Installing a Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater is an energy-saving system. The water is instantly heated, instead of being stored in a large tank. This ensures you never run out of hot water. Tankless water heaters can reduce your energy bill by as much as 50 percent and can last more than 20 years if properly maintained. There are several types and different guidelines to adhere to when you install a tankless water heater.
There are three installation types of tankless water heaters. These include gas installation, electric installation and outdoor installation.
Gas Installation:
Identify the correct gas type for your house. Contact your local gas company to determine whether you have sufficient gas coming into your home to power the tankless water heater.
Indoor tankless gas water heaters must be vented. Venting can be done horizontally or vertically. A vent adapter is attached to the tankless water heater to an exhaust hose. You will need a 3 inch or 4 inch adapter. A stainless steel vent pipe is required due to the heat produced in the venting process. PVC pipes are not recommended.
Gas tankless water heaters can be installed vertically or horizontally. It is best to install the heater the same orientation the venting was done. For example, if you vented the heater vertically, you would want to install the heater vertically. This will provide maximum water heating efficiency. You will need a vent adapter, a 90-degree elbow and stainless steel vent hose to run the exhaust out of the sidewall. You can end the exhaust by using a wall thimble connecting the interior part of the vent with the exterior wall. A 90-degree elbow would then complete the connection.
Electric Installation:
The size of the breaker box and how many amps you have are the most important factors to consider with an electric water heater. The required amperage is 150 to 200 amps. The electric water heater then must be installed into the breaker box to receive power. All pipes and connections would then have to be connected and properly secured.
Outdoor Installation:
Outdoor installation is a good alternative if you are not able to vent a traditional gas model. You will need to consult the owner’s manual of your particular model for installation guidelines. Keep in mind, some models cannot be installed outside. Installing the tankless water heater outside will also decrease it's efficiency as the water has more area to travel.