No hot water

So, my water heater went out today. Apparently for good. Has a leak in the tank and will not light. So, looks like I'll be heating water on the stove until I get my tax refund. Happy for the large (24 or 28 quart) tamale steamer I bought a few years ago! Can use something smaller for dishes and general needs. Just have to plan ahead for bathing. 

I had looked at tankless water heaters but the price is ridiculous, while claims are way overblown. 

Here's a copy of an article I wrote for publication on another site on the subject:

"If you are building a new home or just replacing and older tank water heater, you may take a look at tankless water heaters. They've become popular recently, with much press and claims of saving water and utilities.

The truth is, they will not save water. Only reducing your water usage will save water. While it is true that tank heaters emit some steam, the amount of water lost through steam is negligible.

Unless your utilities are off the grid, the amount of utilities they save you will not be nearly as much as the extra you spend on the heater, itself. If your electricity is off the grid, they may make sense to some degree.

If you enjoy the luxury of an endless supply of hot water, then you may wish to spend the extra money. Or if you just want to be trendy. In either case, the additional cost is for luxury.

I really feel the cost of tankless water heaters right now is disgusting. Companies which produce and market these items are jacking their prices on the “green” label. Some models cost over $1400 before installation is factored in, which is generally much higher than that of a standard tank heater. They claim savings which do not add up for anyone doing research before buying. At current prices, return on investment (meaning the cost above a conventional tank heater) is 10 years or more. They behave as though this is new technology, which it is not. Much of the technology used in these water heaters is the same as that in tank heaters.

Besides, tankless water heaters have been in use across Europe for decades. In 1988, I lived in an apartment in Germany. That apartment had a tankless water heater which was several years old. Yes, that was 22 years ago.

Better investments for saving on your water use and utility bills would be using low-flow shower heads, aerating faucet heads, utilizing gray water for the lawn and a solar water heating system. (Note that the solar water heating system would make tankless water heaters more efficient and use even less energy when their price becomes reasonable.)

Tankless water heaters will be great investments. Someday but not now."

End of article there.

Obviously, I will not be spending money on a tankless water heater. Even if I had the money, I would still refuse to spend in a way that foolishly encouraged such unethical business practices.

When I can get a water heater, I'll get one 30 gals or less. Uses less in utilities, besides costing less up front. Besides, I will be installing a solar water pre-heating and storage system as soon as possible.