Water Heaters (2) replacement

Hi,

I have a dilemma, hence the post...

Currently have 2 40 gal gas heaters to supply water to a 3 1/2 bath, 3 story home in MN. Master has a great huge whirlpool tub, and I'm guessing that's why the original owner installed the 2 heaters (he was a plumber by trade). They were put in in 1993. Recently, the pilot has been going out on a regular basis (every 2 weeks), and the water is not as warm as it used to be.

1. Is it time to replace or repair?
2. If replace, I then have questions on what options I am faced with...

I've always thought I'm spending too much to heat two tanks, when our water use is intermittent. House sees 2-3 showers/day, a load of dishes 1x/day, and laundry loads a few days a week, with a tub maybe 2-3x/week as well. I've toyed with tankless as an idea, but am concerned that the break even would be years out. Would my savings really be that significant?

Finally, if I do replace gas, do I need to go with 2 tanks again or is there a better option to provide ample hot water for even the large tub and all the other needs I have? Space is not a primary buying decision for me. Primary is to not waste water when I don't use it.

Any guidance is appreciated. I tried to be as detailed as possible but if more information is needed please ask.

Thanks!
Chris

16 year old tank heaters with flaky standing pilots are in the "replace" category (unless a simple DIY thermocouple replacement fixes it.)

For low standby loss mega tub-filling capacity you can't beat a tankless (never met anyone who said they'd ever go back.) With the cold winter water temps of MN you'll likely need a 199kbtu/hr version though-not one of the cheapies, but you can get a tax credit and possibly state/local kickbacks for it. Higher efficiency condensing versions can sometimes be the same/similar installed price as standard efficiency due to the difference in cost of plastic vs. stainless steel flue piping.

The installed cost will be something like 1.5-2x what it would take to replace two 40 gallon tanks, but with the available subsidies it wouldn't be that bad- get some bids.

Your use is low, but not ultra-low, but you're paying twice the standby costs. It may make sense to price out a single 80-100 gallon forced-draft tank heater with electronic ignition. If it's dramatically cheaper than a subsidized tankless it may be the best value (even if it's somewhat less efficient.)

csanders55 said:

Is it time to replace or repair?

Click to expand...

Other things being equal you have 50% chance of reaching 20 yrs.
Given that you have symptoms, the chance is less than 50%.

heaters

The first thing to do is explore WHY the pilots are going out, because it could create the same problem with the new one if it is not a heater problem. Whether you can use one heater, or need two depends ENTIRELY on whether, and how, they are interconnected. Basically, other than standby losses, you only heat the water you use, regardless of whether it is in one tank or two.

I've heard mixed reviews on tankless, but I'll get the bid on that as well. COncerns there are install (I understand there is quite a cost not only for the unit but for the install piping), but the idea of endless hot water is intriguing. Any brands or resources to guide me to a reputable company, as these units are relatively new on the market? I've checked cons reports, but they really stay hands off with brands and features of specific manufaturers.

Thank you for the two cents on this one!

tankless

"Endless" hot water is only a factor if you NEED endless hot water because you cannot force yourself to leave the shower.

get a 75

teh best thing to do is get a 75 gallon gas heater, put a blanket on it and you are good fo ranother 16 years...

screw the tankless