The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home. Most installations are small and unobtrusive so they will easily fit in a pantry, under the stairs, or under your sink. If you must place the water heater outside, make sure it's safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects.

How much room do you need around a tankless water heater?

It is true that tankless water heaters do not require a lot of space. A large unit requires an area no larger than 24 inches square and ex- tends from the wall by about 8 to 10 inches.

Can tankless water heater be installed in closet?

Your tankless water heater can be installed just about anywhere! Due to the small size of your water heater, it can be mounted in many small spaces, including closets, under sinks, in pantries, or under stair storage areas.

Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?

Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms.

Should tankless water heater be installed inside or outside?

If you don't have room inside your home for a tankless water heater, installing it outside will save you space. This is the best option for homes that have a lack of wall space. How is the drainage point in your home? Having a good drainage point in your home can make an outdoor unit the best fit for you.

How to Install a Tankless Water Heater | Ask This Old House

Why are tankless water heaters mounted outside?

An outdoor unit is installed outside the home and is designed to withstand the elements. If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below freezing, you must always be sure to take precautions to avoid freeze damage, such as draining the unit.

How close can a tankless water heater be to an electrical panel?

The only code requirements I've found regarding clearances around an electrical panel are allowing at least a 30" working space (side to side).

Is it okay to put a tankless water heater in the attic?

Simply put, as long as there is enough combustion air provided, tankless water heaters can be installed in any area of your home, from a utility room to a garage to, yes, even an old, dusty attic.

Do tankless water heaters have to be outside?

Electric tankless water heaters are designed to be installed indoors in the garage, basement, or interior wall. Both natural and propane gas tankless water heaters have indoor and outdoor models. Indoor models can also be installed in the garage, basement, or the exterior wall's interior side to provide venting.

Can you vent a tankless water heater in the attic?

Because direct-vent units use outdoor air, they can be placed in smaller spaces, such as an attic, closet, or small mechanical room. 2. Tankless water heaters don't always need two ventilation pipes, even for direct-vent units.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.

What height should a tankless water heater be installed?

Be sure that the minimum elevation of the bottom of the unit is 18″ to meet the 36″ recommended clearance for the exhaust. vent may cause serious burns.

Can you vent a tankless water heater in the garage?

Whether gas fired or electric, these water heaters heat water only as it is needed and may save up to 70 percent on a yearly heating bill. Because of their compact size, many tankless water heaters can be installed in a garage, attic, basement or utility closet without sacrificing floor space.

Do tankless water heaters use a lot of electricity?

An electric tankless water heater needs about 3 kWh of electricity to heat a 10-minute shower. Electric tankless water heaters draw large amounts of electricity (up to 36 kW) over short periods of time. This boosts efficiency but requires robust wiring to avoid power surges.

Can I put a tankless water heater under sink?

Tankless Under-Sink Water Heater

The tankless unit is a small compact device that can mount onto the sink. This unit is an on-demand heater, meaning an endless supply of instant hot water anytime you open the faucet. You do not have to wait for the water to heat in the tank before it flows out onto the sink.

Can my house handle an electric tankless water heater?

The reason being is that in most homes the existing electrical system will not support a tankless water heater that is the right size for the home. In a 2.5 bathroom home with a family of four, you are typically going to need at least a 24 KW heater.

Do tankless water heaters need vents?

Tankless hot water heaters require special venting to blow hot exhaust gas outside, where it dissipates. Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, gas tankless hot water heaters offer far more versatile venting options.

Does cold weather affect tankless water heaters?

Most indoor and outdoor tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection against temporary winter temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Fahrenheit to -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This protection cannot withstand long term below freezing temperatures.

Are tankless water heaters worth the money?

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings. If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.

Do tankless water heaters require a drain pan?

A: Drain pans are not required for tankless water heaters at all. They are required for tank type water heaters located where a leak will cause damage to the building.

Why do builders put water heaters in the attic?

By using the ambient heat in the attic to maintain the temperature of your hot water, you save on energy bills related to water heating.

How close can a tankless water heater be to a window?

A tankless water heater requires a 4-foot clearance from the side or below a door or window that opens, unless the unit is directly vented to the outside. If the water heater is installed above the door or window, it needs 12 inches of clearance.

Do you have to rewire your house for a tankless water heater?

In summary, no, you don't have to run new wire. But running new wire may end up costing a lot less. The tankless heater will be running at 240V already, guaranteed, so this doesn't help you at all.

How far does electrical have to be from plumbing?

We will discuss the details of drilling a hole in your wall in a later section. Water and electrical lines should ideally be 12 inches apart, while sewage and electrical lines should be at least 24 inches apart. However, these are figures for commercial construction only.