How To Install A Tankless Hot Water Heater?
When the demand for hot water increases in residential and commercial apartments, tankless water heater installation becomes essential. In a traditional tank water heater, water continuously gets heated; on the other hand, the tankless water heater gets heated only when it is needed. It will help you save energy. Apart from this, their ability to offer endless hot water and compact design appeals to many people. So, let’s talk about the process of installing a water heater appropriately. We will also consider the Tankless water heater installation cost and important considerations.
How Does a Tankless Hot Water Heater Work?
Before installation, let’s know how the tankless water heater works. This system heats the water directly on demand. Unlike the traditional tank water heater, this doesn’t require a storage tank. Only turn on the hot water tap, and the cold water gradually travels through the heater and then provides hot water on the other end. Tankless water heaters have heat-exchanging elements. Like, in an electrical tankless water heater, there is an electrical element, whereas a gas-powered tankless water heater contains a gas burner.
Advantages of a Tankless Hot Water Heater
Everyone is shifting towards a tankless water system as there are plenty of benefits to choosing this type of water heater instead of a traditional one.
- Energy Efficient – This water heater delivers water on demand or whenever it is needed. This saves electricity bills, as now there is no need to turn on the water heater before you need it.
- Appropriate Size – The size of this kind of water heater is quite compact. It can also be mounted on a wall very easily.
- Endless Capacity – There is no tank required for this type of water heater. Therefore, there will be no shortage of hot water.
Installing a Tankless Water Heater
Installing a tankless water heater sounds quite difficult, especially when you don’t have the proper knowledge and tools.
The steps involved in the installation are :
Select a Suitable Size And Type
It is crucial to know which size and type of tankless water heater will be suitable for your household. There are mainly 2 types of tankless water heaters:
Electric Tankless Water Heater – This type of water heater is good for smaller households. The installation process is quite easy. It doesn’t require a venting system.
Gas-Powered Tankless Water Heater – This is suitable for larger households. The procedure of installation is a little bit complex as it requires proper ventilation.
Tools and Materials
- Tankless water heater unit
- Modifiable wrenches and pipe wrenches
- Drill (for venting and mounting the unit)
- Gas or electrical connection materials
- Vent pipe (for gas unit)
- Teflon tape (to avoid leakage)
Choose an appropriate location
A water heater installation tankless should be there, where it is easier to do all maintenance, and it is near the electrical structure.
An electric tankless heater is usually installed near the electrical panel where a proper connection can be made.
A gas-powered tankless heater requires a venting system, so it can be installed outdoors or in an area where regular ventilation is there to avoid any hazards.
Cut the water and power supply.
Previous to installation, turn off the water supply and cut off the power to avoid any power risk and leakage of water.
Join all water lines
Connect all the lines correctly. Join the cold water line to the inlet channel and the hot water line to the outlet channel of the unit. Make sure all connections are secure to avoid any leakage. Tighten the lines with the help of a wrench.
Installation of the venting system (for the gas-powered unit)
To install a gas-powered tankless water heater, a venting system is on priority. With the help of this system, all the combustion gases like carbon monoxide leave cautiously. To do this, vent pipes are required, and ensure that the installation of vent pipes is done properly.
Assemble electric and gas connections.
For the electric unit: Connect all the connections carefully to the electric panel. Ensure that all connections are tight. Hiring a professional for this task is a good decision. For gas-powered units: Join the gas line with the unit vigilantly. Make sure all the attachments are compact and secure.
Turn on the power and examine
When all the connections are made, turn on the water and power supply. Check out the unit by turning on the faucet and looking into the hot water supply.
Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost
The cost of Tankless Water Heater Installation varies. It depends upon numerous aspects.
The costs involved are :
- System Cost: The Cost of a tankless water heater unit varies from $500 to $2500. It is based on type, size, and the brand of the heater.
- Installation Cost: Skilled professionals charge $150 to $1500. It depends on the type of unit. Electric units are quite cheaper as compared to gas-powered units because they require a proper venting system.
- Modification Cost: If any upgrade or changes are required, like alteration in the gas line or in the electrical board. It will cost around $500 to $2000.
Key Points For Installation
- Hiring a professional: If you are unaware of electric connections and plumbing procedures, then hiring a professional for this job is a quite good approach. This process involves the installation of a venting system and gas line pipe in gas-powered models. Hence, hiring an expert would be a good decision.
- Proper Maintenance: To ensure the proper working of your tankless water heater, make sure to schedule maintenance. Check that the filters work accurately.
Conclusion
Installing a Tankless Water Heater is worth the expenditure due to its endless capacity, appropriate size, and productivity. Even though the cost of installation is quite high, it is cost-effective in the long run. Contact Parzival Plumbing for Installing Tankless Water Heaters in your households or private enterprises in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, and Buena Park.
