Houses without a gas line or propane tank can also enjoy the advantages of on-demand hot water by setting up tankless units powered by electricity. These units, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a third smaller than gas or propane tankless heaters. And due to the fact that they don’t need vents, they can be installed nearly anywhere, including under sinks and in little closets.

One disadvantage to electric units is its limited output, which peaks at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That might suffice to provide a whole house in areas with warm groundwater, but in chillier climes they’re much better suited to point-of-use service, where the need for hot water doesn’t get expensive. Whichever type you select, it will require adequate amperage at the primary panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electric heaters last just about half as long as gas units: Typical guarantees are three to 5 years. Once the heating elements fry, it usually costs about as much to change the entire heater as it does to swap in brand-new aspects.
Tankless Water Heater in Lake Balboa Setup
What you and your plumber need to assess before setup day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to carry out effectively, it needs to be connected to a gas-supply line that delivers enough volume at sufficient pressure. In a lot of cases that indicates the diameter of the supply pipe has to be increased to 3⁄4 inch. And if the pressure falls short, the gas company will have to change the regulator on the meter.
FYI: Some tankless units, such as those made by Rheem, have the ability to work with a standard 1/2- inch gas line, supplied it isn’t longer than 24 feet.
2. VENTING: Noncondensing tankless gas heaters utilize stainless-steel vents that can withstand high exhaust heat. Condensing systems have a cooler exhaust, and use less expensive PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a larger air-intake pipe, streamlines installation because only one hole needs to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Normally, vent runs have been restricted to simply 10 feet. However more effective fans, like those in Rinnai’s Sensei series, now allow 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 won’t be an issue if you already have whole-house water-softening. But if your water isn’t being softened, and its firmness exceeds 120 milligrams per liter, then it’s worth investing in a treatment system.
FYI: A dedicated, point-of-use cartridge like the TAC-ler water conditioner (Stiebel Eltron) changes firmness without adding salt or other chemicals.
Outside Tankless Water Heater in Lake Balboa
Consider the advantages of hanging a heater outdoors, if your climate and local codes permit.
Saves space: That’s one less device you need to make room for inside.
Simple to install: The built-in exhaust vent gets rid of needing to cut a huge hole (or 2) through the side of your house.
Easy to service: A plumber can get to it at any time, whether you’re home or not. But keep in mind …
Structure policies: You might need permission from your regional structure department to put it outside.
Winter: Internal heaters keep parts toasty down to − 22-degrees F, however exposed water pipes must be insulated and covered in heat tape that switches on automatically in freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
New Tankless Water Heater Technology in Lake Balboa
WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT TANKLESS WATER HEATERS in Lake Balboa