Tankless Water Heater Installation Tips   by Russell Strider

in Home / Home Accessories    (submitted 2011-05-12)

In this period of an extremely troubled economy and sky rocketing prices, virtually everyone is taking measures to reduce expenses wherever they can. A tankless water heater installation is one way for you to save a bit of money, but to begin with you'll need to determine which type you should utilize - gas or electric.

If you choose to utilize an electric powered tankless heater then you'll need to consider the electrical requirements like voltage, amperage and circuit breaker required. Most suppliers have models that can support 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V and 277V. There are unique requirements in terms of amp draw; you will need to make certain that your house can support the model you opt for. It could be necessary to place your brand-new electric water heater on a breaker of its own. You need to seek the advice of a professional licensed electrician for additional advice.

If you decide to use one of the gas powered types you will need to consider the gas type and ventilation requirements. You'll have to find out whether you have natural gas or propane and it's crucial for you to make certain your gas line meets the specifications of your new installation since it could be very different from your existing tank style water heater. You'll additionally have to consider ventilation for your heater installation. Make sure you include category "III stainless steel UL1738" certified ventilation for the gas hot water heater. It isn't appropriate to use "Type B." Quite a few manufacturers include gas-venting kits and depending on where you plan to install it, a pre-made kit will probably satisfy your requirements.

Make sure to measure the entire vent course and decide whether it should move through the wall or the ceiling and make sure you have an acceptable clearance and lots of air for the combustion; then you are going to be in a position to decide on the appropriate gas ventilation pieces. Another important note is that gas heaters might still require the minimum electric connection, so make sure you study the requirements for any units you're considering.

You'll in addition want to consider where you will need the hot water - at just one bathroom sink (a single point), a whole bathroom (a multipoint), or even a whole house. It is very important to take note of how many fixtures you have that will require hot water as every single one has its own requirements. It's normally best to have a skilled licensed contractor set up your brand new heater.

You'll be able to make the most out of its energy efficiency with good installation and upkeep. Bear in mind that storage water heaters only last around 10 to 15 years; these types of heaters can easily last over 20 years and they've easily replaceable parts. Add to that a little maintenance periodically and you will be able to extend its life and performance for years to come. A tankless water heater installation can save you money on energy and replacement cost.

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