Thinking About Tankless

Hello,

I am preparing to replace an 80 gallon electric water heater in the Spring of 2018 (American Water Heater Model: E62-80H-045DV) as a DIY. I am considering going with a tank-less water heater as the current monster resides in an under-staircase closet, which also houses my whole house filter. Getting to the whole house filter (I have well water) is very cumbersome with the huge tank in the way and I would really appreciate the extra space and easier access. At this time, a tank-less unit is the same or less costly than a direct replacement heater.

The builder's plumber installed an anti-sweat mixing valve with 1/2" copper to all the toilets (see attached image) and I am wondering if the tank-less (on-demand) water heater will cause issues with this set-up?

I am thinking about installing the tank-less heater on the inlet wall - below the copper. I am curious if I will need to re-plumb everything coming in with hard copper or can I sweat thread-on fittings and use flex to the tank-less?

I have 220 volts already to the current water heater.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance!

Mov

I am not a plumber so can't help with the plumbing. I am an electrical contractor.

Make sure you check electrical requirements for the tankless unit. The tankless will likely use a much larger circuit which will force you to add a new larger 220 volt circuit for it.

They use larger circuits because they have to heat instantly rather than slowly in a large tank.

Thanks for that Wooddude.

I researched the electrical aspect of tank-less, and right in line with your suggestion, I determined that I will need a service and panel upgrade. I can save a few bucks and run the 8/2 wires, but I'll have to get a few estimates as to the cost of a bigger panel and a higher amp service. Currently my 80 gallon heater uses one double pole 30 amp breaker; a 36KW tank-less heater requires 4 x 40 amp double pole breakers!! I will also need a 250 amp service - jeez!!

All things considered, I may simply downsize my giant 80 gallon heater with a 52; I am the only full time resident here and I think the 80 gallon is overkill. We will see.

Thanks again!

Mov

I personally would not waste my money on a tankless unless I had natural gas to heat it.

Just to be perfectly clear, installing a tank-less heater would not serve solely to un-stuff my mattress of annoying, sleep-robbing cash.

(1) I really could use more space in my under-stair closet to access the whole house filters and well pump system.

(2) The unit Walter H. White installed in his family's utility room looked pretty friggen' cool.

I don't remember Walter White's water heater, but sure loved the show!

Me too; watched the entire series pilot to finale multiple times!

And yes, I know Walt's was gas - I have no way to vent mine, hence electric.

I switched to a "whole house" tankless electric heater from an LP std water heater.
Even with the price of electricity is higher here than LP, I save more than $ 30 per month.
you might try something like that

I think this article might help you get the right tankless water heater.

Julia, linking to your company is grounds for banning here.

Just curious how much is your electrical bill monthly using that electrical water heater? We use gas out here. So just curious how much others might pay.