Residences without a gas line or gas tank can also enjoy the benefits of on-demand warm water by installing tankless systems powered by electricity. These units, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a third 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 little closets.

One drawback to electric systems is its minimal output, which peaks at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That may be enough to provide an entire home in areas with warm groundwater, but in chillier climates they’re better suited to point-of-use service, where the need for hot water doesn’t get too expensive. Whichever type you choose, it will require sufficient amperage at the primary panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electric heaters last just about half as long as gas systems: Normal service warranties are three to 5 years. Once the heating elements fry, it typically costs about as much to change the entire heater as it does to switch in brand-new components.
Tankless Water Heater in Granada Hills Installation
What you and your plumbing professional requirement to evaluate before installation day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to perform correctly, it has to be linked to a gas-supply line that provides enough volume at enough pressure. In many cases that implies 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 systems, such as those made by Rheem, are able to deal with a standard 1/2- inch gas line, provided 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 more economical PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a larger air-intake pipeline, simplifies installation since only one hole needs to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Normally, vent runs have been restricted to simply 10 feet. But more effective fans, like those in Rinnai’s Sensei series, now enable vents to add to 150 feet.
3. WATER HARDNESS: Scale deposits that form in a heat exchanger (or on electrical heating elements) decrease heat transfer and constrict water flow. Scale will not be an issue if you currently have whole-house water-softening. But if your water isn’t being softened, and its hardness goes beyond 120 milligrams per liter, then it deserves investing in a treatment system.
FYI: A dedicated, point-of-use cartridge like the TAC-ler water conditioner (Stiebel Eltron) changes hardness without including salt or other chemicals.
Outdoor Tankless Water Heater in Granada Hills
Consider the benefits of hanging a heater outdoors, if your environment and local codes permit.
Saves space: That’s one less home appliance you need to make room for inside.
Simple to install: The built-in exhaust vent gets rid of needing to cut a big hole (or 2) through the side of the house.
Easy to service: A plumbing technician can get to it at any time, whether you’re house or not. But bear in mind …
Structure guidelines: You might require consent from your local building department to put it outside.
Cold weather: Internal heaters keep elements toasty down to − 22-degrees F, but exposed water pipes must be insulated and covered in heat tape that turns on instantly in freezing temperature levels. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Tankless Water Heater in Granada Hills
New Tankless Water Heater Technology in Granada Hills