For the last five years I've had good results with an 80-gallon off-peak
electric unit. It re-heats only at night, is separately metered, and is
charged at about 20% lower than normal rates. I have never run out of
hot water (except that one time I turned off the breaker and forgot to
turn it back on).
It heats to 160F, then runs through a mixing valve to get it down to a
usable temp. Even at the elevated water temp, the outside of it is cool
to the touch. Great insulation.
Benefits: No chimney (and associated air loss). No combustion safety
issues, like fire, and CO. Reduced cost, though I have not actually
calculated it.
My local electric company GAVE us the water heater for switching from
gas to electric off-peak.
Now I can wash my Triumph GT6 (lbc content) with nice warm, soft
water - that is, if I ever get it back together.
Dave H
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