Homes without a gas line or lp tank can also enjoy the advantages of on-demand hot water by setting up tankless systems powered by electrical energy. These systems, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a third smaller than gas or lp tankless heaters. And since they don’t require vents, they can be installed almost anywhere, including under sinks and in small closets.

One disadvantage to electric units is its minimal output, which peaks at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That might be enough to supply a whole house in locations with warm groundwater, but in colder climates they’re much better suited to point-of-use service, where the demand for hot water does not get expensive. Whichever type you choose, 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: Common guarantees are three to 5 years. As soon as the heating elements fry, it typically costs about as much to change the entire heater as it does to swap in brand-new aspects.
Tankless Water Heater in Sunland-Tujunga Installation
What you and your plumber requirement to assess prior to installation day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to perform correctly, it has to be connected to a gas-supply line that delivers sufficient volume at adequate pressure. In most cases that indicates the size 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 systems, such as those made by Rheem, have the ability to work with a standard 1/2- inch gas line, provided it isn’t longer than 24 feet.
2. VENTILATION: Noncondensing tankless gas heaters utilize stainless-steel vents that can endure high exhaust heat. Condensing systems have a cooler exhaust, and utilize less expensive PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a larger air-intake pipe, streamlines installation due to the fact that only one hole requires to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Typically, vent runs have been limited to simply 10 feet. But more powerful 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 electrical heating elements) slow down heat transfer and constrict water circulation. Scale won’t be an issue if you already have whole-house water-softening. However if your water isn’t being softened, and its hardness surpasses 120 milligrams per liter, then it deserves purchasing a treatment system.
FYI: A dedicated, point-of-use cartridge like the TAC-ler water conditioner (Stiebel Eltron) alters hardness without adding salt or other chemicals.
Outside Tankless Water Heater in Sunland-Tujunga
Consider the advantages of hanging a heater outdoors, if your climate and regional codes allow.
Saves space: That’s one less device you need to make room for within.
Easy to install: The built-in exhaust vent eliminates having to cut a huge 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. But keep in mind …
Building regulations: You might need permission from your regional structure department to put it outside.
Winter: Internal heaters keep components toasty down to − 22-degrees F, however exposed pipes must be insulated and covered in heat tape that turns on automatically in freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
New Tankless Water Heater Technology in Sunland-Tujunga
Tankless Water Heater: What You Need to Know Before You Buy in Sunland-Tujunga