Water Heater

[Falthead]

Just replaced the 5 year old 40 gallon water heater in the house with a gas on demand unit. The old heater is a Whirlpool Energy Saver unit with a vacation mode to turn it down to sixty degrees when not used for long periods. It is in perfect condition and has not give us any trouble. I was thinking of an electric point of use water heater for the slop sink in the garage, but as I was putting this one up on Craigslist I got thinking maybe this one would be fine for awhile or until I bring a gas line out to the garage. Any input on what you would do?
The location is Tennessee if that has any bearing on decisions.

 

[The Cobbler]

40 gallons is a lot of hot water (and space ) in a garage, no?

 

[JoeMcGov]

40 gallons is a lot of hot water (and space ) in a garage, no?

YES. Huge amount.

 

[Bretny]

Why not just use a small propane on demand for the garage? They run for ever on a 20lb tank and many can be switched over to natgas.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Small point-of-use electric tank heaters are cheap, and don't require much power - you can get them that will simply plug into a standard 120vac receptacle. Here's one example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eccotem...ctric-Mini-Tank-Water-Heater-EM-7-0/302962987

 

[marklc]

Not to hijack but how much hot water will these produce? Can you wash a vehicle and other things of that size or is it basically just good for hand washing etc?
Thanks

 

[75gmck25]

The 40 gallon heater takes up more space and is bigger than you need, but for you its free, so maybe its the best choice for now. You probably won't get much for it on Craig's list.

When I was living in an area with high electric cost I added a timer to my water heater. The timer I got had two "on" periods, and we only had it on for about two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. I also added a water heater blanket for more insulation. You could probably set a timer to heat for only an hour or two a day and still have all the hot water you ever need in a shop.

Bruce

 

[bczygan]

Temporary solution: (More labor overall but less initial cost)
Labor - Install existing WH
Later, remove existing WH
Install new WH
Cost - minimal now

Permanent solution: (Money now and less labor)
Labor - Install new WH
Remove and sell existing WH
Cost - Cost of new WH minus sale price (If any) of old one.