Bosch tankless hot water heater?

[gn1220]

It's time to replace my hot water heater and I've been looking at the Bosch tankless units. I've talked to a lot of people and, while all have heard of them, not one person knows anything at all about them. I was just wondering if anybody here has any thoughts, good or bad, about these units. TIA

 

[AsphaltAnihil8r]

http://www.gotankless.com/expand180.html

Well I was going to go with this one above ,,but then the old one blew up and had to go with a quick change out to the same model 40gal...

But I like the electric since there is no need for a flue pipe and no gas useage,,but will have higher electric bill,,and its tiny....At the bottom of that page is some info to help you choose F.A.Q.

 

[S2V6RACER]

Junk. Get the Rinaii tankless heater, they put out more hot water and have flow controls that will not let your water get cold if you draw too much, it limits the flow. We see about 6.3GPM at a 55 degree rise, which is PLENTY of flow for 3 showers at the same time with flow restrictors installed.

The Rinaii 2532 has the ability to link up with up to 5 units and they work in parallel and can produce up to 20 GPM of hot water with a 55 temp rise. Make sure you do the proper research on GPM flow rates and the amount of flow neccesary to start the unit. The Rinaii has the industry right now with only .5 GPM. That is a lot more than you think and untill you hit that mark it will not fire. The Bosch only does .7 if I am not mistaking. Also, the Rinaii has sealed combustion drawing its air from outside. Check out the Web site.

My cost on the unit is about $1100 including 1 BC controller and typical venting required to complete installation. You will also need 189,000 BTU's available at your point of distribution for gas supply.

These units MUST be installed by a certified installer, which I am. I have installed quite a few of these and so far with a 100% success rate and NO failures, ALL happy customers.

 

[Michael McCoy]

Listen to Ted. He's the "Tim the Toolman" of the plumbing world

 

[xlr8ngn]

Do you have gas or electric right now? Also, do you use gas for heat or range/oven?

 

[gn1220]

Thanks Ted. I was going with the Bosch unit because it is available locally and it's the only one I've seen. The model I was looking at is the "Pro Tankless 635 ES" The specs are:

Nat Gas:175,000 btu
min flow to activate:.8 gpm
flow rates: 45 F rise@6.4 gpm
55 F @ 5.3
65 F @ 4.5
75 F @ 3.9
90 F @ 3.3
Energy factor:.85
Thermal Efficiency:87%


Also looking at the 425 HN

Nat gas:117,000 btu
min flow:.5 gpm
flow rate: 45 @ 4.3
55 @ 3.3
65 @ 2.8
75 @ 2.4
90 @ 2.0
E.F. .77
Thermal Eff. 80%
Ignition: Hydro generated

I was told the 635 would be best for my soon to be family of four but they also said the 425 would work. I like the price of the 425 and also the fact that it has the hydro ignition. Both require a vent but the 635 also requires an intake from the exterior. I plan to install it myself because these look pretty basic to install.
But, I would like some info on the Rinaii. Is this a custom order product or should I be able to get some info locally? Please inform me because I only want to do this once

 

[gn1220]

Originally posted by xlr8ngn
Do you have gas or electric right now? Also, do you use gas for heat or range/oven?

I have gas now for heat and the water heater and would like to stick with it because it seems a LOT cheaper to operate. I do have an electric range and oven though.

 

[xlr8ngn]

IMO, you should stick w/ a traditional gas water heater. They are reliable and efficient. The instant flow type water heaters are more expensive, more expensive to install and have questionable life span. I would also assume they are less efficient but do not know for sure. They would be great for a lake house where you would only use it every other weekend. No use in having a tank full of hot water, losing heat constantly, sitting there for weeks at a time.

BTW, what type of failure have you had w/ your water heater?

 

[gn1220]

My tank was installed in '88 and has started leaking on the basement floor. According to the info I've read, they are much more efficient than a traditional tank style unit. These only use gas while you are running the water. No pilot light burning 24/7. Also, I will be installling it myself because it looks very easy. Just run the water lines to it and a vent out the side of the house.