Houses without a gas line or gas tank can also enjoy the benefits of on-demand hot water by setting up tankless systems 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 set up nearly anywhere, including under sinks and in small closets.

One downside to electrical systems is its restricted output, which peaks at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That may suffice to supply an entire home in areas with warm groundwater, but in cooler climates they’re much better suited to point-of-use service, where the demand for warm water doesn’t get too expensive. Whichever type you pick, it will need sufficient amperage at the primary panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electric heaters last just about half as long as gas systems: Normal guarantees are 3 to 5 years. When the heating elements fry, it normally costs about as much to replace the entire heater as it does to swap in new components.
Tankless Water Heater in North Hollywood Setup
What you and your plumbing professional requirement to evaluate prior to installation day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to carry out appropriately, it needs to be hooked up to a gas-supply line that provides adequate volume at sufficient pressure. In a lot of cases that indicates the size of the supply pipe has to be increased to 3⁄4 inch. And if the pressure fails, 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 work with a basic 1/2- inch gas line, supplied it isn’t longer than 24 feet.
2. VENTILATION: Noncondensing tankless gas heaters use 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 bigger air-intake pipeline, streamlines installation since only one hole needs to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Generally, vent runs have been restricted to just 10 feet. But more effective 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) decrease heat transfer and restrict water circulation. Scale won’t be an issue if you currently have whole-house water-softening. But if your water isn’t being softened, and its solidity exceeds 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) alters hardness without adding salt or other chemicals.
Outdoor Tankless Water Heater in North Hollywood
Consider the advantages of hanging a heater outdoors, if your environment and local codes permit.
Saves space: That’s one less appliance you need to make room for inside.
Simple to set up: The built-in exhaust vent gets rid of having to cut a huge hole (or two) through the side of your home.
Easy to service: A plumbing technician can get to it at any time, whether you’re house or not. However remember …
Structure guidelines: You may require permission from your local building department to put it outside.
Cold weather: Internal heaters keep elements toasty to − 22-degrees F, however exposed water pipes must be insulated and wrapped in heat tape that switches on instantly in freezing temperature levels. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Tankless Water Heater in North Hollywood
WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT TANKLESS WATER HEATERS in North Hollywood