Hi Al:

1. When it starts, yes it sounds normal, except sometimes (progressively more frequent it seems) it hums for a few seconds before it kicks in. Sometimes as long as 5 seconds.

2. No. it doesn't hesitate every time. I'm kind of afraid to turn it off now for fear that it won't kick in at all.

3. I will turn it off tonight and let it cool dow and try to determine how long it takes to heat up to what I perceive to be the "hot" temperature. 140 degrees seems fairly hot but I think it is hotter than that. I can touch it and hold my hand there for only about 2 or 3 seconds.

4. No smell of smoke. Everything (sound, flow, pressure) seems normal but for the starting delay and the heat.

I really appreciate the help. Thank you.

Tom