Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater Installation
Professional non-condensing tankless water heater installation services in Metro Vancouver. Non-condensing tankless models offer lower upfront costs and simpler venting requirements, making them ideal for many retrofit installations. Our licensed installers provide complete installation including proper high-temperature venting systems.
Key Benefits
Installation Process
System Selection & Assessment
We evaluate whether a non-condensing tankless system is the right choice for your home. Non-condensing units work best when you have existing venting infrastructure and moderate hot water needs. We assess your current setup and recommend the optimal unit size.
Venting System Design
Non-condensing units require stainless steel venting capable of handling 300-400°F exhaust temperatures. We design a proper venting system using Type B or stainless steel vent pipe, ensuring safe exhaust routing with proper clearances from combustibles.
Gas Line Verification
We verify your existing gas line can supply adequate fuel to the tankless unit. Non-condensing models typically require 3/4" gas lines for most residential applications, which many homes already have.
Installation & Venting
We mount the non-condensing tankless heater, connect gas and water lines, and install the stainless steel venting system. Proper venting is critical for safety and efficiency with non-condensing models.
Testing & Safety Verification
We perform comprehensive testing including gas leak checks, combustion analysis, draft verification, and carbon monoxide testing. We ensure the venting system operates correctly and safely removes exhaust gases.
Final Inspection & Training
Municipal inspectors verify code compliance, and we provide you with operating instructions and maintenance guidance specific to non-condensing tankless systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters?
Non-condensing tankless heaters exhaust hot gases (300-400°F) directly, requiring special stainless steel venting. Condensing models extract more heat, producing cooler exhaust (110-130°F) that can use PVC venting. Non-condensing units cost less upfront but are slightly less efficient (80-85% vs 90-98% efficiency). Non-condensing models are ideal when you have existing venting infrastructure or simpler installation requirements.
Is a non-condensing tankless water heater right for my home?
Non-condensing tankless heaters work well if you have moderate hot water needs, existing water heater venting you can reuse, want lower upfront costs, and have straightforward venting routing available. They're especially suitable for retrofits where the old tank water heater location has adequate venting already in place.
What type of venting does a non-condensing tankless require?
Non-condensing tankless water heaters require Type B vent pipe or stainless steel venting (such as AL29-4C) rated for high-temperature exhaust. The venting must be properly sized, have adequate clearances from combustible materials, and terminate properly outside. We design and install the complete venting system to code.
Are non-condensing tankless water heaters less efficient?
Non-condensing models operate at 80-85% efficiency compared to 90-98% for condensing units. While slightly less efficient, they still dramatically outperform traditional tank water heaters (60-70% efficiency) and offer lower equipment costs. For many homes, the energy savings still make them worthwhile, especially with lower installation costs.