Residences without a gas line or gas tank can likewise enjoy the benefits of on-demand warm water by installing tankless units powered by electrical energy. These systems, which heat water with thick copper rods, are quieter and about a 3rd smaller than gas or propane tankless heaters. And because they don’t require vents, they can be set up practically anywhere, including under sinks and in small closets.

One disadvantage to electric systems is its restricted output, which tops out at 36 kilowatts, or about 123,000 Btus. That might be enough to supply an entire home in areas with warm groundwater, but in cooler climates they’re better suited to point-of-use service, where the demand for hot water does not get expensive. Whichever type you choose, it will require adequate amperage at the primary panel and heavy-gauge wires.
Also, electrical heaters last only about half as long as gas units: Typical guarantees are three to five years. Once the heating elements fry, it generally costs about as much to replace the whole heater as it does to swap in brand-new components.
Tankless Water Heater in Valley Village Installation
What you and your plumbing technician requirement to evaluate prior to installation day:
1. GAS LINE: For the burner in a tankless heater to carry out appropriately, it has to be connected to a gas-supply line that delivers sufficient volume at adequate pressure. Oftentimes that suggests the size of the supply pipeline has to be increased to 3⁄4 inch. And if the pressure falls short, the gas company will need to adjust the regulator on the meter.
FYI: Some tankless units, 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. VENTILATION: Noncondensing tankless gas heaters utilize stainless-steel vents that can withstand high exhaust heat. Condensing units have a cooler exhaust, and use less costly 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: Typically, vent runs have been restricted to just 10 feet. But more powerful 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 electric 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 solidity goes beyond 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 firmness without adding salt or other chemicals.
Outdoor Tankless Water Heater in Valley Village
Think about the advantages of hanging a heater outdoors, if your environment and local codes allow.
Saves space: That’s one less device you have to make room for within.
Easy to set up: The built-in exhaust vent eliminates needing to cut a huge hole (or more) through the side of your home.
Easy to service: A plumbing professional can get to it at any time, whether you’re home or not. However bear in mind …
Structure regulations: You might need permission from your regional building department to put it outside.
Winter: Internal heaters keep parts toasty to − 22-degrees F, but exposed water pipes should be insulated and covered in heat tape that switches on immediately in freezing temperature levels. Frozen pipes are less of a concern south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT TANKLESS WATER HEATERS in Valley Village