Does a tankless gas water heater need a vent?

Once selected, the venting of a gas tankless water heater will be the most important decision a tankless water heater installer makes when fitting a home or building with a unit. Tankless hot water heaters require special venting to blow hot exhaust gas outside, where it dissipates.

What is the code for venting a tankless water heater?

The water heater must be vented in accordance with the section “Venting of Equipment" of the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code: ANSI Z223.

Do tankless water heaters need an exhaust?

No. Unlike gas tankless water heaters and gas traditional tank style water heaters, electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting. This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing whether you should purchase a gas or electric tankless water heater.

Does tankless water heater need to vent outside?

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.

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.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Require Complicated Venting?

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.

Can a tankless water heater be installed 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 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 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.

How should a gas water heater be vented?

The venting must be vertical or upward sloping so that the hot exhaust rises up through the venting to exit your home. Making sure that your home has a properly working vent system is imperative when installing a standard atmospheric vent with your water heater.

Is it normal to smell gas from a tankless water heater?

If you smell gas from a tankless water heater, it means there is a leak somewhere, which you need to get fixed out immediately. A tankless water heater will give out gas-only when there is a gas leak or incomplete combustion. Of course, a gas leak is hazardous, so it isn't something you should overlook.

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.

Does a tankless water heater need a sediment trap?

A drip leg/sediment trap is always required in the gas line piping serving the equipment. It's designed to prevent rust or particles from entering the gas valve which could over time prevent the valve from sealing tightly when off.

Is it OK 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.

How high off the ground should a tankless water heater be?

Your gas water heater should be 18 inches off of the ground, as per the National Fuel Gas Code. This is the standard for water heater installation requirements.

How big of a gas line do I need for a tankless water heater?

A typical tankless water heater will need a ¾-inch gas line. However, if there is sufficient pressure and the run length is short enough, a ½-inch line may be sufficient with certain tankless water heaters, such as the Noritz EZ Series.

Can I use flexible pipe for tankless water heater?

You can use flexible gas tubes or water pipes for a gas water heater in most states. In states with earthquakes, they can even be mandatory. If your existing gas pipe has CSST (corroded stainless steel tubes) or has not been glued, the connection should be replaced right away.

Can gas tankless water heaters be installed inside?

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 I use existing vent for tankless water heater?

Tankless units require 1/2" or 3/4" water lines and 3/4" gas lines. Keep in mind that the new tankless heater cannot be connected to the existing exhaust pipe from your old heater. All tankless direct vent heaters require a stand-alone intake/exhaust system.

Can you use ABS to vent a tankless water heater?

The purpose of this technical bulletin is to clarify that ABS schedule 40 pipe is approved for use on the combustion air intake pipe and fittings for Rinnai Condensing Tankless Water heaters.

How hot does a gas water heater vent pipe get?

The flue gas temperature will be around 160 F when the water heater is new if it is set to store water at 140 F. The flue gas temperatures can reach over 350 degrees F as scale builds up.

Are tankless water heaters worth it 2021?

Energy Efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy reports a tankless water heater is 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters—as long as you use around 41 gallons per day. However, even if you double that amount, they are still 8% to 14% more efficient.

How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.