LawrenceChee Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 With he cold season coming soon, we were looking at changing out the instant water heaters in our place...we have low water pressure and really like it consistently hot. So far...seen a few brands Mex, Siebel & Panasonic...we like the copper ones better and the sale people at different places are telling us you need at least 5000 watts to get it nice and warm in the cold season. I am not a fan of cold water showers.. any recommendations ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiddlehead Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 I would agree the colder the input water, the more wattage you need. Some of them have more safety features than others. I bought a cheap one about 6 years ago and it is still working fine, so, I don't know how much a brand name helps. I'm not in Chiang Mai, so, don't know how cold your input water is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotweiler Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 (edited) We installed Panasonic 6000 Watt heaters in all bathrooms 8 yearts ago. They have worked perfectly ever since. And I agree - you need higher wattages during the winter months. Edited August 6, 2016 by Rotweiler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 You either need higher wattage or reduce water flow (water saving shower heads might help - I just reduce the flow control as like wet shower). But for Chiang Mai you probably will want a higher wattage than the normal 3.5KW models. Here in Bangkok have found the 3.5kw Panasonic to be excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Yes, in the north you'll need 5-6kW. Go with one of the big names and you should be ok. We have two RedRing 6kW multipoint heaters which have given sterling service for 4 years now. Do check that your wiring is up to a bigger heater. For 6kW (27A) you'll be needing 4mm2 cable and a 32A breaker. The biggest you can safely put on 2.5 mm2 cable and 20A would be 4.5kW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmsally Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 31 minutes ago, Rotweiler said: We installed Panasonic 6000 Watt heaters in all bathrooms 8 yearts ago. They have worked perfectly ever since. And I agree - you need higher wattages during the winter months. We also have some of these , work really well. However also have some of the cheaper less wattage ones from Panasonic (3500w?). works well for me as don't like really hot water. Joven used to be good, not so much now. Fujika had some good ones a few years back. Had problems with Mex and Toshiba but maybe just the model. On balance Panasonic is one of the best at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oscar2 Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Panasonic most parts (heating element) are guaranteed for 5 years. we have 3 units. only had a problem once with one unit. we took it for repair and they looked in the computer and found it was still under warranty almost 5 years later! they told us to take it to Niyom as they are the rep in C.M. they got the parts from Bangkok and sent a guy to re-install it once it was ready. we only had to pay about 200 Baht for a new switch or something. great service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconJohn Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 We've used several brands over the years, both in our own home and also in my wife's three rental houses. The Japanese brand Rinnai can be recommended. Not cheap, but excellent quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ignis Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Bought 3x Panasonic early 2004, still work perfect, no idea about any other brands as never had a fault or problem in over 12 years.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LawrenceChee Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 Thanks for all the suggestions we will be looking at the Japanese onesSent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HullyGully Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I recently replaced out heater with PANASONIC DH-6GM4 - 6 Kw Paid Baht 6670 from HomePro The guy who I know installed the heater and recommended PANASONIC The heater is a multi-point, which means you can use various outlets / taps Work well, would not go for smaller Kw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Hitachi now in its 7th year, no issues. BUT as said above make sure your wiring is up to the job and the place has the correct EARTH !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehowden Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I bought a MEX from Home Pro about 18 months ago. When I had a problem with it I rang the service center who are based in Chiang Mai and they came out to the house and fixed it on site at no cost. The problem was not the unit but a circuit overload due to running too many things (A/C, washing machine etc) at the same time. I was very impressed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhonKaenKowboy Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) On 8/6/2016 at 8:09 AM, Crossy said: Yes, in the north you'll need 5-6kW. Go with one of the big names and you should be ok. We have two RedRing 6kW multipoint heaters which have given sterling service for 4 years now. Do check that your wiring is up to a bigger heater. For 6kW (27A) you'll be needing 4mm2 cable and a 32A breaker. The biggest you can safely put on 2.5 mm2 cable and 20A would be 4.5kW. It's been three years, but they showed the math to me on a 4500w and it can exceed 20A slightly...so I upgraded to a 30A elcb switch. 4500 is enough on the coldest days here...always on full flow...I use a gear driven Delta showerhead that max flows at about 6 lpm. I do live in a condo,,so my water might be a bit warmer off the roof. I use Electrolux...been excellent and was cheaper than panasonic (highly respect). I do let it flow until it's room temp, when I', done, as opposed to turning it off blazing hot...on the advice of the tech...and it actually makes sense. 4500/220=20.454545 Edited August 8, 2016 by KhonKaenKowboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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