Homes without a gas line or lp tank can also enjoy the advantages of on-demand warm water by installing tankless systems powered by electrical power. These systems, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a 3rd smaller than gas or gas tankless heaters. And due to the fact that they don’t require vents, they can be installed almost anywhere, including under sinks and in little closets.

One downside to electric units is its restricted output, which tops out at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That might be enough to provide an entire house in areas with warm groundwater, however in cooler climes they’re much better suited to point-of-use service, where the need for warm water does not get too high. Whichever type you choose, it will need enough amperage at the main panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electrical heaters last just about half as long as gas systems: Typical guarantees are 3 to 5 years. Once the heating elements fry, it generally costs about as much to replace the whole heater as it does to switch in brand-new aspects.
Tankless Water Heater in Hidden Hills Setup
What you and your plumbing technician requirement to assess prior to installation day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to perform appropriately, it needs to be attached to a gas-supply line that delivers adequate volume at enough pressure. In many cases that suggests 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, are able to work with a basic 1/2- inch gas line, supplied 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 use less expensive PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a bigger air-intake pipeline, simplifies setup due to the fact that only one hole requires to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Normally, vent runs have been restricted to simply 10 feet. But more powerful 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 electric heating elements) slow down heat transfer and restrict water flow. Scale won’t be an issue if you currently 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) alters solidity without including salt or other chemicals.
Outdoor Tankless Water Heater in Hidden Hills
Think about the benefits of hanging a heater outdoors, if your climate and regional codes permit.
Saves space: That’s one less appliance you have to make room for inside.
Easy to set up: 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 plumbing technician can get to it at any time, whether you’re home or not. But remember …
Building regulations: You may need authorization from your local structure department to put it outside.
Winter: Internal heaters keep components toasty down to − 22-degrees F, however exposed water pipes must be insulated and wrapped in heat tape that turns on automatically in freezing temperature levels. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
New Tankless Water Heater Innovation in Hidden Hills
What to Know About Tankless Water Heaters in Hidden Hills