Your home’s water heater is responsible for regulating the temperature of water throughout the home. Whether you’re taking a shower, washing dishes, or brushing your teeth, this appliance is instrumental in getting your water to the perfect temperature. If you’re in the market for a new unit, you’ll have a chance to decide between traditional models and tankless water heaters, which require different installation protocols. Here’s a closer look at what’s required for a tankless water heater installation.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Differ From Traditional Units?

The Basics

In years’ past, water heaters relied on a tank system to store heated water that could then be deployed throughout the home as needed. These large units traditionally store 30 to 50 gallons of preheated water. However, since they heat water even when it’s not being used, they can lead to higher utility bills. By contrast, tankless water heaters are smaller and implement a coil-type design that heats water instantly on demand, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Traditional vs. Tankless Water Heater Installation

When replacing a traditional water heater with a tankless unit, your HVAC technician will have to disconnect, drain, and remove the existing water heater; position the new heating unit in place; and connect the new system to water and power sources. The system will then be tested and adjusted accordingly.

New tankless water heater installation for gas-powered homes require measuring and cutting the copper pipe for the power source, dry fitting the pipe to ensure a tight fit, installing the gas piping with a shutoff valve at the water heater, and installing the vent piping. Most tankless systems also require disconnect switches to be installed next to the water heater as the final step before testing and powering up the unit.

Whether you’re having a traditional or tankless water heater installed, you should partner with the right HVAC specialist for the job. Glorieta Creek Mechanical in Santa Fe County, NM, has been the area’s leading plumbing and HVAC services provider since 2006. From installation to repairs and preventative maintenance services, their team will handle all of your residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Call their team at (505) 757-8872 or visit them online for more information on their services. You can also find them on Facebook.