Brand | Rheem |
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Product Dimensions | 13.88"W x 25.63"H |
Special Feature | Exclusive! Guardian overheat film wrap (OFW), EZ-Link cable available for higher demand applications to connect two tankless units to operate as one, Built-in electric blower, Two-pipe direct vent system designed for PVC pipe, see instructions for details, Digital display shows temperature setting and maintenance codes, Freeze protection to -30°F, Manifold up to 20 units with the optional MIC-185 plus the MICS-180 manifold control assembly, Manifold up to six units with an optional, Self-diagnostic system for easy installation and service, High-altitude capability – up to 9,840 ft. elevation above sea level, Digital remote control and 10 ft. of thermostat wire included, Supplied with a 120 volt power cord (indoor models only) |
Color | Gray |
Manufacturer | Rheem |
Part Number | Natural Gas |
Item Weight | 79 pounds |
Item model number | RTG-95DVLN-1 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Special Features | Exclusive! Guardian overheat film wrap (OFW), EZ-Link cable available for higher demand applications to connect two tankless units to operate as one, Built-in electric blower, Two-pipe direct vent system designed for PVC pipe, see instructions for details, Digital display shows temperature setting and maintenance codes, Freeze protection to -30°F, Manifold up to 20 units with the optional MIC-185 plus the MICS-180 manifold control assembly, Manifold up to six units with an optional, Self-diagnostic system for easy installation and service, High-altitude capability – up to 9,840 ft. elevation above sea level, Digital remote control and 10 ft. of thermostat wire included, Supplied with a 120 volt power cord (indoor models only) |
Included Components | Product Only |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |
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Rheem RTG-95DVLN-1 Water Heaters, Gray
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Brand | Rheem |
Product Dimensions | 13.88"W x 25.63"H |
Special Feature | Exclusive! Guardian overheat film wrap (OFW), EZ-Link cable available for higher demand applications to connect two tankless units to operate as one, Built-in electric blower, Two-pipe direct vent system designed for PVC pipe, see instructions for details, Digital display shows temperature setting and maintenance codes, Freeze protection to -30°F, Manifold up to 20 units with the optional MIC-185 plus the MICS-180 manifold control assembly, Manifold up to six units with an optional, Self-diagnostic system for easy installation and service, High-altitude capability – up to 9,840 ft. elevation above sea level, Digital remote control and 10 ft. of thermostat wire included, Supplied with a 120 volt power cord (indoor models only) See more |
Color | Gray |
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About this item
- EcoNet is the Brains of Rheem Smart Air and Water Products, using the latest in sensor technology, the EcoNet Smart Monitoring System offers a new level of protection, comfort and energy savings
- Flow rate range from 0.26 GPM minimum to 9.5 GPM maximum flow rate
- Temperature varies from 80F minimum to 140F maximum temperature, preset at 120F from the factory
- Electronic ignition requires 200 watts, and provides reliable ignition for many years
- Constructed from copper and stainless steel for rugged durability
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This Item Rheem RTG-95DVLN-1 Water Heaters, Gray | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | — | $1,193.37$1,193.37 | $1,966.00$1,966.00 | $809.99$809.99 | $999.00$999.00 | $59.99$59.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it Mar 29 - Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to install | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.3 |
Temperature Control | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 5.0 | — | 4.0 |
Tech Support | — | 3.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Big Frog Supply | Amazon.com | GlobalTowne | Twinkle Star LLC |
capacity | 9.5 gallons | 8.4 gallons | 11 gallons | 7 gallons | — | — |
power source | fuel powered | fuel powered | Battery Powered | ac dc | Gas Powered | Gas Powered |
material | Stainless Steel, Polyvinyl Chloride | Stainless Steel | — | Stainless Steel | — | Brass |
style | Indoor Installation | Indoor Installation | Natural Gas, Indoor Installation | Indoor Installation | Indoor Installation | Indoor Installation |
weight | — | 59.88 pounds | 35.8 kilograms | 62 pounds | 44 pounds | — |
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From the manufacturer
Rheem Indoor Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heaters
Designed to deliver enough hot water for all your daily adventures
Key Benefits
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Saves EnergyHeats water only when you need it, so it uses less energy than a tank-type water heater; and it produces less greenhouse gas emissions, making this a sustainable choice. |
Saves MoneyBy using less energy, these tankless water heaters can save you on expensive operating costs compared to a standard 50-Gallon gas tank-type water heater. |
Saves WaterAs part of Rheem's sustainability commitment, our tankless gas water heaters include a Water Savings Setting. When this setting is enabled, water waste is reduced by up to 1,100 gallons per year* * Based on Department of Energy (DOE) test procedures |
Saves SpaceRheem indoor condensing tankless gas water heaters are small & compact – saving you valuable space in your home. They can easily be wall-mounted in tight spaces – like in a utility closet, attic, or storage room – and only need ½” clearance on both sides. |
Additional Benefits
- Enjoy Continuous Hot Water – Rheem tankless gas water heaters provide continuous hot water, so you’ll never run out at any time, even when there are numerous back-to-back showers.
- Reduces Energy Consumption – All Rheem tankless gas models automatically adjust the amount of energy required to heat the water you need. This modulated technology increases efficiency and reduces energy consumption.
- Promotes Better Air Quality – Rheem incorporates emission reduction technology for better air quality. All models meet or exceed stringent government standards in all 50 states.
- Easy, Convenient Control – Rheem's tankless remote electronic thermostat allows easy adjustment of water temperature ranging from 85˚F–140˚F in two-degree increments. The unit can also be turned ON or OFF simply by pressing the power button. In addition– detailed diagnostics are digitally displayed whenever there is a need for service or maintenance.
RTGH-95DVLN-2 | RTGH-90DVLN-2 | RTGH-84DVLN-2 | RTGH-68DVLN-2 | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars
102
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4.1 out of 5 stars
83
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4.1 out of 5 stars
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4.1 out of 5 stars
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GPM (Max.) | up to 9.5 | up to 9.0 | up to 8.4 | up to 6.8 |
Fuel Type | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | Natural Gas |
BTU input (Max.) | 199,900 BTU/hr | 180,000 BTU/hr | 157,000 BTU/hr | 120,000 BTU/hr |
Bathrooms (Max.) | up to 4* | up to 3-4* | up to 3* | up to 2.5* |
Height | 27-1/2" | 27-1/2" | 27-1/2" | 27-1/2" |
Width | 18-1/2"" | 18-1/2" | 18-1/2" | 18-1/2" |
Depth | 9-3/4" | 9-3/4" | 9-3/4" | 9-3/4" |
Ship Wt. | 82 Lbs | 82 Lbs | 82 Lbs | 82 Lbs |
Water/Gas Connections | 3/4" | 3/4" | 3/4" | 3/4" |
Digital Remote Thermostat | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Product guides and documents
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B0084CPDFS |
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Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #799,231 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #1,073 in Water Heater Replacement Parts #120,906 in Parts & Accessories |
Date First Available | June 1, 2012 |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
Product Description
RTG-95DVLN-1 is a mid-efficiency indoor natural gas tankless water heater designed for continuous hot water. Industry leading low flow activation with a minimum flow rate of .26GPM and minimum activation flow rate of .40GPM ensures hot water is received even in low demand situations. Ultra Low NOx burner meets SCAQMD rule requirements of safety with low emissions. While the exclusive Guardian Overheat Film Wrap prevents the unit from reaching the dangerous temperatures others can. Add in the maintenance notification settings, self-diagnostic system and EcoNet enabled mobile app feature (additional kit available), buying the RTG tankless water heater makes perfect sense. Included are a digital remote control and 10ft. of thermostat wire.
From the Manufacturer
All Rheem heating, cooling and water heater heating products meet and exceed rigorous industry standards for quality and reliability. From raw material delivery to finished product assembly, each phase in the manufacturing process is effectively overseen to ensure the highest quality in water heater manufacturing. Rheem products are frequently tested and certified by various government and third-party testing labs to ensure quality standards.
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, temperature and efficiency of the water heater. For example, they mention it works perfectly, provides endless hot water and that it's efficient. That said, opinions are mixed on ease of installation, noise, and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the water heater. They say that it functions great, has no problem, and the heating of the Water works perfectly. The remote temperature control works great, and it runs very quietly.
"...This water heater is awesome, and tankless is great! If you're using a tank water heater, I recommend switching...." Read more
"...Termination Kit, and after painting it to match the house, it looks very clean...." Read more
"...the exhaust temperatures are relatively low; this also makes it very efficient and it runs very quiet, about the same level of noise as a..." Read more
"...This is especially good when servicing the water filter too. So far, Im very happy with this unit. Its quiet and runs very efficient. Good Job Rheem!" Read more
Customers like the temperature of the water heater. They say it provides endless hot water, with no loss of water temperature. It has a lot more water heating capacity, and is easier to adjust. The water heats up quicker than with their old tank, and the digital control allows them to set the exact water temperature that they want. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...especially that it is a condensing model and the exhaust temperatures are relatively low; this also makes it very efficient and it runs very quiet..." Read more
"...Nice for water conservation areas or if you want to save on your water bill. I would not go with any other product after using this Rheem unit...." Read more
"...The even, consistent temperature during the course of a really long shower or the filling of our soaking tub cannot be adequately described...." Read more
"...after the first time I turned the hot water on, it just made nice hot continuous water...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the water heater's efficiency. They mention that it is super high-efficiency, provides awesome performance, and is energy efficient. Some say that the unit runs smoothly and provides endless hot water.
"...So far, Im very happy with this unit. Its quiet and runs very efficient. Good Job Rheem!" Read more
"...(condensing for efficiency, large enough for 3 baths, ease of install, plenty of hot water..." Read more
"...for the water to heat up, this is so out shined by the awesome performance of the unit...." Read more
"...Overall the performance has been stellar...." Read more
Customers like the value of the water heater. They say it's worth the money, saves them a lot of time, and is a great investment for the future.
"...this heater now, I'm still cleaning it on the same schedule, bills are still low, and the heater still looks and works like it's new...." Read more
"...about 20 more seconds or so to get hot water at your tap, but its worth the wait when you are taking long showers or washing cloths at the same time..." Read more
"...living with the heater for a month, I can honestly say that it IS worth the money as you can't put a price on endless hot water with 3 women in the..." Read more
"...No plumbers, no customer service, NO COST! It's simple --- REMOVE THE WATER RESTRICTORS ON YOUR FACETS AND SHOWER HEADS...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of installation. Some mention that the water heater is quiet, efficient, and super easy to install. They say the installation was straight forward and easy, with no trouble at all. The instructions manual is very helpful and clear. However, some customers say that the installation is complex and takes longer.
"...One of the things that made the installation go a lot easier for me was the purchase of the RTG20220 valve kit including hot water pressure relief..." Read more
"...This makes the piping for exhaust and air intake cheap and easy to work with as you can use PVC and ABS plastic pipe...." Read more
"...The tankless does take longer...." Read more
"...(condensing for efficiency, large enough for 3 baths, ease of install, plenty of hot water, etc)...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the noise of the water heater. Some mention it's ultra quiet and efficient, while others say it makes a lot of noise. They say it has a low persistent rumble for a few minutes, and the case rattles loudly after the first few weeks.
"...The unit is quiet, quick to deliver hot water, and I see no perceivable difference in flow-rate from old water heater to this new tankless unit...." Read more
"...So long story short -CONSNoisier then I would like so be careful where you place this thing as you will hear it when it runs..." Read more
"...are relatively low; this also makes it very efficient and it runs very quiet, about the same level of noise as a refrigerator.. I can put my hand..." Read more
"...It is a low persistent rumble for a few minutes which is noticable (though very quiet, not a huge problem)..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the water heater. Some mention it's an excellent product, reliable, and efficient. However, others say that it broke after one year and a half, the connectors are fragile, and it easily broke while torquing down.
"...This is also easier to clean and should last considerably longer than a tank water heater, which could save you a lot more money in the long..." Read more
"...then this unit kicks on when the water goes on - not always ideal and takes some getting used to." Read more
"...Bottom line for me: Worth the money, would do it again. Great product, exceeded our expectations." Read more
"...The threaded connectors are plastic and fragile. Use two wrenches. I learned from the misfortune of another reviewer." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the heating of the water heater. They mention that it takes some time to get hot water to the faucet, it does a bit of hammering, and has a very low hot water kick on rate. This causes the water heating to pulse so short that the water never gets hot. The incoming water is ice cold, and you will have to wait an extra few seconds for the hot water.
"...Also, this model has a very low hot water kick on rate so if the faucet is not turned all the way to cold (single handle faucets) then this unit..." Read more
"...it for a while I'm going to say that yes, it does take a little longer for the hot water to get to your faucet...." Read more
"...you have endless hot water but also because it does take some time to get hot water to your faucet...." Read more
"...This unit does provide very hot water. The incoming water is ice water cold ( I know after brushing my teeth with it for a week. )..." Read more
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= TL;DR =
Rheem is a great brand with an excellent reputation, and so far, I see why!
This water heater is awesome, and tankless is great! If you're using a tank water heater, I recommend switching. Come for the lower bills and longer-lasting hardware, stay (…and stay …and stay!) for the loooong, relaxing showers, because you won't run out of hot water!
= BACKGROUND =
I bought this unit knowing it was overkill, but I'd rather have more than enough hot water than not enough. I'm in the midwest, and I needed to make sure it could raise the temperature from water that can be as low as 45ºF and heat it to at least 120ºF, possibly 140ºF. I also wanted to be able to run multiple appliances using hot water at once -- which this water heater can easily do, but in my house, the bottleneck is actually my water pressure. This water heater can heat literally all the water it can get in my house.
I was switching from a tank water heater with a pilot light. I wanted to stop running out of hot water and stop reheating the same water when I wasn't at home using it. I also wanted to get away from having a pilot light, though I don't think any modern water heaters have those.
I had mine professionally installed. I haven't had any problems, so I haven't had to call the plumber or Rheem, but I love the fact that Rheem has a great reputation for customer service and honoring warranties even when the hardware was purchased through Amazon. I love even more that they're great quality to begin with, so I haven't had to call them!
= USE AND OBSERVATIONS =
Some people complain about the "cold water sandwich"… Frankly, for me, it's rarely a "sandwich"; I'm not using hot water every 5-10min, so the water in the pipes is simply cold every time I start using it again. Since I read about this ahead of time, I actually timed how long it took for a faucet to get hot water from my old tank heater and then with this new tankless one. The tankless does take longer. In my house with my length of pipes, the tank took 15-20sec to get hot water to the faucet (timing it with the first use of hot water in the morning), while the tankless takes right around 30sec. This really only takes a minor adjustment in behavior: simply turn the hot water on full when you first come into the room if you're about to use the faucet. As soon as it warms up, adjust the hot/cold mix. (My washing machine is closer to the water heater, and I haven't timed it, but it probably takes under 20sec to get hot water.)
I read ahead of time that although you can override the 120ºF max and go up to 140ºF, people didn't need to do that with this unit. They were right! I had my tank heater on 140ºF, because when taking a shower, I'd have to bump the faucet up to a hotter mix every couple minutes as the hot water from the tank was depleted. Now, I set it at one temperature, and it stays there, and it can go hotter than I want even at 120ºF -- basically, it's a real and consistent 120ºF max, not just an instantaneous max. Some people even set the controller at something like 108ºF so they can just turn the hot water on max and have it be their perfect, preferred temperature.
= CLEANING =
You're supposed to clean this once per year; I've put a reminder on my calendar and am doing it every six months. It's pretty easy, really. You can get a cheap submersible water pump, a pair of washing machine hoses (or garden hoses), a 5gal bucket (I use 6gal; 5gal might cut it close), and 4gal of vinegar each time. (I used 3gal the first time, and it worked, but the pump got a little warm; it relies on the liquid it's pumping for cooling. With 4gal, it stayed cool.) IIRC, you're supposed to run it at least an hour; I run it for two. I have ball valves to make it easy to shut off the main inlet and outlet, and to open the drain/cleaning hookups on the water heater. And the little metal filter unscrews easily for rinsing.
= COST (BILLS AND SAVINGS COMPARED TO A TANK WATER HEATER) =
I didn't buy this water heater to save money and didn't expect it to quite pay for itself (including installation cost), but it looks like it actually might, in probably 12 years. Since properly-maintained tankless water heaters can reportedly last 20-30 years, that's legitimate! (Heck, the tank water heater it replaced went a whopping 24 years with no cleaning, so I do expect this one to last. We have good local water.) My only two gas appliances are the furnace and the water heater. The furnace is, of course, the bulk of my gas cost.
My average monthly gas bill for the prior 10yrs (prior to buying this water heater -- i.e., 11 years ago through 1 year ago) was $54.66, and average for the prior 5yrs (6 years ago through 1 year ago) was $49.25. My average this year, with this water heater, was $34.29. (Note that we did have a warmer winter, though.)
My minimum bill (for any month, ever) prior to installing this water heater was $15.10, and bills under $20 were rare, even in the summer when the water heater was the only gas appliance used. Since switching, I had six consecutive months with bills under $20, and four were under the previous minimum of $15.10. My new minimum is $9.97. Those were basically the months with no furnace use, so I think it's safe to say my hot water is now costing me only $10-17 per month. Even taking longer, relaxing showers every day, I'm saving money.
I'm living alone in an 3br house. So larger families switching from a tank water heater may not see the same savings if they're using the hot water a lot more throughout the day. OTOH, if you're switching, you should still see at least some savings, and being able to have people take consecutive showers and run the clothes washer all at once could be well worth the investment. This is also easier to clean and should last considerably longer than a tank water heater, which could save you a lot more money in the long run.
= UPDATES =
27 Apr 2017: Original review (above).
16 Oct 2020: Just read this over, and everything is still accurate. Over four years with this heater now, I'm still cleaning it on the same schedule, bills are still low, and the heater still looks and works like it's new.
Oh, it's also easy to turn off if you're going on vacation (and on again when you return). Just turn off the gas valve next to it (at least, that's how it _should_ be installed) and push the power button on the digital controller. Hopefully you also have a whole-house ball valve to shut off water for the entire house, or at least new ball valves going to this heater when you install it; shut off the water, too. When you get home, just open the water valve, open the gas valve, and push the power button on the controller again.
The unit was self-installed last week and it has been working like a charm. The unit is quiet, quick to deliver hot water, and I see no perceivable difference in flow-rate from old water heater to this new tankless unit.
As far as installation specifics, it took a full 5 hours to remove the water heater and plumb in the new tankless unit. A lot of that time was spent re-plumbing the water lines, switching from the standard top input and outputs on the water heater to the bottom connections on the tankless unit. Additionally some time was spent on the gas line, removing the ¾"x½"x½" tee [input, W/H, Furnace] and replacing it with a ¾" sediment-trap connected to a ¾"x¾"x½" tee, since the tankless requires a ¾" feed and can use 199,000 BTU/H. [Note: I called local gas supplier and verified my meter supported 350,000 BTU/H, so no change was needed.] Other connections were more trivial in my garage installation, as the it was mounted on a wall where the vent pipes could go directly out through the wall. [One note on product deliver; the first unit was delivered by FedEx all beat-up and damaged and was not accepted. The replacement from Amazon came via UPS and the package arrived as one would expect.]
One of the things that made the installation go a lot easier for me was the purchase of the RTG20220 valve kit including hot water pressure relief valve. This is a smart assembly of shut-offs, drain valves and screw-on connectors (plus a pressure relief valve for the hot). In my opinion, there would be very little savings purchasing these components all separately and if separate, there would be more connections and more of a chance of leaks.
As far as the input and exhaust goes, the brochures touts the 3" PVC connections as a benefit, however locating any PVC over 2" at the local hardware stores is problematic. However, the installation manual mentions that ABS, Schedule 80, or galvanize steel can also be used. I ended up using a bushing reducer to 2" PVC as I only need to travel less than a foot out through the wall. I purchased the Rheem SP20285 Vent Termination Kit, and after painting it to match the house, it looks very clean.
Operationally, the unit couldn't be simpler to use. There is a remote control panel used to set the output water temperature and subsequently could possibly display fault codes. The default water temp is 110degF, but up and down arrow buttons makes bumping the temp to 120degF just a few clicks away. As an aside, the need for having this remote panel is at a loss to me. Once initially set I can't imagine going back and tweaking the temp and should a failure occur, seeing a code 10ft from the unit or on the unit would make little difference. At least in my installation I would have rather had this extra contraption just built directly into the cabinet front. That would work just as well.
As far as operations, the unit kicks on the instant the hot water flow rate is over 0.40 gpm. Initially the internal fan kicks on and can be heard in the adjacent room, though not loudly. However, once the unit has got fully fired up and is delivering hot water, the fan shuts off and the unit is ultra-quiet. Even standing next to it, it is hard to hear that it is still on and delivering hot water. Actually, the old water heater made more noise with its banging and popping noises during water heating, though that could be a model specific issue. The old W/H was void of sediment and fed by a water softener but it still made a racket while the burner was on.
A strange behavioral side-effect of owning this new unit is that initially now when rinsing a single dish or other times when one would not normally wait for hot-water, I now only turn on the cold or leave the mixture handle on cold knowing that I am using energy for no reason. Knowing the unit is turning on to deliver hot water that will never make to the faucet in the back of the house seem wasteful, albeit the same thing was happening with the old water heater but I never thought about it before.
It will be several months, if not a year, before I am able to really quantify the long term cost benefits of tank vs tankless. The old tank of mine was rated at 240therms/year, this new one at 159. 80 therms/year at $1.20/therm makes for a long payback period. However, I don't think the cost of keeping the standing water hot is factored into the W/H sticker, just the efficiency to heat a specific volume [.62 vs this unit's .94]. Anyway, maybe I'll update this in a year with my real world factors, assuming other gas uses for heating remain fairly constant. Also, if this unit lasts 20 years versus more than one W/H in that same period would also make a difference. Bottom line is that overall I would recommend this unit and if one is marginally savvy at plumbing (gas & water), installing the unit yourself is quite feasible.