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Quick Answer: How To Install Tankless Gas Water Heater

Can you install tankless water heater yourself?

Installation. While it is possible to install your own tankless water heater, it’s not a job for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. There are a number of different sizes and styles of tankless water heaters, including propane, natural gas and electric, along with single-room or whole-house sized models.

How much does it cost to install a natural gas tankless water heater?

Gas tankless water heater cost Gas tankless water heater installation costs $700 to $4,600 total on average. Natural gas systems are the most energy-efficient water heaters with annual operating costs of $150 to $260 and provide higher GPM than electric models. Most gas units are eligible for a $300 federal tax credit.

Do I need to upgrade my gas line for a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand. Gas units require a gas line, adequate combustion air, a vent to remove combustion gas and an electrical outlet to power the unit. While they last longer than tank-style water heaters, they are more costly to install and often require upgrading your gas line.

Do tankless water heaters have to be installed outside?

Yes – there are outdoor tankless water heater units that are made to withstand the elements BUT – it is recommended that electric tankless water heaters be provided with some form of shelter.

What size gas line is needed for tankless water heater?

Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters typically require a 3/4″ gas line to provide a sufficient gas supply to the unit’s burner. However, if there is sufficient pressure and the gas line is short enough, there are some cases where a 1/2″ gas line can be used, which is the most common size used in the United States and Canada.

Is it safe to install a gas water heater yourself?

Do not attempt installing a gas water heater yourself unless you’re experienced and comfortable with soldering, working with natural gas and following local installation codes. Save yourself the hassle with our gas water heater installation services which include removal of the old water heater.

Is it more expensive to install a tankless water heater?

Due to the cost of installation, tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront than traditional models. Once you factor in annual energy savings and the fact that you have to replace a tankless water heater half as often as a traditional unit though, you may find that it is less expensive in the long run.

What size breaker do I need for a tankless water heater?

A gas tankless water heater only needs a 15-amp, 120 volt dedicated single-pole breaker for this purpose.

How much does it cost to convert to a tankless hot water heater?

An electric tankless unit will cost about $500 to $700, roughly the same as a traditional tank model, while the cost of a gas tankless heater runs about $1,000 to $1,200. Beyond the initial cost, the national average for the installation of a tankless unit is slightly over $1,700.

How long does it take to install a tankless water heater?

Additional time is required to install new power and water lines and air vents. Afterward, the tankless unit must also be mounted and connected. Tankless to Tankless Installation: This generally takes between one to three hours.

How much is Lowes water heater installation?

The basic water heater installation cost at Lowe’s is $325. Plus, an estimated fee of $40 is usually added on top of this basic installation cost. Typically, additional piping will be required to complete the installation, so allocate some funds for this expense.

Can I use existing vent for tankless water heater?

For the same reason you can’t vent a tankless water heater with a furnace, you won’t be able to use the existing vent pipe from an old gas tank water heater. The existing vent for tankless water heaters is not compatible because most are galvanized vent piping and will rust quickly.

What size tankless water heater is needed for a family of 4?

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For A Family Of 2, 3, 4, 5, Or 6? Number Of Family Members: Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM) Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW) What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3? 7-9 GPM 15-23 kW What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4? 8-10 GPM 20-28 kW.

How far does a tankless water heater need to be from a window?

A tankless water heater requires a 4-foot clearance from the side or below a door or window that opens, unless the unit is directly vented to the outside. If the water heater is installed above the door or window, it needs 12 inches of clearance.

Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?

Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms.

Why are tankless water heaters installed outside?

A tankless water heater can be installed outside if it’s designed to withstand harsh weather patterns. There are specific models designed for indoor and outdoor usage, so you have to choose the correct type.

What happens if gas line is too small?

An undersized gas system can cause poor performance in the appliances. It could cause the burners to soot, pilots lights and burners to go out, or cause condensate to form in the heat exchanger of the furnace or water heater.

Can you use PVC to vent a tankless water heater?

The Rinnai Sensei tankless water heater offers 14 possible venting configurations and can use PVC, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), or polypropylene venting. They tolerate higher temperatures up to 194 degrees and 230 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, and can be used with condensing tankless units.