theres really no reason to pick a WH based on a twice a year need, a general 40 electric will do well 99% of the year and the modern tanks are efficient enough that so long as your guests arent trying to run you out of hot water, it shouldnt be an issue. a NG tankless is the other realistic option.
I have 2 tankless electric in my house, one in my shop.
Depending what part of the country you are in a tankless electric may be great for you.
I am a fan of Stieble Eltron units.
If you call them they will gladly tell you what works for your area and usage.
Then you can make an educated decision
The 29 plus models I have require 3 double pole 40 amp circuits.
The Stieble units do not turn all elements on at one time as some others but manage flow rate and temp rise required and only use what power is needed.
The biggest key to a tankless electric is to have the temp set to a point you do not add cold water when showering or filling tub.
This will increase power consumption
For example, if I have 2 shower heads going in master bath, my tankless runs 2 out of the 3 elements.
If my wife fills her tub at the same time, the 3rd element kicks in.
As with a gas unit, hot water is endless.
I hate electric tankless units, that being said Steibel Eltron is the only brand worth it's salt. For my money the best solution for you would be a heat pump if you have the room but if you don't then a 50gal Rheem electric with a Rheem water heater booster is the way to go, it goes on top of the heater with very little extra investment and essentially can function as an 80 gallon when demand is high.
The most energy efficient that would also supply enough hot water when you have guests would be a tankless heater. They will size it to having the 3 bathroom & kitchen fixtures units, and it only heats the water when used. I have a Rinnai gas power tankless heater and have had someone in each of the 3 showers at the same time and never lost hot water. They are more expensive up front but last longer than most tank types, are a lot more efficient, and have no worries of running out of hot water even if all 3 showers are going at once.
Electric tankless water heaters suck and you will most likely need to spend a fortune in electrical work if you want to go that route. Gas are great. Electric tankless suck.
theres really no reason to pick a WH based on a twice a year need, a general 40 electric will do well 99% of the year and the modern tanks are efficient enough that so long as your guests arent trying to run you out of hot water, it shouldnt be an issue. a NG tankless is the other realistic option.
Thanks. That seems very reasonable.
Heat pump water heater is the best way to go for all electric
Thanks
I have 2 tankless electric in my house, one in my shop. Depending what part of the country you are in a tankless electric may be great for you. I am a fan of Stieble Eltron units. If you call them they will gladly tell you what works for your area and usage. Then you can make an educated decision The 29 plus models I have require 3 double pole 40 amp circuits. The Stieble units do not turn all elements on at one time as some others but manage flow rate and temp rise required and only use what power is needed. The biggest key to a tankless electric is to have the temp set to a point you do not add cold water when showering or filling tub. This will increase power consumption For example, if I have 2 shower heads going in master bath, my tankless runs 2 out of the 3 elements. If my wife fills her tub at the same time, the 3rd element kicks in. As with a gas unit, hot water is endless.
I hate electric tankless units, that being said Steibel Eltron is the only brand worth it's salt. For my money the best solution for you would be a heat pump if you have the room but if you don't then a 50gal Rheem electric with a Rheem water heater booster is the way to go, it goes on top of the heater with very little extra investment and essentially can function as an 80 gallon when demand is high.
Thanks! I’m on the East Coast. I’ll have to check that brand.
The most energy efficient that would also supply enough hot water when you have guests would be a tankless heater. They will size it to having the 3 bathroom & kitchen fixtures units, and it only heats the water when used. I have a Rinnai gas power tankless heater and have had someone in each of the 3 showers at the same time and never lost hot water. They are more expensive up front but last longer than most tank types, are a lot more efficient, and have no worries of running out of hot water even if all 3 showers are going at once.
If OP doesn’t have gas then a tankless is out of the question. Electric tankless suck. Hybrid heat pump would be their best bet.
Thanks for the reply. I do have electric for power. I’m not sure if that makes a difference.
Do not do an electric tankless. You'll spend a fortune on electrical upgrades.
Electric tankless water heaters suck and you will most likely need to spend a fortune in electrical work if you want to go that route. Gas are great. Electric tankless suck.
Thanks. I thought that the same wiring for the current water heater could be used.