Condensing Tankless Water Heater Installation
Install ultra-efficient condensing tankless water heaters with 95-98% energy efficiency. These advanced systems capture heat from exhaust gases, use simple PVC venting, and qualify for maximum rebates while delivering the lowest possible operating costs.
Key Benefits
Installation Process
Efficiency Assessment
We calculate your potential energy savings, compare condensing vs non-condensing costs, and determine if your home's layout supports PVC venting for a condensing system.
System Selection
We recommend high-efficiency condensing units from brands like Navien (NPE series), Rinnai (RU series), or Noritz (NRC series) that qualify for maximum rebates.
PVC Venting Design
We design the PVC venting system, typically using 2" or 3" Schedule 40 PVC pipe that vents horizontally through exterior walls or vertically through the roof.
Installation
We install the condensing tankless unit, complete PVC venting system, condensate drain, gas lines or electrical service, and all water connections.
Rebate Documentation
We provide all documentation needed for FortisBC rebates and other energy efficiency programs, including model numbers, energy factor ratings, and installation details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes condensing tankless more efficient?
Condensing tankless units use a second heat exchanger to capture heat from exhaust gases before venting. This recovered heat warms incoming water, reducing fuel needed. The result is 95-98% efficiency compared to 80-85% for non-condensing units. Over time, this 10-15% efficiency improvement significantly reduces energy costs and qualifies for higher rebates.
Why is PVC venting cheaper than stainless steel?
Condensing units cool exhaust gases below 120°F by extracting heat, allowing use of PVC pipe instead of expensive stainless steel. PVC venting costs 50-70% less than stainless, is easier to install, and offers more routing flexibility. This partially offsets the $200-500 higher cost of condensing units versus non-condensing models.
What is condensate and how is it handled?
Condensing units produce acidic condensate water (pH 3-5) as exhaust gases cool and water vapor condenses. We install a condensate neutralizer to raise pH to safe levels, then drain condensate to your floor drain or wastewater system. This is a normal part of condensing technology and is handled automatically by the system.