Tankless hot water heaters

[jx2]

Originally Posted by absoluteAL

No, my cistern is underground (below the underground garage) and the tinaco is also underground but above the cistern (also in the underground garage). Confused yet . Then there are pumps, water softeners, and filters in the underground garage. The water then travels up to each of the four new condos (Espacio Quattro). Then, each condo has a complete reverse osmosis system within. The whole system in the underground garage is the most confusing and complicated system that I have ever seen. It is a sight to behold and am sure the whole system will breakdown within the first year and we can just connect a pipe or two the existing city water system and sell off the "miles" of copper tubing that was used to create this Frankenstein of a system.

My question would be, why not just one R.O. system for all 4 condo's . It really is 1/2 doz. of one or 6 of the other. Doesnt matter much where your pump is unless you only want a few pounds of pressure supplied by a roof mounted cistern.
To simplify this, just pump the water from your underground system thru the (1) R.O. sytem into your 4 condos. This may require a bigger R.O. system (depending on flow rates) than you now have.

[ranchhand1024]

Run the numbers before making a decision. Tankless heaters make sense in some situations, but are very expensive. You can buy a lot of electric models for the same price and maintenance and hookup is a DIY job.

[absoluteAL]

Originally Posted by jx2

My question would be, why not just one R.O. system for all 4 condo's . It really is 1/2 doz. of one or 6 of the other. Doesnt matter much where your pump is unless you only want a few pounds of pressure supplied by a roof mounted cistern.
To simplify this, just pump the water from your underground system thru the (1) R.O. sytem into your 4 condos. This may require a bigger R.O. system (depending on flow rates) than you now have.

Builder went back to Norway to open a lobster farming operation. He is a marine biologist. So, I can not answer your question as to why he did things the way he did.

[Almost Mexican]

Hi Mindbender, If you would be so kind as to also send me Peter the Belgian's phone number, I would most appreciate it. It is constant in my house with plumbing AND electrical issues. Thanks.

[Jesus]

Al, I hope that you have already got your instalation done.
Today I learned that the new tankless systems do only requiere one meter from the tinaco to the boiler (or less pressure than before), so that would mean one problem less for you. The smallest boiler (good for one shower) was around $2,000 pesos instalation included.

[absoluteAL]

[quote=Jesus]Al, I hope that you have already got your instalation done.
Today I learned that the new tankless systems do only requiere one meter from the tinaco to the boiler (or less pressure than before), so that would mean one problem less for you. The smallest boiler (good for one shower) was around $2,000 pesos instalation included.[/quote\
No, I have not had one installed yet because I will not arrive again in Playa until January 24th. My new condo (in the area where the present hot water heater is located) has th ability to either use a LPG or electric tankless heater, Any recommendation there? Also, does Boxito in Playa sell them/install them? I am also looking for a unit that will heat the whole condo (i.e., not the smallest boiler).

[Jesus]

Originally Posted by absoluteAL

No, I have not had one installed yet because I will not arrive again in Playa until January 24th. My new condo (in the area where the present hot water heater is located) has th ability to either use a LPG or electric tankless heater, Any recommendation there? Also, does Boxito in Playa sell them/install them? I am also looking for a unit that will heat the whole condo (i.e., not the smallest boiler).

You have to consider the price of electricity versus the gas and have to remember about the occasional black out.

About the instalation, I have never gone to Boxito (but I know they are one of the largest stores in the peninsula) and the instalation is included in the price but you have to call the manufacturer and they will go to your house to make the conection, if you have a special request on the instalation you have to pay extra for the labor and parts.

[AlmaLibre]

We got one of these a year ago, bought it at Sam's. It cost only a little more than a small hot water tank, about $2500 pesos...I think they are closer to $3000 now. It was no challenge to install.

The advantage of it is that you never run out of hot water. Everyone in the house can shower and then you can do a load of dishes immediately. I think it uses less gas too, though it was difficult to determine that...in theory it should use less gas.

The downside is that the water is really, really hot. I have it turned to the lowest point and it is still really really hot. Might not be appropriate for houses with children for this reason.