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CateP · 04-04-2012, 08:21 AM

Hi Everybody-new home owner here and struggling with oil furnace operations after moving up from the land of natural gas.

My problem is that my hot water runs out really quickly. Morning shower, normal shower head, goes to luke warm within a few minutes. Can't fill a tub very fast--takes 20 minutes at low flow rate. The domestic hot water is tankless and created by the boiler coils. No indirect storage tank. I've talked to a couple of plumbers and the oil furnace cleaning guy at Eastern Propane.

So here are my options and I'd like opinions:

Acid wash coils to remove sediment
Replace coils
Install $$ indirect tank (40 gallons, 60 gallons?)
Install Rinnai propane tankless water heater $$$

I am joining a group that installs solar hot water systems for homeowners based on the "barn raising" concept. (everyone helps a homeowner with the install and then when it's your turn everyone helps you) I have a very nice south -facing roof and a solar system would be great, but I'm probably looking at a couple years down the road.

Bottom line question--what is the best (and most cost effective) solution to my hot water problem at this time?

04-04-2012, 08:21 AM	#1
CateP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 868 Thanks: 584 Thanked 540 Times in 210 Posts	Hot Water Problem Hi Everybody-new home owner here and struggling with oil furnace operations after moving up from the land of natural gas. My problem is that my hot water runs out really quickly. Morning shower, normal shower head, goes to luke warm within a few minutes. Can't fill a tub very fast--takes 20 minutes at low flow rate. The domestic hot water is tankless and created by the boiler coils. No indirect storage tank. I've talked to a couple of plumbers and the oil furnace cleaning guy at Eastern Propane. So here are my options and I'd like opinions: Acid wash coils to remove sediment Replace coils Install $$ indirect tank (40 gallons, 60 gallons?) Install Rinnai propane tankless water heater $$$ I am joining a group that installs solar hot water systems for homeowners based on the "barn raising" concept. (everyone helps a homeowner with the install and then when it's your turn everyone helps you) I have a very nice south -facing roof and a solar system would be great, but I'm probably looking at a couple years down the road. Bottom line question--what is the best (and most cost effective) solution to my hot water problem at this time?