Thanks to everyone for your input; I've been doing a bit of research and I've narrowed it down to just a couple models. I’ve been looking at the Stiebel Eltrons, as they seem to have the most comprehensive range from low-flow, single point of access heaters to monster systems . Also, I heard there’s a $300 tax rebate from the electric company for getting a system rated somewhere over 80% efficiency. I'll call tomorrow to confirm.
I Found
this site, the Tempra 15 and 20 seem to be the same price here, but pricegrabber found the 15 for as little as $400.
I measured my shower and tub flow rates, and the shower was about ~2.3gpm without the shower head, 1.8-2gpm with the shower head (this seems to be the magic number), and the tub was ~2.5gpm, so the
Tempra 20 looks like it would be just a bit more than what I need. The only problem: it says I need TWO 240V breakers at 50amps apiece, I have 8 120v at 20amps apiece (6 are free). My old heater ran off two breakers, but I don't know if the tankless heater is ok essentially running off 4 120v 20amp breakers. For the Tempra 20, it looks like I need an electrician to wire some more breakers.
The
Tempra 15 seems like it could go in without any modification, but if the incoming water temperature is under 50 (I haven't been able to measure it yet), it might not be enough. There’s an equivalent
Bosch model that has slightly better specs at about the same price. I'm calling the plumber tomorrow to see what can be done.
What do you think? Any user reviews for a particular model I've mentioned? This is exciting business, I'm looking forward to taking a hot shower again.
//added: I also came across
this site with a video guide to choosing the tankless system for you.