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.
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.
Do I need a permit to install tankless water heater?
While you may not need a permit specifically for a tankless water heater installation in your area, chances are good that you need a permit to replace a water heater in general. This is the first thing you need to sort out before you do anything.
How far off the floor does a tankless water heater need to be?
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. Keep back from water heater unit.
Can I install a tankless water heater in a 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.
How much ventilation does a tankless water heater need?
4. Outdoor tankless water heaters don't need venting. In warmer climates, it's easy to install a tankless water heater outdoors, with no additional venting required. Tankless units are designed to withstand below-freezing temperatures through self-warming capabilities that prevent freezing and cracking.
How much clearance do you need around and electric water heater?
Clearance to combustible materials: 0” top, bottom, sides, and back. Heater must have room for service: 24” front, 6” top, and 6” sides are minimum recommended service clearances.
How close can things be to a water heater?
Don't … Store combustible materials within 18 inches of your water heater. Flammable items placed closer than that could potentially catch fire.
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.
Can a tankless water heater vent go down?
Tankless water heaters can vent through the roof or a side wall, creating more flexibility and options for placement. Traditional gas tank water heater require venting through the roof. Tankless water heaters use fans to blow exhaust from the unit horizontally, allowing vents to terminate on the side of a house.
Can I use PVC to vent my tankless water heater?
In most cases, PVC makes a great venting material. It's the least expensive option and is easy to install. And it's a good reason to consider a high-efficiency condensing unit.
Where should tankless water heaters 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.
Can I enclose my electric water heater?
In most instances, a home's water heater is placed in the basement. When the basement is finished so it can be used for another purpose, leaving the water heater in plain view can detract from the appearance of the room. You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet.
Can you put a water heater in a cabinet?
You can purchase a wooden cabinet, although more people prefer to use an all-metal unit. They are durable, and they offer better use of space. You can even create a water heater cabinet to put in a closet for enhanced security and protection.
Can electric hot water heater sit on concrete floor?
Electric water heaters can sit directly on the concrete floor. There is no risk of accidental ignition of spilled flammable liquids with electric water heaters.
Electric Water Heater Clearance Requirements
The electric water heater clearance requirements are based on several factors.
Electric Water Heaters vs Gas-fired Water Heaters Clearance Requirements
The clearance requirements are typically based on size, location of the room, height off of the ground, etc. Moreover, there are specific gas line/wire clearances as well. The electric water heater tank needs to have at least six inches between the front sides with the ventilation required.
How Much Air Space Do You Need Around a Water Heater?
The minimum air space required around an electric water heater is six inches on all sides. Similarly, they need to have at least six inches between the front sides with the ventilation required. Moreover, you need 12 inches between the air ducts, and any combustible materials.
The Five Clearances for Maintenance and Replacement of a Hot Water Heater
The five clearances for maintenance and replacement of an electric hot water heater are based on:
Can You Enclose Water Heaters?
No, you cannot enclose water heaters. Because they require a minimum clearance of at least six inches between the front sides with ventilation required. In addition 12 inches between the back and any combustible materials. Heaters also should be three feet off of the ground.
FAQs: Electric Water Heater Clearance Requirements
Yes, electric water heaters need elevation off the ground because of their specific gas line/wire clearance. For safety purposes, they should be at least three feet off of the ground and within an 18-inch range from another vent through exterior walls.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure about your water heater’s clearance requirements, contact a professional in the area. It may be worth it to invest in an electrician if the price is right. In addition, they can help ensure that there are no issues with your water heater setup.
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. A direct vent installation only requires a 12-inch setback from the door or window.
Why do tankless water heaters use less energy?
Because the unit heats the water as it's needed -- instead of heating and storing it at a specific temperature -- it requires less energy.
How far does a direct vent need to be from the window?
A direct vent installation only requires a 12-inch setback from the door or window. If the window does not open, the water heater requires a 12-inch setback.
Can a tankless water heater be installed near a dryer vent?
Other Considerations. In addition to window and door setbacks, tankless water heaters should not be installed near dryer vents or intake air vents. If the heater is installed between buildings, there must be a minimum clearance of 2 feet and the unit cannot be directly across from a window or door in the facing wall.
How often should I change my tankless water heater?
Tankless water heater maintenance is a must and should be done at least once a year. Also commonly referred to as an on-demand water heater, the tankless water heater may need maintenance every six months if your water heater is set to a high temperature or if you have hard water .
How high should a water heater be set?
If the temperature is higher than one hundred and twenty degrees , then it’s probably time for routine maintenance.
How do I start a water heater?
To start, switch off the tank’s power. Remove the tank’s lid. This usually involves unscrewing three to four screws. Make sure you have closed off the water valves that supply the water heater. Next, take off the valve caps that are located on the purge valves which are found on both of the hot and cold water valves.
What is an on demand water heater?
So, when you use hot water, you’re basically activating the water heater. An on-demand water heater utilizes heating elements , also known as heat exchangers.
Why do you need to descale a water heater?
If you live in a part of the country that has hard water, you’ll need to have it descaled more often in order to protect the heating elements. Now, if the water heater’s temperature is set too high, then you’re also at an increased risk for scale buildup. Many chemicals dissolve much faster once heat is applied.
How much vinegar should I use to clean a heater?
Now you’re ready to open the purge port valves. They should be twisted perpendicularly to the position of the hot and cold valves. Use three gallons of white vinegar in order to clean out the heater and instantly remove any built-up mineral deposits around the heat exchangers.
Can mineral buildup on heat exchangers cause damage?
Additionally, this type of mineral buildup on the heat exchanger can cause irreversible damage. In severe cases, the heat exchanger or the entire unit will need to be replaced. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not cover this type of damage under the warranty.
How many GPMs do you need for a tankless water heater?
Here’s a useful table of how much GPMs do different water fixtures require: Example: If you’re taking a shower (100% flow and 110˚F hot water) and simultaneously use two faucets (100% flow and 110˚F hot water), you will need at least 5 GPM tankless water heater.
How many GPM does a tankless water heater deliver?
Tankless heaters can deliver anywhere from 2 GPM to 12 GPM of hot water. The 5-10 GPM ones are most appropriate for the majority of households. Note: For low water needs up to 8 GPM, the electric tankless hot water heaters are appropriate.
What is the best gas tankless water heater?
7 GPM gas tankless heater or at least an 18 kW electric tankless water heater if you live in the southern part of the USA. That’s why Rinnai, the world’s best gas tankless heater makes, offers a wide array of models – from 7 GPM to 11 GPM: Rinnai offers its gas tankless models in several sizes.
How much hot water do you use in a shower?
During an average 10-minute shower, for example, you spend about 10 gallons of hot water. If 3 people have a shower, you run a faucet or two, a dishwasher, and so on, you can quickly spend all those 50 gallons. However, the case with the tankless water heater is different.
Is a tankless water heater a GMP?
Generally, gas-powered tankless water heaters come with a GMP number, while electric tankless hot water heaters come with a kW number. As we’ve seen, the maximum GMP is relative. It depends where in the US you live (because that affects the inlet water temperature). Power (measured in kW), however, is absolute.