Houses without a gas line or gas tank can likewise enjoy the advantages of on-demand hot water by installing tankless systems powered by electricity. These systems, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a 3rd smaller than gas or propane tankless heaters. And since they do not require vents, they can be set up practically anywhere, including under sinks and in little closets.

One disadvantage to electrical systems is its restricted output, which peaks at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That might suffice to provide an entire house in locations with warm groundwater, but in colder climes they’re better suited to point-of-use service, where the need for hot water does not get too high. Whichever type you choose, it will need adequate amperage at the main panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electrical heaters last just about half as long as gas systems: Normal service warranties are 3 to five years. Once the heating elements fry, it usually costs about as much to change the whole heater as it does to swap in brand-new elements.
Tankless Water Heater in Valley Glen Installation
What you and your plumbing professional need to examine before installation day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to carry out appropriately, it has to be linked to a gas-supply line that delivers adequate volume at adequate pressure. In a lot of cases that suggests the size of the supply pipe needs to be increased to 3⁄4 inch. And if the pressure fails, the gas company will need to adjust the regulator on the meter.
FYI: Some tankless systems, such as those made by Rheem, have the ability to work with a basic 1/2- inch gas line, supplied it isn’t longer than 24 feet.
2. VENTING: Noncondensing tankless gas heaters use stainless-steel vents that can endure high exhaust heat. Condensing units have a cooler exhaust, and use more economical PVC pipes. A concentric vent, which has an exhaust pipe inside a larger air-intake pipeline, streamlines installation since only one hole requires to be cut in the wall.
FYI: Normally, vent runs have been restricted to just 10 feet. But more powerful fans, like those in Rinnai’s Sensei series, now enable vents to run up to 150 feet.
3. WATER HARDNESS: Scale deposits that form in a heat exchanger (or on electric heating elements) decrease 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 exceeds 120 milligrams per liter, then it’s worth buying a treatment system.
FYI: A dedicated, point-of-use cartridge like the TAC-ler water conditioner (Stiebel Eltron) modifies firmness without adding salt or other chemicals.
Outdoor Tankless Water Heater in Valley Glen
Consider the advantages of hanging a heater outdoors, if your climate and local codes allow.
Saves space: That’s one less appliance you have to make room for within.
Easy to install: The built-in exhaust vent gets rid of needing to cut a big 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. However keep in mind …
Building guidelines: You may require authorization from your local building department to put it outside.
Cold weather: Internal heaters keep parts toasty down to − 22-degrees F, however exposed water pipes should be insulated and wrapped in heat tape that turns on automatically in freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
What to Understand About Tankless Water Heaters in Valley Glen
WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT TANKLESS WATER HEATERS in Valley Glen