hybrid. AO Smith. I have an Eternal

Such a good video, I don’t know how someone could give it a thumbs down

You should include the fact that if installing a non-condensating tankless model, but have a vertical (through the roof) exhaust vent then it will create condensate. In fact, if the exhaust must raise more than 2 feet above the unit it will create condensate. I didn't know this and am now having to buy extra parts to install my unit.

Great information. Make sure that the condensate water drains into PVC and not cast iron. The acidity of the condensate will erode the cast iron.

I just installed a Rheem gas tankless condensing unit - because our old Bosch W.H. failed without notice so we bought what was readily available - we needed hot water. Installing the unit itself was quite simple but our model was very heavy to lift into place. My vents are not final yet - AND - we have not had any condensate produced from the unit's condensate drain :-)

Hi Matt, could you include a total cost of ownership comparison in these videos? A true cost comparison for me is starting from an existing tank heater and would include every expense from acquisition cost, replacement cost (plumbing charge to remove old unit and install new), operating costs over lifetime, and maint costs over lifetime. Thanks! great videos

Hey Matt... I'm not sure for up north, but here in South Florida, and as an electrical contractor, for an electric tankless water heater, I have had amazing results with EcoSmart tankless water heaters. The brand you showed today I have had nothing but complaints here especially with not heating water that well. I personally havr an ecosmart eco27 in my home and I will NEVER go back. Ecosmarts are also a LOT smaller and slimmer than most others and most of the time less expensive! But I know everyone's got their own preferences :)

Matt...Awesome teacher! Thanks!

Hi, I live in Michigan and I'm always buying a water heater I'm thinking about going tankless because of my flooding problem. I want thank you for your unbiased opinion

Just bought a 8.4 gallon rheem outdoor. Cant wait!!

awesome review, helped me make a decision between the two form factors.

Great speaker,great info.Well done.

Matt Thanks for the GREAT Videos. You do a fantastic job informing us.

Great video Matt.How about one with the tankless with recirculator pump theres two types manifold ,recirculator line very interested in which ones best Thanks keep up the good work

I like the sealed combustion idea that way your not chucking air you paid to heat or cool outside. I would love for someone to figure out how much that costs to operate a non sealed system. Great video

Hey, thanks for making the video. I learned a lot. Take care

For the acidity issues it depends on the plants around whether they will die or not. Pines and Firs like acidic soil it helps so they don't have to share nutrients and Hydrangeas change color depending on whether the soil is basic or acidic.

I've heard of issues with reverse air flow in freezing temps. When the non-condensing units are not running, cold air enters possibly freezing the exchanger due to other appliances creating a vacuum on the building envelope.

Great vid, I'm curious if you have ever used tank-less with a radiant floor hydronic system. If so I'd be curious about performance. We are finishing up a house in the High Rockies and it has tubing for radiant heat. I also need to heat water and don't know if I should go with 2 tank less units, a combi boiler, or just an old fashioned boiler. Any feedback will be appreciated.

I really like the Takagi T-H3M units because they use a 1/2” gas line which makes them much easier for an in place swap out.

Good summary, thanks! Can you describe how you size these based on the number of hot water fixtures you will have in a home? What assumptions do you make about maximum demand? Also, hope to see a similar set of videos on hydronic radiant heat sources!

Great info, looking to build in a couple years so it helps!

Hello, great video...can you do one on electrical ones?

Thanks. Very informative.

Thanks! I'm right in the middle of deciding which way to go on our vacation home.

This was SO helpful, thanks from California!! 🥰

Any thoughts on the latest generation of tankless electric models? My builder was impressed with the latest one he installed. I've spec'd a heat pump unit as I wanted the cool air produced (hot AZ garages couldn't be more perfect for HP water heaters). Tankless electric (if actually functional) would be nice for all electric, net zero/ off the grid homes.

Great over view thank you. Considering a unit for a cottage on my property using propane. Water softeners that discharge into a septic system can cause deterioration to concrete tanks. Wondering if the acidic nature of the condensate will alter the bacteria and possibly the concrete septic tank??

Excellent presentation.

May be new Tech but there are some condensing models I have found that have build in PH Neutralizers for the condensate so you can just let it drip outside or into a sink P-Trap

Good summary Matt. I found going w/ a condensing model for my retrofit was the best option. It was right above a laundry drain, so no issues with condensate. The additional cost of the condensing unit was offset by the savings on installing the more expensive concentric, stainless venting needed by the non-condensing unit. And it was easy to run the new PVC exhaust vent up in place of the old tank heater venting. A couple of 22.5* elbows allowed for the needed offset to line up with the roof penetration. Unit has been running great for 3 years now and is using about 1 therm of gas/mo. compare to 6+ for the old tank heater. Payback time should be under 10 years in gas savings.

@gregmaunder6902

6 жыл бұрын

Which brand/model did you go with?

@The4Crawler

6 жыл бұрын

I installed a Takagi T-H3M-DV-N heater. You can search for a video entitled "Checking out the new Takagi Tankless Water Heater" to see more about it. I think it was the best heater for my situation and it's been working great.

@The4Crawler

6 жыл бұрын

It was around US$700 last spring, price varies quite a bit so pays to shop around. All in all about $200 more than a new 40 gal. 12 yr. tank.

@TheMinnow101

6 жыл бұрын

$190 less at Supplyhouse.com than what Amazon has it listed for.

@The4Crawler

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, that's why I mentioned shopping around. I used that seller, they also had all the service valves and assorted bits for the conversion from a tank type heater.

Thanks for the great explanation.

Matt hits all the good points

@doublebulbing

6 жыл бұрын

he has a really good channel with a little higher lever of information than the norm

Thank you , I truly appreciate the information

Nice follow up on the other video! Really helpful. What do you think of electric water heaters?

@Matt Risinger I think you should mention the duct on the middle unit has high heat in the middle, but it's a two way vent, meaning the intake is surrounding the exhaust. There won't be heat to worry about on the vent pipe. Also, another factor on going with the condensing units is they are rated Energy Star and can give you a tax credit on your income taxes, up to $600.

great video, very well presented

Thanks for this, Matt. Have you heard about LG washing machines not being compatible with tankless because the LG washers pulse water, and the tankless needs a steady flow of water demand to fire up the burner.

Any updates to these recommendations for 2020?

Great Video Matt

Do you have a video on weather stripping for doors? Can't decide what kind to buy and I need to replace mine for sure, can feel cool are coming in around the gaps!

Best investment we ever made. Replaced 2x50 gal electric with one Ranai natural gas. Saving about $45/ month on electric.

@dangda-ww7de

4 жыл бұрын

I wouldnt say that yet, wait and give it a few years and u wish you will get a tank again. How long did you put in that tankless? I bet you only put it in about 2years or so?

Great video, thanks. Our house does not have gas to it, electric only. What are your views on Electric on demand heaters? Cheers.

Excellent info regarding the condensing tankless - but why is the condensation acidic?

I have a 20+ year old Seisco electric on demand hot water heater. It still works perfectly and support has been great. The only downside is this year my electric utility instituted peak demand charges onto residential electric customers bills! So the 28KW peak draw costs me a few extra dollars every month. On the plus side I have never run out of hot water in over 20 years and can take as long a shower as I want or fill my 48 x 72 inch tub any time.

wonderful explanation and good insights into whcih type of model to go for when doing a retrofit vs brand new building.........thanks for the video

@curtisjuelz2327

2 жыл бұрын

You all prolly dont give a shit but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my login password. I love any tricks you can offer me

@bentleyrowen79

2 жыл бұрын

@Curtis Juelz Instablaster =)

@curtisjuelz2327

2 жыл бұрын

@Bentley Rowen Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

@curtisjuelz2327

2 жыл бұрын

@Bentley Rowen it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my ass!

@bentleyrowen79

2 жыл бұрын

@Curtis Juelz no problem =)

I live in RI and have a possible carbon monoxide venting issue with our 3 yr old Kenmore gas hot water heater. I thought a tankless heater didn't need to be vented, and your video just totally bummed me out big time. Now I gotta call in the hvac guy to replumb the vent tube, which is a tough and costly job in my old house.

Outstanding presentation, review, comparison, information for on-demand as water heaters. Question: My current 50 gallon water heater, natural gas (40,000 BTU input) - will my current gas line be sufficient to supply/provide enough gas to achieve adequate hot water? Thanks.

I have a Noritz Unit and in Philadelphia/New Jersey area winter water is 38* F in Feb. Thats what you have to know before installing a Tankless Unit.

Great info and great video. After watching your video on tankless vs. tank, I ended up replacing our water heater in our current house with another tank. However, we're getting ready to build a new house and this video helped me get a batter understanding of how the condensing tankless operates. A well deserved like and subscribe from me. :)

@taz6122

Жыл бұрын

in China!

I upgraded from old tank water heater to an ao Smith 96% efficiency model. Installed it myself. Was a bit of a pain but no regrets. I did it primarily for efficiency but the endless hot water is nice too. I would recommend the condensating model even if you have to drill a hole in the side of your house for the intake/exhaust.

@malinoisnation9392

2 жыл бұрын

How much did u save on ur monthly?

@Dexter55999

2 жыл бұрын

@@malinoisnation9392 40-50

@andreilesiuk9538

Жыл бұрын

Is it trouble free? Can I ask what tankless brand you have? Thanks

@waterssolar5025

Жыл бұрын

@@andreilesiuk9538 he said A.O.Smith brand

Most important point missed- some instant systems today come as a combi unit- where you can run hot water to heat your house and domestic HW. That’s when the real savings kick in. Get rid of your big old boiler and one tiny machine can do it all!!! Savings are big, currently lots of utilities and cities offer nice rebates or other form of incentives.... do your research on your local incentives..... I have units that run up to 250k BTUs to do heat and HW.... work great!!! Keeps monthly bills down!!

How does a condensing version compare in pricing? I don' think I heard that? Would like to have heard about the mechanics of how a condensing works vs a non-condensing. On cold days in SWFL like now water flow really degrades! Lastly whats code say about distance to venting for a window that can open? Thanks!

Matt is the man. Smooth talker and nice looking : )

Matt, I have a new build starting in a week or so and have been contemplating using a high efficiency tankless unit. My issue is with the home being on a 1000 gallon propane tank. I don’t want the tankless to eat up the limited resource of propane....We are looking at two bedrooms, three baths, and stacked washer and dryers in each of the bedroom walk-in closets. My wife and I will be the only two living in the house. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this...Thanks for all of your videos!!

@LS2FD

3 жыл бұрын

@Rob Janson, what did you end up doing? We are about to break ground on a new home and the builder has plans to put in a tankless propane water heater on a 100-gallon propane tank. Nervous about having to refill it frequently, especially with four kids. Any thoughts or experiences so far would be appreciated!

Was recently at a relatives house which has a tankless. I was loading the dish washer and I like to rinse the dishes with warm/hot at a low flow. If cut the hot water back too much the water turned cold. I assume there is a minimum flow that the heater needs to fire.

Thanks Matt thanks for your thorough and excellent explanation. Appreciate it! 😀

Thanks great video with choices, Learned A Lot :)

Great video thanks for everything you do.

@buildshow

6 жыл бұрын

Very welcome

Can a condensing unit use the same pvc venting I have for my high efficiency furnace or do they need to be separate?

For the mid efficiency models, I found rannai sells exhaust vent solutions that are plastic pipes lined with aluminum which could be better sealed. Any thoughts on that or does it change your recommendations?

Found your video very informative. What about electric tankless water heaters? I bought one for a garage I recently built and for $400 think it's great. Planning on building a new home this year and figure I need 3 tankless heaters and would like to use the electric ones?

Great! Now I know what to buy. Thanks

What about RV or travel trailers? What do you recommend?

Matt, Great job on reaching 100K ! Easy to understand how that happened. On my recently completed new build in central Texas, they installed a gas tankless non-consendating unit in the attic crawl space. Is the location a problem?

Hey Matt Doug Ames here,I'm thinking about switching to tankless and I need your recommendation on witch brand and size to go with,I live by myself and the sqft is 1464, the house was built in 1980

Thank you!

I own a duplex with two tanked water heaters would i be able to convert to just one of these

Hey Matt (or anyone who knows), what’s the chemical content is the exhaust that comes out of the heater? Mainly water vapor? Any natural gas exhaust?

Very helpful! Thank you.

Hi Matt, I'm in the process of having my house built. I have 3 bathrooms and I need an outdoor unit. Will this 8.4 gpm outdoor unit be enough for my whole house, and does everything I need come with this unit?