Residences without a gas line or gas tank can also enjoy the benefits of on-demand hot water by installing tankless units powered by electricity. These systems, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a 3rd smaller than gas or gas tankless heaters. And since they don’t need vents, they can be set up almost anywhere, including under sinks and in small closets.

One downside to electrical units is its minimal output, which peaks at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That might suffice to provide a whole home in locations with warm groundwater, but in cooler climes they’re better suited to point-of-use service, where the demand for warm water does not get expensive. Whichever type you choose, it will require sufficient amperage at the main panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electric heaters last just about half as long as gas systems: Normal service warranties are 3 to 5 years. As soon as the heating elements fry, it normally costs about as much to change the entire heater as it does to switch in new components.
Tankless Water Heater in Glendale Installation
What you and your plumbing professional need to assess before installation day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to carry out properly, it has to be hooked up to a gas-supply line that delivers sufficient volume at sufficient pressure. In most cases that suggests the size of the supply pipe has to be increased to 3⁄4 inch. And if the pressure fails, the gas company will need to adjust the regulator on the meter.
FYI: Some tankless systems, such as those made by Rheem, are able to work with a standard 1/2- inch gas line, offered it isn’t longer than 24 feet.
2. VENTING: Noncondensing tankless gas heaters use stainless-steel vents that can withstand high exhaust heat. Condensing units have a cooler exhaust, and utilize more economical PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a larger air-intake pipe, streamlines installation since only one hole needs to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Normally, vent runs have been limited to simply 10 feet. But more effective fans, like those in Rinnai’s Sensei series, now permit vents to add to 150 feet.
3. WATER HARDNESS: Scale deposits that form in a heat exchanger (or on electric heating elements) slow down heat transfer and constrict water circulation. Scale will not be an issue if you currently have whole-house water-softening. However if your water isn’t being softened, and its firmness exceeds 120 milligrams per liter, then it deserves buying a treatment system.
FYI: A dedicated, point-of-use cartridge like the TAC-ler water conditioner (Stiebel Eltron) changes solidity without adding salt or other chemicals.
Outdoor Tankless Water Heater in Glendale
Consider the benefits of hanging a heater outdoors, if your climate and local codes permit.
Saves space: That’s one less home appliance you have to make room for inside.
Simple to set up: The built-in exhaust vent gets rid of having to cut a big hole (or two) through the side of the house.
Easy to service: A plumber can get to it at any time, whether you’re house or not. However keep in mind …
Building guidelines: You might require consent from your local structure department to put it outside.
Cold weather: Internal heaters keep elements toasty to − 22-degrees F, however exposed pipes must be insulated and wrapped in heat tape that turns on automatically in freezing temperature levels. Frozen pipes are less of an issue south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
New Tankless Water Heater Technology in Glendale