Where Should I Place An External Tankless Hot Water Heater?

Choosing the right location for your outdoor tankless water heater is crucial to ensure it is positioned in an area with adequate ventilation and clearance to prevent overheating and potential hazards. Avoid installing it near combustible materials or in close proximity to windows, doors, or air intakes. Tankless water heaters offer numerous advantages over traditional models, such as freeing up valuable indoor space and having specific design features to withstand weather.

When considering an outdoor installation, it is crucial to choose a tankless water heater that has an outdoor rating. This means that the heater can be installed outside in certain instances. Electric and gas tank-style water heaters are not designed to be installed outside without shelter, while gas tankless water heaters can be installed in garages, attics, or basements.

Choosing where to install a tankless water heater outside is easier than choosing where to install it indoors. You have all the space on your property, and you can use sealed combustion water heaters with air and flue piped directly to the outside. Check with your local building code enforcement to ensure proper installation.

Tankless water heaters can also be installed outdoors, which can be ideal if you don’t have enough indoor space or prefer not to have one. However, it is essential to look for a model that is manufactured to withstand various weather patterns and be self-venting.

The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home, as most installations are small and unobtrusive. They can even be installed on the outside of the home, freeing up space inside and simplifying ventilation needs. Look for a place near your main points of water use, such as the kitchen or bathrooms, to minimize lag time and maximize hot water usage.

Where is the best location for a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters are ideal for a few applications, as they should be placed close to the appliances or faucets they will supply. This ensures quick hot water delivery and reduces heat loss. However, the location of the water heater depends on the plumbing configuration and electrical panel location. For safety reasons, avoid placing the water heater under pipes or air conditioning lines that could drip or above an electrical box that could catch fire. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with local building codes for water heaters, as systems installed on second floors or in attics may be subject to additional regulations.

Should tankless water heaters be installed outside?

While a tankless water heater can be installed outside, it is of the utmost importance to select a model that is capable of withstanding a range of weather patterns. Furthermore, it is recommended that such installations be protected from the elements by placing them under a cover, even if the model is designed specifically for outdoor use.

Can you put an outdoor tankless water heater in a garage?

Tankless gas water heaters with sealed combustion can be installed in garages, attics, or basements, provided that local building code enforcement is consulted to ascertain compliance with the relevant regulations.

How to prevent an outdoor tankless water heater from freezing?

To prevent a tankless water heater from freezing, drain the unit and leave it empty for at least 48 hours. For units without a solenoid valve, turn off gas, cold water, and temperature controls, disconnect the power source, and close the cold water, hot water, and main valves. Remove purge port valve caps and attach hose lines to drain the unit. Use the valves to isolate the heater when shut down for winterization. Insulate the water heater by applying fiberglass or polyethylene insulation to the pipes connected to it. Heat tape is another option, but only works when power is available.

Do outdoor tankless water heaters need venting?

Tankless water heaters can be installed outdoors without additional venting in warmer climates due to their self-warming design. However, in cold climates with frequent power outages, the tanks can freeze. Therefore, indoor installation is recommended. In warm climates with infrequent power outages, outdoor installation can save on costs, interior space, and installation time. In such cases, the tankless water heater is more suitable for indoor use.

Can a tankless water heater go in anywhere?

Tankless water heaters are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for homes, especially in bathrooms. They don’t need to keep the water warm after heating, resulting in less electricity usage. Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional boiler-style models, sometimes up to twice that of a single model. They are smaller than traditional units, making installation more flexible. They also offer on-demand hot water, making them ideal for those who frequently run out of hot water.

Additionally, tankless systems are cost-effective, as they don’t need to heat a tank full of water while away or worry about water damage, which can be expensive to restore. This makes them a great choice for those who prefer a more efficient and cost-effective water heater.

What is one disadvantage of a whole house tankless water heater?

Tankless systems require more expensive installation and maintenance, including special venting, rerouted gas lines, and potentially multiple units for larger households. These costs can offset the operating cost savings. The choice to upgrade to a tankless system was made due to the cost of replacing an outdated traditional tank unit. If you have had a positive or negative experience with tankless systems, share your experiences.

Does a tankless water heater have to be mounted on an outside wall?

Tankless water heaters are a popular choice for homes with existing traditional water heaters, and can be installed indoors, outdoors, attics, basements/crawl spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, whole houses, retrofitting, multi-family installations, off-grid installations, and mobile homes. Indoor installations can be mounted on a wall or placed on the floor, depending on the model and available space. Outdoor installations can be more complicated and may require additional parts like freeze protection kits.

In attics, tankless water heaters can be installed in areas with limited indoor space, but require careful planning and may require additional ventilation to ensure safe operation. In bathrooms and kitchens, tankless water heaters can help reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach faucets or shower heads, but may require additional plumbing work. Whole house installations may be the best option for supplying hot water to the entire home, but careful planning is necessary to ensure the heater is sized appropriately for the home’s hot water demands.

Retrofitting may be necessary when upgrading from a traditional water heater to a tankless model, which may involve installing new pipes, upgrading electrical or gas connections, and making other modifications to the home’s plumbing system. Multi-family installations can be installed in individual units or in a central location serving multiple units, but careful planning and coordination with building management and residents are essential. Off-grid installations may require special equipment, such as solar panels or backup generators, but they can still provide reliable hot water without relying on traditional utility services.

Mobile homes may also require proper installation due to their unique design and construction, so working with knowledgeable professionals is crucial. Each state may have its own set of building codes and regulations that can impact where a tankless water heater can be installed.

Can you cover an outdoor tankless water heater?

To ensure the longevity of your tankless water heater, it is crucial to protect it from harsh weather conditions like extreme temperatures, high winds, and heavy rainfall. Installing a weather-resistant tankless water heater cover can prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance. Winterizing your unit is also essential, especially in freezing temperatures. Insulating pipes connected to the water heater, using heating tape or pipe insulation, and draining standing water before freezing temperatures occur are all proactive measures to prevent freezing.

These winterization measures help maintain the performance and efficiency of your tankless water heater throughout the winter months. By following these recommendations, you can ensure your tankless water heater operates at its best and provides hot water whenever you need it. At Water Heaters Now, we are dedicated to helping you.

Where not to install a tankless water heater?

To ensure the safety of your tankless water heater, avoid installing it in areas with high humidity, moisture, or dust, or in areas where it may be splashed with water or liquids. Avoid installing under water pipes or air conditioning lines that may leak or condense moisture, and above electrical boxes or junctions. If installing on a second floor or heated attic space, follow local code requirements.

Consider installing a drip pan below the water heater to prevent property damage in case of a leak, or install an active water leak detector and shut-off valve to turn off the water supply in case of a leak.

What is the best placement for a hot water heater?

Over the past five decades, attic spaces have emerged as a prevalent location for water heaters in residential settings, largely due to their cost-effectiveness and the minimal distance required for venting and gas piping.