Perhaps the time has come to replace the old water heater in your Fresno area home, and you’re considering installing a tankless water heater. So, just what’s involved in the installation of a tankless or on-demand water heater?
There are certain steps that need to be taken for a safe installation, especially with a gas-fueled tankless unit, which is why you should hire a NATE-certified technician to perform the task. (Tankless water heaters come in both electric and gas-fueled versions; these steps are mainly for the gas-fueled models.)
Step 1 – Vent Installation
The HVAC technician should install the proper size vent pipe as required in the specs for the new water heater. This may require additional cutting of thimble holes for the vent. The outside section of the pipe must be vented downward to prevent rainwater from entering the system. You should note that some systems require fresh air intake venting to be installed as well.
Step 2 – Mounting
There are many different types of wall surfaces present in homes, and a properly sized tankless water heater must be securely mounted to match the installed venting. Your technician may even have to construct a covered platform away from the wall on which to mount the unit.
Step 3 – Water and Gas
A tankless water heater will need to be connected to a cold water intake line as well as having a hot water line running from it that connects to the existing hot water lines in the home. Both of the pipes should have a sediment trap installed to allow annual access for acid cleaning of the unit. A gas line with a valve should be attached according to code and tested for gas leaks prior to usage.
Step 4 – Vent Attachment
In this final step, the technician should securely attach the venting to the unit. The water temperature should be adjusted as desired, taking into account the desired difference between the incoming tap water and the hot water coming out of faucets and other outlets.
For more information on the professional installation of a tankless water heater in your Fresno area home, please contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about tankless water heater installations and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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