Tankless water heating
Tankless water heaters—also called instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash, on-demand, or instant-on water heaters are water heaters that instantly heat water as it flows through the device, and do not retain any water internally except for what is in the heat exchange…
Where should I install a tankless water heater?
- Choose a location for the new water heater that will allow you to vent it to the outside easily. ...
- Build a mounting box out of 2 x 4 lumber and 3/4-inch plywood that will allow you to mount the new tankless water heater about four inches out from the ...
- Mount the tankless water heater securely to the mounting box per manufacturer’s specifications.
Should we switch to a tankless water heater?
Switching to a tankless water heater has many perks including lower operating costs, and they take up less space. Here are some reasons why you should consider a tankless water heater. #1 Lower Operating Costs. The way a tankless water heater is designed to work is that it heats up water on demand.
How hard is it to install a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heater installation takes 3 to 10 hours for a new install or 2 to 4 hours to replace an existing tankless unit. Tankless water heaters are not as easy to install as storage tank models because they require upgraded gas supply lines, new venting, and a new electrical outlet.
How much to get a tankless water heater installed?
Tankless water heater installation costs $300 to $2,500 for the labor alone, depending on the size, type, complexity, upgrades, and if the unit is gas or electric. Installing a new tankless heater requires plumbing, gas, venting, and electrical modifications.
Where should a tankless water heater be installed?
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.
Is it safe to put a hot water heater in a closet?
Yes, a gas water heater can be installed in a closet as long as the closet is not used for storage. The International Residential Code (IRC) specifically bans a storage closet as a location for a gas water heater.Jan 15, 2020
Where should tankless water heater not be installed?
Installing Point-of-Use Water Heaters For safety reasons, don't place the water heater under pipes or air conditioning lines that could drip. Likewise, don't put the water heater above an electrical box, which could catch fire if the water heater drips.Oct 8, 2015
How much clearance does a tankless water heater need?
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.Aug 19, 2015
Does a water heater closet need to be vented?
When a residential, gas fired water heater is installed in a closet, the heater combustion gases must be vented to the outside of the residence and the fresh air needed for combustion must be drawn in from outside the home using double wall metal pipe; single wall pipe is not permitted.
Do hot water heaters need ventilation?
Water Heater Venting Basics In addition to venting, gas and propane water heaters need an air supply for combustion. This may come from the atmospheric air in the house, or it can come through a vent pipe that pulls air from the outdoors.Mar 3, 2022
Can you install a tankless water heater on an interior wall?
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.Nov 29, 2020
Do tankless water heaters have to be on an outside wall?
Mount the Water Heater Tankless gas water heaters are direct-vent only. This means they need to be piped directly to the outside and not through a chimney. Due to their efficiency, the flue gas temperature on a tankless system is too low to vent through a conventional masonry chimney.
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).Apr 10, 2020
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.Jan 11, 2022
Where to install a Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater?
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. However, there are some important guidelines ...
What happens if your water heater freezes?
If the water inside your tankless water heater freezes, it can cause severe and permanent damage that is not covered under your warranty. If you suspect that your tankless water heater may have frozen, do not turn on the heater until it has thawed and you have inspected the system for leaks.
How far away should you keep water heater from combustible materials?
Combustible materials should be kept at least 24 inches away from your water heater and the output hot water pipe.
Do tankless water heaters need vents?
This product does NOT require venting. You should avoid installing your tankless water heater in a location prone to excessive humidity, moisture, or dust, or in an area where it may be splashed with water or other liquids.
Can a water heater cover be warm?
Under normal operation, the cover of your water heater will only warm slightly to the touch, however, it is always best to be overly cautious when dealing with a high voltage appliance.
Can I install a tankless water heater in the same location?
Do NOT locate the water heater in a location that is difficult to access. In most cases, installing your tankless water heater in the same location as your old conventional tank-type water heater will make the most sense. Regardless of your installation location, your water heater should be installed in a manner that will NOT allow combustible ...
Where should a water heater be located?
Ideally, water heaters should be located near gas or electric service and where water supply and distribution lines can be easily installed. Ventilation is easier to achieve if the unit is located on an exterior wall.
How much clearance is needed for a water heater?
Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.
How to prevent water heater from shifting during an earthquake?
To prevent this, water heater bracing straps must be installed on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes. Each unit must be held in place with two straps, one located on the top third of the water heater and the other on the bottom third. These straps must be at least 4 inches away from the water heater controls. Flexible connection hoses are required when connecting units to gas and water supplies in seismic zones.
What happens to water heaters during earthquakes?
Seismic Straps. During an earthquake, a water heater can shift, potentially causing water leaks, gas leaks and electrical damage. To prevent this, water heater bracing straps must be installed on water heaters in areas prone to earthquakes.
How far from water heater should air ducts be?
Air ducts required for combustion must be at least 3 inches in diameter.
Where are the straps on a water heater?
Each unit must be held in place with two straps, one located on the top third of the water heater and the other on the bottom third. These straps must be at least 4 inches away from the water heater controls. Flexible connection hoses are required when connecting units to gas and water supplies in seismic zones.
Do you have to have a closet door to open a water heater?
Closet Doors. Closets are required to have doors when a water heater is installed in them and these doors cannot be left open. The doors must open and close easily and freely and must close and latch by themselves if left unattended. Features that allow the closet door to be held open are not permitted. There must be a threshold and seal ...
