Inexpensive point source, on-demand hot water heaters
When I lived in Japan I became accustomed to the type of water heater shown below. They were everywhere and were installed in homes exactly as you see them shown - no special venting was employed. The smaller ones ($100-150) that heat up to 1.5 GPM are good for lavatory or kitchen use, but really are not able to put out enough heated water for a shower. The larger ones ($180-300) will, however, do the job pretty well even on cold days.
Important things to consider:
1) SAFETY Traditional Japanese homes are very poorly insulated and drafty. If your home (or especially the room you are going to use it in) is tightly sealed as almost all US homes are you should ensure ventilation and/or an exhaust system just as if you were installing a gas range/oven or a tank gas hot water heater.
2) SATISFACTION Obviously these hot water heaters work to raise the temp of a flow of water - their performance will therefore vary between seasons as the input water temp changes. They adjust temperature by increasing or decreasing the rate of flow. A 10-15 degree seasonal difference in the input temperature of the water will have a very noticeable impact on the rate of flow, and may disappoint you if you are inflexible in your expectations.
3) They are incredibly fuel efficient.
Google 'portable hot water heater'. Eccotemp is one brand of many. I've never used electric models, so I have no opinion on them.
Today $119.00
Item #: 11715581
Enjoy hot water wherever you are with a tankless water heater
Camping accessory is perfect for campsites, cabins, or simply around the house
Camping gear ignition starts the flame only when water is running...more
...For outdoor use only
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Eccotemp-L5-Outdoor-Portable-Tankless-Water-Heater/3650782/product.html?cid=123620
$208.99
The Eccotemp L10 tankless water heater is one of the hottest tankless water heaters on the market!
The Eccotemp L10 tankless water heater gives you endless hot water at your cabin, summer cottage, lake homes, potting sheds, RV's, campers, horse washing stalls or wherever else you need hot water. The Eccotemp L10 tankless water heater delivers up to 2.65 Gallons Per Minute of hot water ranging from 80-165 degrees F - plenty for 1-2 hot water applications running at the same time. The 2 "D" cell battery ignition starts the flame only when water is running, so there's no chance of overheating and makes it perfect for off grid or areas where you have limited electricity. Designed for a more permanent installation, the L10 comes with standard 1/2" NPT fittings, making it easily plumbed in with standard fixtures.
The ideal operating range is 25~80 PSI. The system also works great on modified water systems such as a 12 volt pump. Total dimensions are 28" tall (35" with rain cap), 17" wide, 6.5" deep and weighs about 18 pounds. Some of the other benefits:
Outdoor installation only
1 year manufacturer warranty on the unit
75,000 BTU
Includes stainless steel rain cap
Includes CSA regulator for use with standard 20 lbs grill propane tank
Battery igniter means no electricity needed
Garden hose adapter included
20 Minute automatic safety shutoff timer
http://www.atomicmall.com/view.php?id=1629768&mba=0
Kaleva
(38,385 posts)They are expensive but one thing I like about the one I have is that the basement was often damp. This water heater acts like a dehumidifier and in the process of extracting heat from the air to heat the water, it removes moisture also. Our basement is much drier now and I installed the ductwork for the heating system in such a way that on hot summer days, I turn the furnace blower on and circulate the much cooler, less humid basement air throughout the house.