I need some general advice for a water heater purchase. I had a plumber recently come out to our home to have a look at our setup. We purchased our home a few months ago, began some renovations, and are now ready for a water heater to be installed soon.
First off, I'm still debating between direct vent, chimney vent and also a tank less water heater. The plumber that came out seems to be leaning towards a 50-gallon (or so) water tank with a mixing valve that with a power vent. I'm not so keen on the power vent because I can imagine it will be noisy. We do have a chimney nearby and I believe the current water heater is being vented through that. So, my first question is which way to vent is better? Is one more expensive than the other to install?
Our simultaneous water needs will normally be running showers (family of 4), possibly at the same time as a dishwasher and washing machine, then having enough hot water to fill a bath.
The plumber recommend a tank with a mixing valve on it.
Then, still looming out there as an option, is a tankless water heater. Our only concern with this is that it may not be able to handle the simultaneous tasks.
Thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction...
I am not a professional so please bear with me.
If one has natural gas (a blessing), there must be concern shown for possible back-drafting, adequate combustion air supply and/or incomplete combustion (C0) of the gas-fired WH.
I am not sold on tank-less yet as they have a high initial cost and install (usually gas supply) and need venting also. It seems that most contractors do not know how to spec/install correctly and fix the problems afterwards.
Venting the WH to atmosphere via a masonry chimney can cause deterioration of the brick if not lined ($$$).
A WH with only a powered vent can insure no back-draft (CO). Additionally, one with an outside air source (Direct-Vent) ensures complete combustion.
Installing the vent(s) in the side-wall is no big deal if done correctly.
A 50 gal tank with a TMV should give you plenty. If it comes up short, a POU tank-less/tank will help on long draws.
I put a 50 gal electric in my daughter's home with 2 kids and a teenage daughter without a TMV (yet) and it does fine. Of course, your mileage may vary...