Here’s something most plumbers won’t tell you: The biggest problem with simultaneous showers isn’t the water heater’s capacity—it’s the temperature stability that makes people scream. I’ve seen more family arguments start over sudden cold blasts during morning routines than over whose turn it is to take out the trash.
For homeowners juggling multiple bathrooms during rush hour, the Westinghouse APOLO Performance tankless unit represents what I call the “third generation” of propane solutions. We’ve moved beyond just endless hot water to precision temperature management. The difference feels like upgrading from a garden hose to a professional pressure washer.
During a 2023 installation for a family of five, I timed their morning routine. Three showers running simultaneously for 18 minutes straight. The existing tank system dropped temperature by 8°F midway through. The Westinghouse unit? Maintained within 1°F variance. The mother later told me it cut their energy waste by roughly 25% within three months—just by eliminating the need to constantly readjust knobs.
The Simultaneous Shower Math Most Manufacturers Hide
Here’s what I mean: When manufacturers say “handles 2-4 fixtures,” they’re assuming perfect conditions. New pipes. Ideal water pressure. But in the real world? You need overhead. That 5.1 GPM rating becomes crucial when your teenager takes a 25-minute shower while the dishwasher runs and someone’s washing hands downstairs.
The Westinghouse unit’s 120,000 BTU input gives you that buffer. Think of it like highway lanes—more capacity means fewer traffic jams when everyone’s trying to get somewhere at once.
Where Temperature Precision Actually Matters
That ±1°F temperature control isn’t just a spec sheet bullet point. It’s what prevents the “hot water surprise” when someone flushes a toilet. The advanced water flow servo acts like a skilled bartender—constantly adjusting the mix to keep the flavor consistent despite changing demands.
And yes, I learned this the hard way early in my career. Installed a different for a bed and breakfast. The temperature swings during their 7 AM rush hour? Let’s just say we had some very unhappy guests and a frantic owner calling me at dawn.
The Smart Control Revolution
When Wi-Fi first hit water heaters around 2020, most implementations felt like gimmicks. But the current generation—including Westinghouse’s app—actually solves real problems. Imagine being able to check if your kids left the hot water running while you’re at work. Or pre-setting temperatures for house guests without awkward knob-twisting demonstrations.
The LED display showing error codes? That’s saved countless service calls. Instead of “my water’s not hot,” homeowners can tell me “it’s showing error code E3″—which cuts diagnostic time in half.
- Pro tip: Create temperature presets—one for showers (104°F), one for dishes (120°F), and one for conservation mode (100°F) when you’re away
- Industry insight: The most common installation mistake? Undersizing the gas line. That 120,000 BTU unit needs adequate fuel flow like a sports car needs premium gas
- 2024 trend: We’re seeing more integration with whole-home systems. The Westinghouse unit plays nicely with recirculation systems for instant hot water at every tap
Myth-Busting: Bigger BTU Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Here’s a contrarian point: A 199,000 BTU unit might seem better, but it could be overkill that strains your plumbing. The 120,000 BTU sweet spot handles most residential needs without the installation headaches of larger commercial units.
The precision variable-speed fan in the Westinghouse unit demonstrates this perfectly—it delivers exactly what’s needed, not maximum power all the time. It’s the difference between a scalpel and a sledgehammer.
| Scenario | Traditional Tank | Westinghouse APOLO |
|---|---|---|
| 2 simultaneous showers (15 min) | Temperature drop 5-7°F | ±1°F maintained |
| Energy use during vacation | Standby heat loss | Zero energy waste |
| Space required | 16-20 cubic feet | 2 cubic feet wall-mounted |
The Installation Reality Check
Those standard 3/4″ NPT connections make integration straightforward, but here’s my professional framework: Always assess three things before installation—gas line capacity, venting requirements, and existing water quality.
Hard water areas? You’ll want additional filtration. The mineral buildup in tankless units acts like cholesterol in arteries—gradually restricting flow until performance suffers.
A client in Arizona learned this the expensive way. Ignored my water quality advice. Eight months later, we were replacing heat exchanger components. The 5-year warranty covered parts, but the labor cost? Let’s just say it would have paid for a nice weekend getaway.
Here’s what I mean about professional installation: The freeze protection system works beautifully, but only if positioned correctly. I’ve seen DIY installations where the unit was placed in unheated crawl spaces despite being rated for indoor use only. The result? Thousands in preventable damage.
Your Action Plan
So where should you start? First, calculate your peak demand—count how many fixtures might run simultaneously during your busiest hour. Then verify your gas line capacity with a professional. The 120V power requirement means no special electrical work, but that freeze protection system needs proper indoor placement to work effectively.
Ask yourself: What’s the real cost of your current morning routine? The waiting, the temperature fluctuations, the energy waste? The solution isn’t just more hot water—it’s smarter hot water delivery.
Ready to move forward? Get three quotes from installers familiar with propane tankless systems. Specify the APOLO Performance model if simultaneous shower performance matters to your household. And when they’re installing, watch for proper gas line sizing—it’s the difference between adequate and exceptional performance.
Because ultimately, the best water heater isn’t the one you think about—it’s the one that quietly does its job while your family goes about their day, completely unaware of the engineering marvel hanging on your wall.
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