Joel and I decided that it was a good time to get a water heater. Our old one was fine, but showing rust around the bottom. And was 20+ years old.
Missouri Gas Energy is offering an instant rebate, and many of the local plumbers are offering rebates. Plus the federal gov't is offering a rebate.
We got estimates from two established local companies. The first one pushed, Pushed, PUSHED their service contract. My head swam with the pricing options -- with or without their service contract -- gold, silver, blah, blah. Ergh.
The second one didn't push the service contract, answered my questions, didn't try to sell me more than I asked for, and was up front about the pros and cons of various systems. One option was a tank-type system, and he and I measured the space -- that option would not fit in our space. The other guy didn't even consider that!
The prices were very close. Joel and I discussed the options and we decided to go with the second company, and Noritz 751 tankless system.
Ed Norton from Neal Harris did the estimate and did the installation. He was on time, and was so neat and tidy! Everything was picked up, cleaned out, and the only way you'd know he was there was the new water heater!
Joel was impressed with how neat the venting was -- Ed did a great job installing the outside vent and caulked around it.
The tank was installed on 5/19 and after 1+ weeks of it, we really enjoy it. The only catch is that you have to let the hot water run for a few moments for the heater to kick in and the heated water to get to your faucet, but it's hot after that heater kicks in.
We'll be keeping track of our gas bills for the next year to see if we save any money gas-wise. I do like that the heater is on only when we need hot water, instead of just waiting for us to turn on a tap. So far, I really like the system.
And you can set the temperature quite easily. We've set the temp at 110F right now, although I will probably change that to 120F in winter for my showers. Yup, I can go down, change the temp for my shower, and after my shower change it back for Joel. Soooo easy.
Full disclosure: if you call Neal Harris (816-361-1950) and tell them I sent you to Ed Norton for a tankless system, I do get a few bucks out of it.
