Q. I have a 6 unit apartment complex with a 80 gallon electric water heater. The units are two bedrooms, and I am starting to get complaints about there not being enough hot water. Before i spend a couple thousand buying a larger commercial water heater i would like other options. Could I run a second water heater in line with the first so that one feeds into the other. So one water heater heats the water and the other just maintains during low times. or Could I run an electric tankless water heater first to heat the water before it goes into the 80 gallon tank, in order to keep the supply of how water greater. If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreaciate it. thanks

A. Use 2 water heaters, if they were gas it would be best because they have a better recovery rate. In either case, a second water heater added in tandem with the first gives you an additional 80 gallons of hot water. They have to be balanced when the new one is installed so one heater is not getting more water drawn out than the other. It has to be equal or close. I used to rough in 3 story apt buildings with 83 1 bedroom units in it for senior citizens. If memory serves me correctly we used 3 100 gallon gas heaters with 1 extra as a backup in case 1 went bad. If that gives you any indication of how much more efficient gas is. I'm not entirely certain they make a tankless water heater big enough for what you need to use it for.

Q. I am opening a quick service restaurant and need a new hot water heater. Very small - less than 1,200 sq. ft. mostly carry out. 40 seats max. Two rest rooms, 3 compartment sink and one hand sink in kitchen. No dishwasher. Health Department more interested in recovery gallon per hour. Must be 105 degrees min. Is there a difference between commercial and residential in hot water heaters? Does Home Depot sell both?

A. 50 gallon should be more than enough. most heaters are now energy efficient and quick recovery. Most home water heaters run at 120 degrees so that is not a problem. Unless you own the building, I would go with a tank since you will not be able to remove an expensive tankless if you move out.

Q. I'm needing to replace my hot water tank and was looking into the tankless water heaters? Has anyone used one and are you satisfied with the results?

A. Please read the following Consumer Reports article that states that while the tankless water heaters were 22 percent more efficient on average than gas-fired-storge-tanks but they are more expensive and could take up to 22 years to break even: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/water-heaters/tankless-water-heaters/overview/tankless-water-heaters-ov.htm Personally, I really like them. In Japan, where they are very common, I used my tankless water heater every day to shower and to wash my dishes. It was excellent and I always had instant, plentiful, hot water available. I often wondered why we didn’t use these in the United States more often than we do. If you are interested I would recommend the following sites for some excellent models: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Water-Heaters/21147/subcat.html http://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/ http://www.titanheater.com/ Try it for yourself, you will like it!

Q. I am specifically interested in the SETS and American Home brands and would like to know if anyone has them and how they do or do not like them. Also, I am interested in information on other brands if you have them. Thanks. I NEED THIS INFO ASAP AS OUR WATER HEATER BROKE THIS WEEKEND AND NEEDS IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT.

A. Eemax is a widely used electric tankless water heater in the commercial industry. They are refered to as IWH or Instantaneous Water Heater. However 1. If you are replacing an existing electrical instantaneous water eater, make sure the power and voltage match the existing one you are removing. 2. If you are working on your primary residence or a high hot water usage and you are trying to replace a tank style water heater - stop. Stay with the tank style. Really, only instantaneous gas water heaters are recommended for the primary residential environment.

Q. Are they safe? Are they efficient? Do they save money? Is there anything you don't like about them?

A. As a builder, people are starting to request tankless water heaters moreoften, especially in more expensive homes. They are definitely safe, very efficient, which is why people want them because they save money. They cost more up-front but pay for themselves in the long run because they use less energy than traditional tank water heaters. The on-demand capacity of the heaters makes them especially friendly from an environmental perspective.

Q. I live in an area with very hard water, and have had to replace two water heaters in 6 years due to sediment buildup. Would I be better off with a tankless water heater, or would that succumb to buildup, too? Thanks.

A. The prob is hardness in the water . Anything that heats water will collect minerals from the water on the heating surfaces that get hot. The only cure is to put in a water softner. But thay take a lot of mantainance also.

Q. We just moved into our home, and it is not brand new, so we know this heater has worked in the past. Do electric heaters have pilot lights? I can hear some activity when the water is running upstairs, but no heating occurs.

A. Make sure the breakers on the main electrical panel are turned on. There is also an overload/reset breaker on most water heaters. Remove the cover and reset this as well. If it still doesn't heat, the electric coil or coils are probably defective. These can be purchased for about $20-$25 each at Home Depot. Some water heaters only have one - some have two. Good luck.

Q. Whats your opinion on the tankless water heaters? Pros and cons?

A. Pros: -They are much more energy efficient. You don't have a giant tank of water that is constantly being heated up. (think of all of the hours you are not using any water; sleeping, working, vacations.. and how much energy and money you now spend keeping water hot.) -You never run out of hot water. -You will save so much money in energy bills. -If you go to sell your house, you will get your money back. People love new technology. -They are much smaller and are wall mounted. This will free up space in your house. Con: -High initial cost, they are much more expensive than traditional heaters.