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Old 06-01-2009, 03:00 PM
cmbdiesel cmbdiesel is offline
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Join Date: May 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Plantman View Post
Howdy all, can anyone tell me if a 50 gallon electric water heater that consumes 17 amps of electricity while on is normal?

In trying to figure out why my electric bill is HIGHER after getting a new ac installed, the tech measured the readings of the air handler and it was one or 2 amps, the compressor was about the same, but the water heater seemed really high to me.

Perhaps it's getting old and needs to be replaced. It's about 10 years old, I have no idea how long they are supposed to last.

I have been thinking about getting a tankless water heater for awhile, to save space, this may be the time.

But don't those things suck up electricity?

Any answers appreciated as always.

My tankless uses less energy. It really draws some current when it's on, but has zero standby losses. If you have access and ability to run new wiring, then it's feasible, otherwise it will take a long time to pay for itself. My unit requires 3 runs of 3 conductor 6ga wire, on 3 separate 40amp breakers.
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