Modular Homes: Propane Heat, Generators and More

 

VICTOR: Yes, how are you?

LESLIE: (overlapping voices) Good.

TOM: (overlapping voices) Excellent.

VICTOR: Good. Building a modular house that’ll have propane gas heat.

TOM: OK.

VICTOR: It’s about 1,600 square feet. And I asked a plumber about a hot-water-on-demand system and he’s kind of uneasy about it because he was concerned about the maintenance, repairs and parts. So I’d like more – any updated information about this kind of system.

TOM: Have you ever heard the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”

VICTOR: Yes.

TOM: That’s what’s happening with plumbers in America when it comes to tankless water heaters. There’s a lot of guys that are still uncomfortable with them because they’re just not used to them. But this is the new technology. This is the system that really is going to make a huge difference in the money you spend heating hot water and the convenience that you enjoy from having hot water all the time whenever you need it. Tankless water heaters are here to stay. The plumbers are just going to have to get used to installing them. Yes, you have to learn a few new tricks of the trade. You know you can’t put them in like you used to put in the old tank water heaters. They require larger gas lines. They use more gas but for a shorter period of time. So in the end result, they consume less but they need a lot to burn and heat your water.

 

So you know, plumbers have been sort of struggling with learning how to install these things because they actually have to crack open the installation book and read them. So I would, you know, treat your plumber gently but insist that he look into the instructions for installing one because they absolutely are the way to go. You’re going to save a lot of money. You’re going to enjoy a lot of convenience by having an endless supply of hot water, Victor.

VICTOR: OK. Another comment I can add – we’ll be having an enclosed year-round greenhouse.

TOM: OK.

VICTOR: Now, we’re considering getting a generator but all I can think about is the old days when they were so noisy.

TOM: The new standby generators are actually much quieter. Now, we have one here at my house and I also have one at the studio and that one we could not afford for it to be very, very noisy but the way they’re built, the construction of the cases now, actually makes them quite quiet. We have a sponsor on the show which actually manufactured the same generator that I have. It’s a Guardian generator; it’s by Generac. And the prices have come down on these and they’ve gotten a lot quieter. So you might want to take a look at those generators. They’re available at Home Depot and other places like that.

VICTOR: OK, I’ve got more questions but I’ll let you go. (Tom and Leslie laugh)

TOM: Victor, we are happy to be with you as you build this house. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.