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tankless water heaters for apartments?
10 posts by 9 users
Mark H.Property ManagerHuntington Beach, CA 
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I've been playing with the idea of installing tankless water heaters in apartments. But I suspect tankless water heaters require more care in usage and maintenance than regular tank water heaters. Since tenants vary greatly in the care in which they treat their apartment, I wonder if the investment would be worth the risk? Has anyone else tried installing tankless water heaters in their apartments, or heard of anyone or any company that has? |
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Kyle G.Real Estate Investorliberty township, OH
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from what i have heard, at least in SFR, tankless water heaters are great. One down side is cost. Guess you would have to weigh the cost of installing one in rental property, but in theory they should work just fine |
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Adam A.
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Unless you are paying for the hot water I wouldn't even consider them. Even then the payback is 3-7 years. I also wouldn't consider them unless you are running on gas. The electric models do not heat the water fast enough to provide how water for an entire house, so if you are running on electricity, you need several units. |
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Jason F.Real Estate InvestorGainesville, FL 
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is that true? if I'm using an electric tankless i will need multiple units. i thought they made units that run for the entire house? i have a 2/2 that I want to install a tankless for, do you think i would need multiple units? |
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Scott S.General ContractorFloyd, VA 
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I agree with AdamT that you will likely need more than one electric model. The gas models are more efficient but also pricier. IMO the payback is too long to warrant the price tag, especially given the price of gas vs. electricity where I live. A middle of the road tank heater is usually the best call. |
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Tom C.Real Estate InvestorOH 
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I talked to a guy the other day, that claims that he can get the new style units that are electric for $400 bucks per unit out of Chicago. I asked him about having to install several per SFH and he said that the one he installed in his house has no problem providing enough hot water for his entire family. He said the old unit did have problems, but the newer ones work great. He wasn't trying to sell me one, so I don't think he was being dishonest. |
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Michael S.Real Estate InvestorBellefonte, Pennsylvania 
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It'd be interesting to see how one holds up with someone taking a shower, running the washing machine and the dish washer all at the same time. I would not consider them at all for an apartment. -Michael |
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Mark H.Property ManagerHuntington Beach, CA
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After some initial enthusiasm, I don't think tankless is a good idea in apartments. Tenants in US are not used to tankless, and probably won't like the low flow rate. Also they have no idea how to take care of them. I saw some models for $1200, and that is before installation. |
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Tracey B.Real Estate Investor
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I have a gas instant hot water service (which I think is the same thing you're talking about!) for my 16-door multi-family and it's been brilliant the year that I've had it so far. It provides exactly what it promises - instant hot water, in unlimited quantities, inexpensively (as it doesn't store any hot water). I'm very pleased with mine. 8) It hasn't had to be touched since it started operating. |
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Ray E.Real Estate ConsultantHibbing, MN
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We have installed many gas instant water heaters in commercial applications, very little maintenance. As far as apartments they are pricey $700 to $1400, but if installed properly they will last much longer than regular water heaters. Ray Erspamer |
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Posted: 04/14/2008 at 02:10PM