Homes without a gas line or gas tank can also enjoy the benefits of on-demand hot water by installing tankless systems powered by electrical power. These systems, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a third smaller than gas or gas tankless heaters. And because they do not need vents, they can be installed nearly anywhere, including under sinks and in little closets.

One disadvantage to electric systems is its limited output, which tops out at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That may suffice to supply an entire home in locations with warm groundwater, however in colder climes they’re better suited to point-of-use service, where the demand for warm water doesn’t get expensive. Whichever type you pick, it will require enough amperage at the main panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electric heaters last just about half as long as gas systems: Typical service warranties are three to 5 years. As soon as the heating elements fry, it typically costs about as much to replace the whole heater as it does to switch in brand-new aspects.
Tankless Water Heater in West Hills Setup
What you and your plumbing technician requirement to assess prior to setup day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to carry out properly, it needs to be connected to a gas-supply line that delivers sufficient volume at enough pressure. Oftentimes that means the diameter of the supply pipeline needs to be increased to 3⁄4 inch. And if the pressure fails, the gas company will need 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, offered it isn’t longer than 24 feet.
2. VENTING: Noncondensing tankless gas heaters utilize stainless-steel vents that can withstand high exhaust heat. Condensing units have a cooler exhaust, and utilize less expensive PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a bigger air-intake pipe, streamlines installation because only one hole needs to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Normally, vent runs have been limited to just 10 feet. But more powerful 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 electrical heating elements) slow down heat transfer and constrict water circulation. Scale will not be an issue if you already have whole-house water-softening. But if your water isn’t being softened, and its hardness surpasses 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) modifies hardness without including salt or other chemicals.
Outside Tankless Water Heater in West Hills
Think about the advantages of hanging a heater outdoors, if your climate and local codes allow.
Saves space: That’s one less appliance 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 two) through the side of your house.
Easy to service: A plumbing professional can get to it at any time, whether you’re house or not. However keep in mind …
Structure regulations: You may require permission from your local building department to put it outside.
Winter: Internal heaters keep parts toasty down to − 22-degrees F, but exposed pipes should be insulated and covered in heat tape that switches on automatically in freezing temperature levels. Frozen pipes are less of an issue south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Tankless Water Heater in West Hills
WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT TANKLESS WATER HEATERS in West Hills